Cat Behavior and Training

Cats have a reputation of being secretive, aloof creatures.  While there may be some truth in this description, it’s also true that many cats are not well socialized.  What we mean by this is that during their sensitive period for socialization (which research tells us is between the ages of 2-7 weeks) too many young cats are not exposed to a variety of people, unfamiliar places, and other animals, so as adults they can be calm and friendly in a variety of situations and when confronted with unfamiliar circumstances.

 This lack of socialization results not only in of fear unfamiliar people, but also of anything that is new and different.  Cats that are afraid spend a lot of time hiding and trying to avoid the things they are afraid of. 

While hiding is a normal behavior that allows cats to adjust to changes, cats that spend most of their time hiding are not enjoying a good quality of life.  Cats that are always on the look out for another pet that is harassing them, trying to stay clear of children whose behavior frightens them, or sequester themselves in one or two rooms because they just can’t cope with a larger world are under stress.

In severe cases, veterinarians tells us that chronic stress contributes to stress linked diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and can exacerbate other chronic conditions such as diabetes.  When hiding and avoidance replace the majority of other normal cat behaviors, owners should take action. 

The first step is to determine what your cat is afraid of.  If possible try to protect your cat from unexpectedly encountering whatever he is afraid of.  This may mean keeping cats separated temporarily or putting up a baby gate to keep kids and cats away from each other.  

Next, stage planned encounters with whatever your cat is afraid of.  This might entail corralling your child, sitting on the floor with him or her, opening a can of tuna, and encouraging your cat to approach.  This is the first step in what can be a long process of convincing your cat that kids = goodies.  Of course there will be many subsequent steps in this process.  Just because your cat isn’t afraid when your child is sitting quietly on the floor doesn’t mean he won’t be afraid when your kids are chasing each other up and down the hallway. 

When introducing a cat to a new home, or to a new pet, providing a variety of hiding places in several different locations can help the cat adjust to these changes.  A hiding place can be as simple as a cardboard box or a paper bag on the floor.  Elevated hiding places are even better.  By providing more hiding places that are more integrated into the general living environment, you may be able to prevent your cat from relegating herself to the basement or under the bed.

So while providing a quality environment for cats includes providing hiding places and elevated perches, cats should be using them temporarily, during times of change or when they just need a little quiet time.  If you feel your cat is spending too much time hiding and you don’t know what to do about it, contact us at Help@HelpingKitty.com about a personal telephone consultation.