I love your delivery. Many of these types of videos (with voiceovers as opposed to a person on camera) have computer generated voices, which are so annoying. Your style is so relaxed and genuine. And you give good advice!
I adopted a cat last year who had experienced some trauma before she was even rescued. One year later, the best I've been able to do is get her to stay in our living room with the rest of us--and she occasionally allows me to pet her so long as I have food in my hand. Thank you for these suggestions...I will use these strategies and with a great deal of patience hopefully continue to help her.
I've found its best to allow them no hiding spots so they have to confront their fears right from the start. Ignore them and go about your daily life. They adapt faster then you'd think. It's not as complicated as many people make it.
I had a kitten many years ago that was the bravest thing I knew. There would be a crash in the house like pans dropping on the floor. His ears would perk up and he would be down the hall to check it out. One day he was at the window observing the birds at the feeder and the big monstrously large (must have looked that way to him) garbage truck pulled up to the house. It’s engine must have sounded like growls because Bubba’s back arched and he hissed. He stood his ground. Brave little Bubba!
The need to get.a scared cat quickly, for a vet trip, a regular trip, or an emergency, is a big deal. The need to get a cat to come to you if they get outside and may be tempted to run off, also a big deal. We need more good advice on this, but letting yourself totally relax, be calm and use a gentle soothing voice, welcoming, are key. But that's hard to do when you're stressed and you have an appt. and the ride / cab is waiting or late, even if you're still early. Or if there's a storm or other emergency and you need to get the cat and go. If you sense the voice of experience, yeah. -- Getting them used to the carrier as a safe hider-hole, a comfy welcome spot instead of a scary trap/cage, helps a lot. But I've had even cats who were good with it all get scared and refuse to get in the carrier, and getting them in can be an ordeal if they are resisting.
Some will always be wary of humans even if they were never abused. I have one that I brought in as a months old 9 years ago and will never let me touch her, but will still come and meow at me for breakfast every morning at 6am. Her sister warmed up to me, but she never did.
It took my feral some time before he would come out from hiding. A lot of times I would just go into his room and talk to him. He would be hiding, soft gentle voice. Then treats and food. I would hold the dish of food and when he ate out of it I would reach out with one finger and rub his cheek. It still took awhile, but watching him play with toys and the other cats has been so rewarding, to see him so happy! Thanks for the info. Love your channel!!🐈⬛
Noises and household routine things -- I've had times when you'd expect a cat or kitten to be scared and hide, when they were not at all worried or bothered by some noise or household event.Whether it was their first time or not, that's odd and unexpected. Like not being bothered by a broom or vacuum, which are usually scary, or appliances making noise. This was with cats / kittens who were not hearing impaired and not feral / stay from outside. -- But feral or stray cats, used to the outside, can be very immune to loud noises much of the time, while other things (a hand approaching, a particular pose or movemnent, can set them off, scared or defending themselves. In other words,, be cautious and observant of your cat, esp. a new or visiting cat. Tame house cat or wary feral, or a stray, they can react in ways we wouldn't expect, because it's a scary thing to them.
In April 2022, my nephew died and his family didn't know what to do with his 10 yr cat Nosi. When they finally brought it to my place, he was so scared. When they opened the carrier door, he took off to my upstairs bedroom and hid In my closet. I put water, kitty box and food in the room. I wouldn't bother him, but I'd sit on my bed and talk softy to him. Didn't try to force him to come out. It took three days to finally get up on the bed. I was able to touch his head, but that was it. It took him months to follow me around. He was scared, traumatized loosing his dad and his home. The first week, he would cry at night. Broke my heart! He is now a fantastic part of my family. It's quiet here and he is able to relax. He will never let me carry him, my nephew couldn't either. I can pet his head and he trusts me to protect him. If a firetruck or fireworks happen, all I have to say, it's OK and he comes over and stands at my feet. He is so adorable and silly. I'm glad they asked me to take him. Any other place would have scared him. Thank you for your videos, they answered a lot of questions about senior cats.
The only times my cat hides are if a new man (like a repair man) enters my home, or when I’m trying to get him in the crate for any reason (vet, trip to visit the “non-custodial parent”). He even likes to hang out in, and even sleep in the crate, on his own terms.
Synchronicity! It just started raining/snowing/hailing all at the same time! My cat crawled under the couch > I'm sure he'll come out when he wants (we've been thru worse! together for 7 yrs). TY.
My older cat is the only one that gets scared. My younger one is a little more cocky and has never ventured away from humans, so he hasn’t learned to be scared as much. Usually the older cat will go to the younger cat before he comes to me. If we’re both there it makes him feel better.
My almost 3 year old Ragdoll was afraid of different smells as a kitten. He would come running in my bedroom or bathroom, and if I had any cream, lotion, or perfume on, he would make a stink face and run out just as fast or faster. Thankfully, he likes checking out my perfume now.
Yea my cat is scary and always hiding under the couch should I block the entrances of the couches. To let her know it's safe here ? The other cat I have wonder care free
My tom cat is very scared & jumpy @ times but I think its cuz his gma was a wild kitten & my husband trapped her & I raised her ( his siblings & cousins were the same way ) He don't like strangers @ all so I let him do whatever & when the company leaves he will come out if not I go to him & comfort him & he will come out. He is a momma's boy & he trust me completely other ppl not so much.
This is a known fact. The sensitivity to a cat's hearing is much more than us hoomans. They are especially sensitive to sudden loud noises, such as the opening of a plastic bag, or the ruffling of aluminum foul. Just try to avoid these sudden noises around the cats because I don't think they would ever get used to them.
It's mostly separation anxiety for humans. Cats are not dogs. If people just go about their day, of course leaving food, water, toys, music and cat videos they will be fine. If you're going away for 3-14 days, have an automatic feeder with your recorded voice and a person to check that it didn't malfunction or have camera on feeder. If weather is hot, leave A/C on power saver at 75 to $ave and so it's not too cold. Also put mirrors with safe edges out at their level from a dollar store as they're fascinated by watching themselves.
My cat gave birth to 3 kittens. All kitten are growing up in my home. Two of them are very friendly and like to be caresses by me. However one kitten reacts abnormally. She doesn't come near to Me and if I try to make bond with her she gets scared and run away. Once I forcefully try to caresses her and hold her but she bit Me and scratched me hands and made them bleed little bit. Why one kitten reacts abnormally and feels like she is scared of me all the time ?
I have 2 stray cats living in my back yard. Ones brave af cus he sometimes ignores my dog and even tries to get close when I pet em and the other just tries to gtfo of my way
If our cat is truly scared, she ain't coming out for treats or any other such lures.
What we can do to make him calm and come to me
I love your delivery. Many of these types of videos (with voiceovers as opposed to a person on camera) have computer generated voices, which are so annoying. Your style is so relaxed and genuine. And you give good advice!
He does have a soothing voice.
I adopted a cat last year who had experienced some trauma before she was even rescued. One year later, the best I've been able to do is get her to stay in our living room with the rest of us--and she occasionally allows me to pet her so long as I have food in my hand. Thank you for these suggestions...I will use these strategies and with a great deal of patience hopefully continue to help her.
hows it going now
I've found its best to allow them no hiding spots so they have to confront their fears right from the start. Ignore them and go about your daily life. They adapt faster then you'd think. It's not as complicated as many people make it.
The analogy of cats being like women is true. Pursue and they will run. Ignore them and they will seek our your attention and validation.
I had a kitten many years ago that was the bravest thing I knew. There would be a crash in the house like pans dropping on the floor. His ears would perk up and he would be down the hall to check it out. One day he was at the window observing the birds at the feeder and the big monstrously large (must have looked that way to him) garbage truck pulled up to the house. It’s engine must have sounded like growls because Bubba’s back arched and he hissed. He stood his ground. Brave little Bubba!
aww 😊
The need to get.a scared cat quickly, for a vet trip, a regular trip, or an emergency, is a big deal. The need to get a cat to come to you if they get outside and may be tempted to run off, also a big deal. We need more good advice on this, but letting yourself totally relax, be calm and use a gentle soothing voice, welcoming, are key. But that's hard to do when you're stressed and you have an appt. and the ride / cab is waiting or late, even if you're still early. Or if there's a storm or other emergency and you need to get the cat and go. If you sense the voice of experience, yeah. -- Getting them used to the carrier as a safe hider-hole, a comfy welcome spot instead of a scary trap/cage, helps a lot. But I've had even cats who were good with it all get scared and refuse to get in the carrier, and getting them in can be an ordeal if they are resisting.
Some will always be wary of humans even if they were never abused. I have one that I brought in as a months old 9 years ago and will never let me touch her, but will still come and meow at me for breakfast every morning at 6am. Her sister warmed up to me, but she never did.
It took my feral some time before he would come out from hiding. A lot of times I would just go into his room and talk to him. He would be hiding, soft gentle voice. Then treats and food. I would hold the dish of food and when he ate out of it I would reach out with one finger and rub his cheek. It still took awhile, but watching him play with toys and the other cats has been so rewarding, to see him so happy! Thanks for the info. Love your channel!!🐈⬛
Noises and household routine things -- I've had times when you'd expect a cat or kitten to be scared and hide, when they were not at all worried or bothered by some noise or household event.Whether it was their first time or not, that's odd and unexpected. Like not being bothered by a broom or vacuum, which are usually scary, or appliances making noise. This was with cats / kittens who were not hearing impaired and not feral / stay from outside. -- But feral or stray cats, used to the outside, can be very immune to loud noises much of the time, while other things (a hand approaching, a particular pose or movemnent, can set them off, scared or defending themselves. In other words,, be cautious and observant of your cat, esp. a new or visiting cat. Tame house cat or wary feral, or a stray, they can react in ways we wouldn't expect, because it's a scary thing to them.
My Chinese friend enjoys this, thank you :)
In April 2022, my nephew died and his family didn't know what to do with his 10 yr cat Nosi. When they finally brought it to my place, he was so scared. When they opened the carrier door, he took off to my upstairs bedroom and hid In my closet. I put water, kitty box and food in the room. I wouldn't bother him, but I'd sit on my bed and talk softy to him. Didn't try to force him to come out. It took three days to finally get up on the bed. I was able to touch his head, but that was it. It took him months to follow me around. He was scared, traumatized loosing his dad and his home. The first week, he would cry at night. Broke my heart! He is now a fantastic part of my family. It's quiet here and he is able to relax. He will never let me carry him, my nephew couldn't either. I can pet his head and he trusts me to protect him. If a firetruck or fireworks happen, all I have to say, it's OK and he comes over and stands at my feet. He is so adorable and silly. I'm glad they asked me to take him. Any other place would have scared him. Thank you for your videos, they answered a lot of questions about senior cats.
I got a new kitty this is thankful
I really like this channel. It's definitely worth watching if you love your cats! ❤❤
As a repeat feral tamer, great advice. 👍
Thank u for all ur great Advice..have a happy christmas to u and ur family. Ps. Not forgetting ur loveable Cats .🇨🇮🌷😉
LOve your channel from OHIO USA!
The only times my cat hides are if a new man (like a repair man) enters my home, or when I’m trying to get him in the crate for any reason (vet, trip to visit the “non-custodial parent”). He even likes to hang out in, and even sleep in the crate, on his own terms.
I like to stand in between my coffee grinder and my cat to help muffle the noise for them. It does help. They stand back but they watch me now.
Synchronicity! It just started raining/snowing/hailing all at the same time! My cat crawled under the couch > I'm sure he'll come out when he wants (we've been thru worse! together for 7 yrs). TY.
My older cat is the only one that gets scared. My younger one is a little more cocky and has never ventured away from humans, so he hasn’t learned to be scared as much.
Usually the older cat will go to the younger cat before he comes to me. If we’re both there it makes him feel better.
I find myself humming the Senior Cat Wellness theme song at odd hours during the day 😅
My almost 3 year old Ragdoll was afraid of different smells as a kitten. He would come running in my bedroom or bathroom, and if I had any cream, lotion, or perfume on, he would make a stink face and run out just as fast or faster. Thankfully, he likes checking out my perfume now.
I’ve finally convinced my (senior) cat that I’m not hissing at him when I blow my nose 😅
My cat just lays there while I vacuum around her or sometimes, I just vacuum her too.
I had one that liked being vacuumed.
Yea my cat is scary and always hiding under the couch should I block the entrances of the couches. To let her know it's safe here ? The other cat I have wonder care free
My tom cat is very scared & jumpy @ times but I think its cuz his gma was a wild kitten & my husband trapped her & I raised her ( his siblings & cousins were the same way ) He don't like strangers @ all so I let him do whatever & when the company leaves he will come out if not I go to him & comfort him & he will come out. He is a momma's boy & he trust me completely other ppl not so much.
This is a known fact. The sensitivity to a cat's hearing is much more than us hoomans. They are especially sensitive to sudden loud noises, such as the opening of a plastic bag, or the ruffling of aluminum foul. Just try to avoid these sudden noises around the cats because I don't think they would ever get used to them.
Cats hearing is 10 times more sensitive than humans. Vacuum cleaner, outside vehicles etc.
My cat won't go out of the closet when she hears hammering or any loud noises from our neighbor
Thanks for this. Can you do a video on separation anxiety that some cats may have?
It's mostly separation anxiety for humans. Cats are not dogs. If people just go about their day, of course leaving food, water, toys, music and cat videos they will be fine. If you're going away for 3-14 days, have an automatic feeder with your recorded voice and a person to check that it didn't malfunction or have camera on feeder. If weather is hot, leave A/C on power saver at 75 to $ave and so it's not too cold. Also put mirrors with safe edges out at their level from a dollar store as they're fascinated by watching themselves.
My cat doesn't approach me even I gave a snack
I live in Chile now and my cat is not too happy about the earthquakes we get here.
My cat will only come to me and my partner, if anyone else comes over he will hide and not come out until they are gone.
My cats usually won't come to me unless I am feeding them or just because they want to. 😂
My cat gave birth to 3 kittens.
All kitten are growing up in my home.
Two of them are very friendly and like to be caresses by me.
However one kitten reacts abnormally. She doesn't come near to Me and if I try to make bond with her she gets scared and run away.
Once I forcefully try to caresses her and hold her but she bit Me and scratched me hands and made them bleed little bit.
Why one kitten reacts abnormally and feels like she is scared of me all the time ?
I have 2 stray cats living in my back yard. Ones brave af cus he sometimes ignores my dog and even tries to get close when I pet em and the other just tries to gtfo of my way
I usually leave him alone. He will ce out when he's ready.
What if you are trying to catch a Scared cat that lost it's previous owner ?
Patience & alot of it..
Good luck 👍
I sit near it and pet/rub the ground in front of me gently. How I got my last cat.