The cat growls and hisses - causes and treatment

Have you noticed that there are cats that love to be the center of attention, and there are those that avoid too much of it? And, although this can be explained from the point of view of the behavioral characteristics of representatives of the cat family (read more about them here), still often many owners of mustachioed tabby cats wonder what to do if their cat is extremely shy? How to build a bridge of trust with such a pet, and make it more social and tame? Today in our new publication we will try to answer your questions regarding this topic...

Causes of fearful behavior in cats

We are all well aware of the behavioral characteristics of representatives of the cat family, and fearfulness is not a priori included in this list. There is curiosity, affection, playfulness, rancor and aggression in some cases (find out about the most aggressive cat breeds), but not timidity or timidity. It turns out that cats, especially domestic ones, should not be shy by nature? Unfortunately, those cat owners whose pets hide under the sofas at the sight of strangers in the house, and whose trip to the veterinarian turns into a complete nightmare, will not agree with this statement. What is this, an innate feature of the cat’s character, or perhaps there is a completely logical explanation for the pet’s fearful and wary behavior?

Experts are inclined to believe that the fearful behavior of cats can and should be explained by the following reasons...

Lack of socialization

Imagine that you took a kitten from the street, and its mother and father were also street animals, like grandparents... The socialization of the animal in this case will be somewhat complicated by such a “wild” past. Such animals become tame, but this takes a little more time than taming kittens that you took, say, from a nursery. Therefore, if you still want to do a noble deed and give a street kitten a chance at a happy home life, be prepared for the fact that you may have problems with its socialization. Read more about adapting a cat to the house.

Animals thrown onto the street also have problems with socialization, those that once lived in warmth and comfort, but by chance or due to the harshness of the owner they ended up on the street. Giving them a second chance is very noble, but the older the animal, the stronger the resentment in it, the more difficult it will be for you to build a bridge of trust in your relationship with it.

Aggression from other animals

Aggressive behavior of other animals makes a cat fearful

Cats that are victims of aggressive behavior from their relatives or other animals at an early age often grow up to be fearful, both towards their own kind and towards other animals and people. Therefore, if there are already animals living in your house, but you want to get a kitten, make sure that it is not offended, otherwise you may encounter problems in its behavior in the future. Read about living together a cat and a dog under one roof here.

Diseases and pain

When an animal is in pain or suffering from an illness, it naturally seeks privacy. Such a cat becomes fearful and unsociable. A change in the behavior of your sociable pet should alert you and serve as a reason to contact a veterinarian. The sooner the cause is identified, the greater the chances of saving your cat.

Mistreatment by the owner

We are responsible for those we have tamed. And when we bring a kitten into our home, we must be aware that this is a living creature that we must love, about which we must take care, and not at the expense of which we must assert ourselves and realize our selfish inclinations. Therefore, cruelty to an animal, even in cases where the cat has done something wrong, is excluded. No physical violence. Try to better find the reason within yourself - what did you do wrong that provoked your cat’s negative behavior?

Animals that often suffer beatings from the owner, suffer from his screams and rudeness, become timid, as they lose confidence in all representatives of the human race. It is very difficult to win the love and trust of such angry and offended cats.

Stress

Stress can be the cause of a cat's fearful behavior. There are too many animals living in the house, strained relationships between family members (animals are empaths, they sense the situation and weather in the house very well), poor living conditions... All this can turn a strong and beautiful cat into a tortured and timid creature. Moving, changing ownership, participating in an exhibition, traveling together with the owner, and even a visit to the veterinary clinic - all this can make a curious cat timid and weak.

Often cats become timid when a new family member appears in the house - a pet or a person, or one of the family members leaves for a long time. Animals tolerate such changes very hard and react to them acutely and in their own way.

Noise

A running vacuum cleaner, a washing machine, loud music, an active discussion of a television program - cats hear and perceive our world differently. For them it sounds louder than for us, respectively, just a loud sound for them is a very, very loud roar. Even the bravest cat would be scared of this. The longer the noise exposure, the more fearful your cat. That is why it is not recommended to vacuum in the room where the pet is resting - it is better to lock the animal in another room. Try to limit the animal from such noise stress, and it will not be so timid...

How to catch a wild kitten that is afraid of people

Although caring for a cat takes less effort than caring for a dog, adopting an outdoor cat is a big responsibility. It’s a pity for the little lump, scared and frozen, squeaking near the trash can or the entrance door. He will not scratch or bite if you put the kitten in your palm, stroke it, and mutter a few gentle soothing words. The warmth of human hands for a baby is a guarantee of food and safety.

Please note that we are talking only about feral and street cats, whose ancestors have always lived with humans. The real wild cats, which can only be tamed by Yuri Kuklachev and the Zapashny brothers, are:

• Jungle Cat (House);
• European forest cat;
• Amur (Far Eastern) cat - inherits aggression towards humans and fear.

The newborn was probably thrown out by people: no hand was raised to drown or poison. Opening her eyes, the baby captured the person as a relative. Therefore, he does not experience aggression towards people. It’s easy to domesticate this one: it will get used to its new home and fall in love with its new owner in an evening.

Imprinting (instant early memory) of kittens that were born and lived in an attic or basement for a couple of months does not apply to humans. Stray cat cubs can remain feral for life.

The little “animals” run away, and when you try to pick them up, they bite. To catch a wild cat, use primitive traps:

• large box;
• baby bath;
• a rabbit cage without a bottom;
• regular carry...

They put food on the ground and cover it, for example, with a box.

All that remains is to lift it and place one side on a support with a rope. As soon as the animal approaches the food, the stick is pulled out.

A more complex option: a cage with a lowered door (kotolovka). Triangular-shaped nets with a long handle and noose loops are also used.

To catch a domestic yard kitten, it is enough to regularly feed it by hand and talk to it. In a couple of days the baby will come running when called and allow himself to be petted.

When thinking about how to tame a cat, a person forgets: the cat chooses the owner. It was the cat who first began to meow, demanding food and attention, rubbing against her legs, showing affection. Once in the apartment, the animal adapts to the rhythm of the owner, giving him special, cat-like care.

How to help a shy cat

A shy cat needs extra attention

Try to establish the reason that made your cat so fearful, and find the starting point from which everything changed. Take appropriate corrective measures and try to eliminate the causes of such fearful reactions in your cat as quickly as possible.

It is quite obvious that it will take time for the cat to become the same. But your patience, love and care will definitely help her.

Well, in the meantime, the cat will adapt, socialize and get used to its new environment - we suggest you use our recommendations for owners of shy cats. With the help of such little secrets, your pet will quickly forget about fear...

Shelter for a cat

Shy animals feel safer if they know they have a place to hide and escape prying eyes and too much of your attention. Organize several such shelters for your cat in your home - let them become an alternative to places under the sofa or on the closet. Such a shelter must have one entrance, a reliable rear, and be protected from both sides and from above. A small box placed on its side is ideal for these purposes. The cat can hide in it if necessary. And, if you additionally equip her with a soft bed, she will definitely appreciate your efforts and will be able to sit there comfortably. Such a shelter box can be placed under the table, in the corner of the room.

Another favorite place for cats to hide is at heights - place another box on a hill, but secure it securely so that the cat does not accidentally fall. When the animal gets used to its new shelters, gradually move them closer to the center of the room by rearranging the boxes.

If you have a scratching post and there is the possibility of installing an additional floor at the top, place a soft lounger on it. The cat will feel confident in such a “cat birdhouse” and will be able to watch everything that happens in the room from there.

Trusting relationship with a cat

If you think that in order to establish a trusting relationship with a cat, you just need to hold it tightly in your arms when it breaks free and tries to hide under the sofa - you are mistaken. This is not how you tame a cat.

In order for your cat to overcome her fear and show trust in you, you need to give her the right to choose and a sense of security in this choice.

If you do not forcefully hold the animal in your arms, do not chase it around the apartment, but respect its choice, the cat will trust you more. First, she will watch you from under the sofa, then she will jump on the bed next to you, and then... when she is convinced that you are not imposing your love and attention on her, she herself will take the first step towards you. It is very important not to spoil this first moment, to be restrained but attentive, sensitively listening to the cat’s mood. If you feel that it is unpleasant for her when you stroke her, it is better to stop. Do not try to prolong your confidential communication session. Let the cat decide when to jump off your lap.

Stimulating desired behavior

Give your cat a treat

Forget about the stick, but stock up on the carrots. Naturally, this is a figurative expression, we will not give any gingerbread to the cat - they will ruin her teeth (read about dental diseases in cats here), but it is necessary to prepare her favorite cat treats. Reward your cat with them every time she takes even the smallest step in your direction. Reward it with verbal praise, and if the pet allows it, you can pet it. Teach your cat that all her good (in your eyes) deeds are necessarily rewarded with a treat, and then, in order to get it again, the cat will behave the way you need it. This is the manipulation of cat behavior with stimulation of basic reflexes.

If the cat is very shy and is afraid to take a treat from your hands, you can carefully throw it in its direction, or use a plastic spoon with a long handle - place a treat on its end and hand the treat to the cat, try not to make any sharp movements, do not make loud sounds. When the cat is convinced that she is not in danger, she will definitely take the treat. Oh, next time try to reduce the distance between you by a few centimeters...

Stimulate natural instincts

Cats are not naturally shy. And, you must help your pet remember this. To do this, invite her to play (about games with a cat). Take a toy fishing rod and entice your cat to play. During the game, the timid creature will forget about its fear and will again become strong, dexterous and confident. However, during such a game, remember that the toy should not “attack” a timid cat, you should not make sudden movements, move the fishing rod smoothly and in no case cause pain to the animal with such a toy. Let the game be simple and primitive at first, the toy will have to be constantly in the cat’s field of vision, but when the animal is ready to leave the shelter (after playing too much, it will simply forget about it), the game can be gradually complicated. Your task is to use the game to help the cat believe in itself.

Available routes

Crossing an open area of ​​a room is a nightmare for a timid cat. Therefore, try to think in advance about comfortable and accessible routes for her to get to the tray, to bowls of food and water, and to the scratching post. This is especially true for situations when you just brought the cat home and it is getting used to the new place. Often, animals at first begin to crap and damage furniture for the simple reason that they do not know where they need to relieve their natural needs and where they can sharpen their claws.

If you want, you can even create soft fabric tunnels for your cat - they are sold in pet stores, then the cat can move around in them. An alternative to shopping tunnels can be a homemade version made from paper bags without a bottom, well fastened together. The main thing is that it is safe for the cat to be in such a tunnel, and there are at least 2 exits.

Cat body language

An entire publication on our website was devoted to this topic - look for it here, but often animal owners ignore such signals. Oh, in vain. If a cat shows with all its appearance that now it is not ready to communicate with you and play, you should not impose your company, attention, and especially affection on it. If you ignore her warning signs, the animal will naturally become frightened and run away, and all your work in building trust with him will come to naught. Learn to understand your cat without words.

Additional accessories

Shy cat, like a child. To gain his trust and attract his attention, you need more bright toys and treats. So, create a comfortable living environment for your cat in your home, buy more special gaming accessories, play with the cat, pay more attention to it, this will help the animal form new positive associations and will contribute to its socialization...

What are cats afraid of?

There are a great many stories and videos on the topic “cat and vacuum cleaner”. Cats, with rare exceptions, are afraid of loud sounds from electrical appliances: electric meat grinders, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, even electric razors. The fact is that their hearing is extremely developed; animals have access to ranges that humans have never even dreamed of: in a cat the indicator fluctuates up to 65 kHz, while in humans it is only 20 kHz.

Water is one of the main cat fears

Cats have individual phobias. There are two cats living in the house. The first one is not afraid of almost anything. Loves to swim and play with tangerines. Even sharp claps and shots are tolerated like a gun dog. But he is terribly afraid of mice. The second one is even afraid of his own shadow, but he catches rats perfectly.

The set of external manifestations of fear is standard: the cat presses its ears and tail, meows, tries to run away from the irritant and hide.

It’s worse when fear causes an attack of aggression in the animal: the cat arches its back, hisses, and whips its tail on the sides. In a second, the fluffy ball turns into an evil monster. In these cases, the owner needs to be careful and attentive. Despite its small size, a cat can cause serious injuries with its claws and teeth.

There is no more dangerous animal than a scaredy cat

Showing anger and aggression in cats is the first reaction to fear. The behavior of the owners should depend on how the frightened cat behaves.

Precautionary measures:

1. First of all, protect yourself if you feel that your cat’s aggression is directed at you.
2. A spray bottle of water helps as a “sedative.” When living together with a cat, this is a very effective means both for self-defense from an animal that is ready to attack, and for distracting the cat himself from fear and anger to a more pressing problem - licking his loved one.

We suggest you read: How many years do Chihuahuas live at home?

My eight-kilogram Persian cat did not tolerate brushing. He scratched, bit and squirmed so much that it was very difficult to hold him. We had to take precautions: put on an oilcloth apron and wrap our hands in two terry towels to avoid injury.

The cat needs shelter

There are several ways to help your cat cope with fear:

1. Retreating is an effective way to calm a frightened cat and calm an aggressive cat. By retreating a few steps, do not deprive the cat of the opportunity to retreat on her own. Remove from the room the irritant that caused her violent reaction - a stranger or another animal.
2. If you do not feel a direct threat from a frightened cat, sit down or lie down on the floor. She will feel more confident “on equal terms.” And don't look the beast in the eye.
3. Stop paying attention, ignore. Relax and look away. Talk in a low voice to yourself or to someone nearby. Sing something gently. This way the cat will understand that she is not in danger.
4. And of course, a furry pet should always have its own hiding place, where it can feel safe and calm.

   
   Provide your cat with a place where he feels safe

5. When the cat has stopped showing signs of aggression and fear, approach it with a treat, but do not touch it. Let the animal decide for itself whether to approach you or not.

Why is the cat not affectionate?

If a cat scratches and bites as an adult, the owners themselves are to blame. While still playing with her, they allowed her to “claw” in excitement. At first it's funny, then the adult:

• bites legs;
• does not allow himself to be combed;
• spoils things, marks territory.

The simplest veterinary examination and medical procedures (injections, enemas) turn into a nightmare for the owner.

The independence and aggressiveness of a mustachioed cohabitant should not be shown towards family members. If the owners are afraid, the pet will become impudent. It is recommended to hold the cat in your arms more often and show affection. After taming, release it for further exploration of the area, praise and treat it with something tasty for good behavior.

Gradually the cat will understand: nothing bad is happening. If you do this regularly, at the same time talk affectionately, give a piece of “yummy” - after a while you can add short-term combing, examining the ears and other manipulations.

An irrepressible desire to “cuddle” can also be the reason why a cat becomes less affectionate. Small children will happily play with the kitty and pull its ear or tail.

Adults sometimes don’t lag behind (especially if the cat is not their property): they shamelessly shove pieces from the table, try to stroke them and pick them up against their will. It's not the cat that needs to be blamed, but the owner:

1. If the cat is not the highlight of the program, it is better to isolate it in another room. Or warn the guest about correct behavior.
2. For children, it is better to find other fun, otherwise the simplest scratch on the hand of an uncontrollable child will ruin the evening.
3. When neither the person nor the cat is particularly anxious, let them interact as they wish.

The selection of some breeds followed the path of consolidating external characteristics. Such cats are more attached to the territory than to the owner. For example, bobtails and Norwegian forest cats do not recognize excessive affection.

It is better to choose a Burmese, Siamese, Sphynx or Rex or an ordinary yard cat - a “mongrel”. “Human-dependent” cats can hardly tolerate loneliness, they are easy to tame and they love the affection of their owner.

Where to leave your cat while on vacation

Summer is in full swing. Some go to the Canaries, some to Malakhovka. But while we are trying on new swimsuits and fussing around in search of hats and sunglasses, cat eyes look at us reproachfully from the windowsill, floor or sofa. Murka or Barsik understand perfectly well that all these preparations do not bode well for them. They are such creatures that they value peace and constancy most of all. Despite the cat’s notorious independence, they don’t like to be left alone in a closed apartment, so it’s worth deciding where to leave the cat during the holidays.

So if you agree with your neighbor that she will come regularly to feed your cat during the holidays, she, of course, will not suffer from hunger, but she will certainly not suffer from loneliness. Therefore, broken flower pots, jars thrown from the kitchen table and other “little things” that you will see when you return should not be surprising. You can consider it revenge or entertainment from boredom - whatever you like.

There are special hotels for animals abroad: pay and have no doubt that during your vacation your cat will be treated no worse than a guest of a three-star hotel. We are also starting to see something similar, but so far, alas, there is much more negative than positive information on this matter. Suffice it to recall the terrible story recently told on television about a country hotel for dogs, where dogs of various breeds and ranks simply died of starvation, while their owners, who paid tidy sums for the maintenance of their pets, were sure that they were fed “Pedi-gris” and walk him regularly.

So, maybe it’s better to give the cat to friends or relatives during the holidays? At least the poor guy won't feel abandoned.

However, it is difficult to predict how a cat will behave in a new place - it depends on both the character and the breed. According to experts, the now fashionable “Persians” (Persian cats) are calmer and more phlegmatic than their counterparts of other breeds.

Castrated (both female and female cats) also treat the vicissitudes of fate with greater indifference than non-castrated ones, among whom there are also such maximalists that they can simply run away from the acquaintances with whom they were left. The older the cat, the harder it is for her to change her environment.

How to tame a wild kitten

Future owners are worried: how to tame a kitten, what if the situation gets out of control and an unaffectionate cat will grow out of a cute creature. The baby quickly gets used to it and begins to understand:

• Where is the toilet.
• Where is the bowl of food?
• Who lives in the family, from whom you need to hide.

To tame a cat you will have to wait ten days (maximum). Usually this much time is spent on re-educating a street dweller.

There is no need to push a squeaking lump into a bathtub of water or allow children to cause pain. The kitten should feel safe and loved. It’s easy to accustom a kitten to handling and rules of behavior (both in the house and at an exhibition): affection, play and treats will do.

Once the baby is in the house, you need to give him time to calm down. You can leave him in an unlocked cage or put him in a low cat basket. Don't forget to place a bowl of water nearby.

In a calm environment, the kitten will soon crawl out of its shelter and go to inspect the territory of the house. Don't pick him up just yet. It is enough to gently stroke him and say a few words in a calm tone. Then transfer to a bowl and praise. In this case, the kitten in your hands will not perceive the action as danger.

Within 24 hours, the cat will begin to trust its owner and may jump onto its lap. The kitten will learn to sit quietly in your arms if you support it by its back. The warmth of the hand is soothing, and any possible fear of heights disappears.