I adopted both of my cats from the local SPCA. They do their best to get to know the cats and their personalities, but sometimes it is just not possible. It’s a strange environment for the cat, they don’t know what to expect or what is going to happen to them, and they just do not want to be there.
When I got my new cat home, she immediately found a safe place to stay. I attributed this to being in a new house and a new situation, I didn’t push her and let her become comfortable and come out when she was ready. But even now, two and a half years later, she is still shy.
There really is not much you can do about a cat being shy. Once it is in their personality, it is likely to stay. That said, there are things you can do to still interact with your cat.
- Get down on the floor and let her come to you. My cat likes to cuddle, but on her terms. But being on the floor, she will come to me and crawl all over me.
- Slow movements. She still freaks out and runs if I do something quick and startle her.
- Let her have hiding spots. When given the chance, she still hides under things. I don’t know why, but I just let her. But if I need her out, then I get down on the floor and gently coax her out. It usually works pretty well.