Dear Miss Behavin’:

I’ve had my cat for about 6 months now and so far she’s been on the shyer side. Any tips on how to get her to be more outgoing?
Cats come in a wide variety of personalities. Some are friendly and playful, others are sassy and rambunctious, and a few may be shyer and mellow. For these shyer cats, it’s important to interact with them at their pace and not rush them into being more outgoing or exploring a new area. Rushing them can backfire as it may push them to being even shyer or potentially fearful of their home environment.

For shy cats it’s best to go with their flow, if they are ready to come out from a hiding place, then let them explore on their own and reward them with praise, pets, and even treats, for being so brave. If you notice that they get scared of the vacuum or the dishwasher, try closing a door to the room they might be resting in before turning these items on. This will help provide your kitty with a barrier between the noise and give them some comfort in knowing they’re safe in their hiding place.

Giving a shy cat a lot of different hiding places also allows them to explore when they are comfortable and retreat when something causes them to be nervous. A tall cat tree with cubbies can give a good bird’s eye view of the living room or bedroom, without the cat feeling trapped. Other hiding spots for the floor include shoeboxes, regular cardboard boxes, and even cat tunnels. Just be sure to check these areas before moving them, as this will definitely get a shy cat scampering out and into another hiding spot.

As your cat becomes more relaxed and confident in the home, be sure to reward any of this behavior with plenty of pets and treats. If your cat still prefers the closet or a small space to nest in, try luring them out with treats or wet food, encouraging them with verbal praise for any steps they make along the way. Even if your cat is resting in the cat tree, regular play-time with cat wands and pipe cleaners can help a shy cat learn that their home is safe and fun. Remember, one small step for your cat, may mean one giant leap in their confidence. So be there to support them as much as you can.