Dear Critter Corner: I recently adopted a shy cat named Ollie. He tends to hide when my friends come over and when they try to interact with him, he hisses. Is there anything I can do?
Congrats on your recent adoption! For shy cats, slow and steady can be a good approach when helping the kitty adjust to a new home and to new people. It may be useful to let Ollie become accustomed to his new home for a few weeks while introducing new people, a few at a time, so as not to overwhelm him.
If you’ve already set up a space for Ollie that is his to retreat to when he’s feeling uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to keep this area reserved for just Ollie. This way, when he feels uncomfortable, he has a place to go where he can decompress and relax without being disturbed or having to be on alert. In this space, you’ll want to have all of the supplies that Ollie enjoys, such as his food, water, litterbox, bed, toys, blankets, etc. If he had a carrier from the facility that you adopted him from, you may want to also keep this near him as he might feel comforted by it and want to hide there when he’s scared.
For meeting new people, it’s a good idea to assess where Ollie is behaviorally before the introduction. Is he eating, drinking, using his litterbox, exploring, and interacting with you regularly? If so, then it sounds like he’s adjusting well and just needs a slow introduction to new people. Introducing one or two friends at a time to Ollie will help keep the introduction casual, quiet, and positive. Have the new person give Ollie treats or kitty puree, foods that Ollie finds extra yummy that will entice him to socialize as well as serve as a positive reinforcer for the interaction. If Ollie is hiding in a cat tree or a box on the floor, have the new people quietly approach and either gently offer treats/puree or entice Ollie to play with his favorite toy. Even if he just watches the toy move, that’s a positive interaction that allows him to socialize where he’s comfortable. Don’t push the interaction. Instead allow Ollie to move closer when he’s comfortable. Keep the interactions short, and if Ollie is content with the treats and playtime, feel free to have the new people just hang out in the area with Ollie. This will help him get used to their voices, movements, etc. Keep the interactions positive and fun!
Mary-Ann Fernandes is a Trainer for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, please call 650-340-7022 or email behavior@phs-spca.org.