TIMIDITY
You adore this cat, but he acts so frightened.
Your friends refer to him as the phantom cat. However, now and again he
deigns to make an appearance for company - if he gets the feeling they're
going to be around for a while. You adopted him when he was around nine
weeks old from the family that owned his mother, and he was timid right from
the start. Friends of yours adopted his littermates, and none of them are
timid. What happened to him?
Ingredients for a timid cat:
1. He was the last of the litter to be born or he
was the runt.
2. He never got the choicest nipple, often being pushed aside by his
littermates.
3. His lack of resemblance to his mother led her to favor the kittens who
looked more like her.
4. His mother cat nursed her kittens for only about five weeks, and then
lost interest in her kittens.
5. He was always shy with his people and kept his distance, though he played
with his littermates.
Actions that define a
timid cat:
1. He's always on guard, even when he's curled up
in your lap.
2. When visitors stop by or at any sudden loud noise outside or in, he hides
under the bed or sofa.
3. He's afraid of household appliances like the vacuum cleaner and the
blender.
Don't
Lose Hope ―
He will improve with your love and support
―
But It Takes Time:
You've certainly tried to make
him feel loved, and he has become a bit less reserved, but his rocky start
paved the way for his timidity. He does not possess the emotional thick skin
or constitution that allows him to roll with the punches. Yes, he has low
self-esteem that was formed when he was in his mother's womb. Continue to
nurture him with patience and understanding. As he grows in years, he'll
gain in confidence. Time is the key unless you create a special program for
him or perhaps engage professional help.
Carole can work wonders with
Timid Cats. Read a
testimonial from a Wilbourn
client.
The Complete Guide to
Understanding and Caring for Your Cat
contains more detailed information, diagnostic suggestions and
reconstructive therapy approaches. Buy it from
Carole's Cat Store.
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