Animal Welfare Professionals

I adopted a kitten last July from Maddie's Fund. She was two months old. I love her very much but...she is very nervous. She hides all the time and has bitten me many times attacking my ankles and hands.

I am very patient with her (MistyBlu) and love her very much. But would like to know how i can make her more comfortable and less frightened in her home. She goes off by herself alot. My last cat was 20 years old when he passed and was very social. So i am not sure what i am doing wrong with Misty. She does have her love times but then will turn on you and sink her teeth into what ever part of you is accessable.

Is there anything we can do to help Misty calm down and feel comfortable in her forever loving home.

Thank You

Hi NVLDY,

Thanks for adopting a kitten!  Shy cats can be challenging, for sure.   A really good thing to do is to learn about cat body language so you can learn about warning signs she displays BEFORE she bites. Usually there are subtle signs that she is stressed or unhappy with what you are doing, before the bite. This is a good resource to learn how to speak cat.

Also, there are lots of good handouts and websites about working with shy kitties. Here is one that you might find helpful.

Give it a try and let me know how things go! 

Also, look on your adoption paperwork to see who you adopted your cat from. The organization that you adopted her from might also have some helpful advice. We don't have an adoption program, so I don't think you adopted her from us??

Sheila 

If your cat enjoys food then clicker training can be a great way to build confidence and reward behaviors you like. I also recommend providing scared cats with hiding spots that allow the cat to enjoy common spaces without being overwhelmed or feeling vulnerable - so boxes, cubbies, cat trees and the like in the main areas of the house, so they have alternatives to hiding under the bed. Playtime with interactive toys is a great way to build confidence and reduce biting/scratching as well.