The fearful cat

Desensitization is the gradual and progressive habituation of the cat to the unpleasant stimulus. Immersion is the prolonged repetition of this same stimulus by exceeding the cat’s tolerance threshold. Still too many people believe that for a cat to learn to like contacts with humans, it must be forced to have it. What it is important to understand is that the absence of reaction does not mean acceptance or appreciation of this contact, on the contrary! Very often, the cat knows that no matter what it tries, the human will continue. It therefore resigns itself to no longer try to escape from it.

Don’t force me to come out of my hiding places, try rather to attract me towards you with the help of food, toys, catnip, etc.

Isolate me, alone, in a closed and quiet room with my personal belongings. If you give me access to the entire residence, I risk finding myself a small corner and hiding there to only go out at night. Too much space is more stressful for me than a small, well-designed space. Only give me access to the rest of the house when I am comfortable in this room and the time it will take varies greatly from one cat to another. Rely on my body language.

It is preferable that only one person be mandated to enter the room a few times a day to feed me, clean my litter and spend time with me. Bring me my favourite treat every time you enter the room in order to create a positive association. When I am comfortable with this person, the other family members can gradually introduce me.

Arm yourself with patience, it’s worth it!