If when someone comes to your house your cat becomes so uneasy that it makes you uneasy too? There's a problem, but don't worry, it's fixable. You just have to listen to the animal
Maybe you have a cat, and maybe if you have a cat you've run out of visitors. If when someone comes to your house the animal becomes so restless that it makes you restless too? There's a problem. If there's no way his fear of other people won't stop, you can smile because there are several solutions to fix that too. You will open the door of the house again without fear that the gesture will end in scratches and blood everywhere.
The first thing you should know you already know, but it never hurts to remember that affection and patience are the key for the cat environment at home to progress properly towards an environment, at least, that is not hostile. We don't want wars, and neither does your cat, he's just defending himself from something he understands, precisely, a kind of breaking and entering.
Cats are very territorial animals, that is to say, they work by marking their space (like any of us, come on), so you have to start because this natural determination of theirs becomes a dialogue with people who come from outside, and not precisely in a fight.
An innate territorial character
It is also important to keep in mind that most felines have hyperactivity, although in this sense the Siamese or the Oriental cat take the lead. Many of them suffer from chronic stress, dermatological disorders and musculoskeletal problems that make them nervous. However, this is not necessarily a specific pathology. If you notice that this results in a change in their behavior, it is always best to see a veterinarian to learn more.
However, precisely because of this innate territorial nature, sociability is not their best quality. Some of the most common symptoms they experience when they feel “invaded” are also the most visible, so pay attention: if he constantly bristles, his pupils dilate, his whiskers remain rigid, he acquires a hunched body posture, keeps his ears back on his head, growls constantly, his paw pads sweat, loses his appetite, urinates outside the sandbox or even starts scratching everything in his path, he is indeed nervous and afraid.
A cat's adaptation to socialization takes place between the first and eighth month of life. If it has been separated early from its mother, or if it has not been in contact with people during this period of time, it is more likely to show distrust as an adult. That is why (in addition to other reasons) that separating them from their mothers before 3 months of age is not good.
Do not put pressure on them
With that in mind, the ideal thing would be to get him used to people from an early age. Whether it is the case or if the cat has arrived to your life as an adult, always speak to him with affection (your tone of voice is very important to let him know that the visits do not represent any threat).
If he still shows some rejection, the guests can try to conquer him with wet food whose smell attracts him little by little. Once the approach is made, they should caress his face very gently. If he refuses, don't push him, it means that he doesn't feel safe yet.
For the animal to be comfortable, it is also essential that there are no big noises around him, so any gesture should take place in a certain silence. In addition, do not hesitate to offer comfort spaces at home, i.e. hiding places to hide in case, for example, there are small children. If in these cases he manages to come out, positive reinforcement such as petting, treats and kind words is key to boost his confidence.
In short, animals are not very different from people, and in this case cats can be more or less sullen depending on their past and possible traumas (never forget that all animals have their own history, like anyone else), on their partly inherited way of being and, also, on the day you catch them.
I am a student and I am part of the editorial staff of thesilverink.com. I have the chance to enjoy writing, however, I also like to discuss all subjects and especially anything related to Science.
