How to Help a Shy Kitten

Kittens have individual personalities; some kittens may be less brave around people than others. However, a couple of things may make a kitten shy. Kittens that haven't been exposed to or handled by people from the time they can walk and open their eyes may be shy when first picked up or stroked. If a kitten's been frightened by someone, it will also be wary. There are several things you can do to help a shy kitten gain more trust.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat treats
  • Cat toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep a newly adopted kitten in a quiet, confined area of the home, such as a bedroom or bedroom. A new home with new people can be intimidating to nearly all kittens and it's best to introduce it gradually to the rest of the house.

    • 2

      Purchase soft cat treats that are easy for the kitten to chew. Gently grasp the kitten by the scruff of the neck, just as a mother cat would. Sit down with the kitten in your lap, still gently grasping the scruff.

    • 3

      Place one treat close to the kitten's nose so it can smell the treat. Release your grasp on the kitten and gently stroke its back.

    • 4

      Allow the kitten to eat the treat from your hand if it remains in your lap and doesn't run away. Stroke the kitten softly as it eats. If the kitten runs away, calmly get up and place it back in your lap. Don't force it to eat the treat; just softly and calmly pet the kitten so it associates you with nice touches.

    • 5

      Pick up and stroke the kitten several times a day. Gradually get the kitten used to more people in the home or guests when they come over.

    • 6

      Expose the kitten to music and other normal sounds in the home. A kitten born into a quiet environment will experience nervousness when suddenly exposed to sounds. Remember that the animal has no idea what these sounds mean and may assume they mean danger. Pet the kitten while it experiences new things so it knows it's safe.

    • 7

      Play with the kitten often. Cat toys can help a shy kitten come out of its shell. You can bring out the cat toys when guests are over to further help the kitten get used to being out in the open around other people.