Kitten is nervous all the time

by Meaghan
(Ottawa,ON)

My cat Onyx is 8 weeks old and I adopted her from a rescue shelter home involved with the humain society.I love her a lot,she has a few little problems that im working on to fix but I have a main concern.She is really good with me and my Family but unexpected movements or sound scare her off into hidding and new people somewhat to have this affect,she hates crowds as well.I just want her to be happy in her home and not feel the need to be so scared of everything,shes my baby but I want her to have good confidence around everyone.What can I do to make her more comfortable with her surroundings? I dont want her being stressed or on the edge I just want her to feel safe.Shes special and I know all cats are unique in personality like people,but another cat I had was always content and laid back and he was a rescue cat 2 ,never scared I want her to feel the same way,and to feel safe and happy with everyone.

Answer by Kate
Hi
well it is not uncommon for some rescue cats to behave this way. you have no way of knowing what she went through during the first seven weeks of her life and this is a time known as the sensitive period and is the time when cats learn many things including socialization skills.

it sounds to me like she did not have very much contact with people during her early weeks and this has made her nervous of people etc.

Unfortunately there are no miracle cures for this. Some cats will become more confident with time, others will always remain a little edgy but it does not mean they are unhappy.

i do have a page about nervous cats which you may find of further help here

https://www.our-happy-cat.com/scared-cat.html

best wishes Kate

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