Pip’s Tips · visitors
Visitors? I decide when we become friends
New people may be nice. First, however, they must prove that they are excellent at ignoring me.
Control makes visitors less stressful
Cats feel safer when they can move away and decide for themselves whether to seek contact. Staring directly, approaching, picking up or pursuing a hidden cat can feel threatening. A high resting place, an open escape route and a room that nobody enters provide choice and control.
Ask visitors to ignore the cat initially. Sitting calmly, speaking softly and perhaps throwing a treat from a distance often works better than an outstretched hand. The cat does not need to be sociable to cope well with the visit.
Create a visitor plan
- Provide accessible hiding places and elevated resting places before the doorbell rings.
- Keep food, water and litter trays accessible without requiring the cat to pass visitors.
- Keep children and enthusiastic adults away from the cat.
- Allow the cat to determine the pace and distance.
- Do not punish hissing or hiding; it is communication.
When should you seek help?
Discuss it with your veterinarian if fear is severe, persists, worsens or leads to not eating, house-soiling, aggression or other welfare problems. Pain and illness can also reduce tolerance of stimulation.