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My cat is painfully shy and hides almost all day. How do I get him out of his shell?

My cat is painfully shy and hides almost all day. How do I get him out of his shell?

Updated On June 1st, 2018

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

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Just like people, some cats are quite introverted and it can take a fair amount of effort to get them out of their shells. For many of these cats, their “shyness” is actually a sign of stress and anxiety, which is often fear-related. Try to find something your cat enjoys – a special treat, ear scratches, playing with the laser pointer – and encourage your cat to approach you. Do not force any interaction, as this often makes stress and anxiety worse. It may take a bit of patience and time. Calming pheromones, such as the Comfort Zone® Calming Diffuser, can help to minimize some cats’ stress, as can anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your veterinarian. If these strategies are not successful, it may be best to consult a [veterinary behaviorist](www.dacvb.org) for further advice.

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