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Posted by Martisimo on February 24, 2003 at 13:02:55:

In Reply to: psychological cat problem? please answer! posted by Tara on February 22, 2003 at 22:15:20:

Some cats are naturally shy, and that's their personality. Others that hide were not appropriately socialized with people (i.e. handled while he was tiny, and in a pleasurable, nurturing way) when they were small. If you have an active household, kids doing kid things and visitors and comings and goings, a shy or unsocialized cat will feel more comfortable staying out of the way where it's quiet and he feels safe.

He isn't likely to ever change, but that doesn't mean there is something mentally wrong with him. He prefers peace and quiet, so let him have it and offer him kind words when he does come out. I have a cat who would be a lot like that if my house were noisy. Since it's not, he comes out to say hello occasionally, but he mostly stays in my bedroom when people are about and comes out to walk around when no one is home or at night. Any strange noise or change in normal routine and he won't even come out to eat at meal time. Some are just sensitive.

:We have had this cat for about 10 years (indoor), and he is still afraid of us. since he hides all day, he is close to 30 pounds if he's not already. He has no problem with the other cats we have had, he is just deathly afraid of humans. I would like to know if there is something mentally wrong with him, but I am concerned about his weight. I also think we were told he may have been abused when we first got him which would be an obvious indication of a fear of humans, but you think he would get over it after 10 years with a loving family. What's the deal?

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