New kittens can be very scared and timid at first. While some are gluttonous for affection from the start, others may be more cautious and may back away from you. Some may want to find a secluded corner or closet to hide. If your new kitten behaves in this way, don’t feel bad as it is not uncommon behavior. Here are some things you can do to get your kitty used to interacting with humans.
1. Put the kitten in a small room where there are no places to hide. Keep in mind that kitties can climb into very small spaces (I once had one that climbed into a hole in a cabinet next to the dishwasher!). They must be alone in the room without other pets. Start in a cage with enough room for them to run around a bit. Put a box in the cage to allow them in if they need a little security. The cage can be partially covered with a blanket or towel to help them feel more secure. Using a pheromone spray like Feliway once a day will also help, but don’t spray it around the litter box.
2. Remember that the kitten is a scary little animal and you must act according to the animal world. This means that you should not stare at the kitten. Staring is predatory behavior and will scare your kitten. When you look at him, make sure you blink a lot and turn your head often. Practice trying to touch the kitten after it has been in the crate for a couple of days. If he isn’t receptive to your hand right away, try using something like a back scratcher to rub his fur. Try moving your hand across the back scratcher to get closer to the kitten while you’re trying this.
3. Spend a little time with the kitten at first and increase that time as the days go by. A kitten needs at least two hours a day of interaction time with you. A person should do this at first, probably during the first 5-7 days of having the kitten. Then one or more people can be added to help the kitten get used to being around more people. Use a toy in your hand to play with the kitten and get her used to being close to your hand. Move your hand closer to the kitten when you hold the toy until you can touch it. Giving the kitten a special treat also helps her get used to being around her.
4. Playing a soft spoken radio station can help kitty get used to human voices.
5. After the kitten begins to let you touch him, you can start letting him run out of the cage. You can take the litter box out of the cage now and place the litter box and food on opposite sides of the room. Spray the Feliway around the room now. Don’t spray it near the litter box. Start playing with them using toys they like, like balls of newspaper and wind-up toys. This game time will turn into them looking forward to your return to play with them more. Do not forget to touch them from time to time and pet them during playtime.
6. After a while, sit in the room with the kittens and do whatever you want, like read, watch TV, or use the computer. This will help them get used to people who aren’t there just to pay attention to them. Then after a while he starts playing with them. Try to invite other people into the room with them more often and for at least 30 minutes at a time. The other people should try to play with the kittens and also try to pet them.
If you have a shy kitty, it’s important to make an effort to help him come out of his shell. If you do nothing, the kitten may never get used to people and will grow up to be a cat that hides all the time.