Question:
My cat exhibits what I think to be an unusual behavior toward my husband.She shies away from him and seems to be fearful, even though he has never so much as raised his voice to her. She will slink away when he gets close; but when she is at a higher level (such as on the top of the sofa) he can approach her and even pet her. But this is rare; most of the time she avoids him at all costs.During the week I feed her each morning and evening, but on the weekends my husband feeds her (we hoped this would indicate to her that he would not harm her) and she exhibits even stranger behavior: she will meow to him and then, when he gets her food, she will run to her bowl, hissing loudly all the way as if to warn him not to touch her.My husband has tried speaking softly to her but to no avail. Also, whenever my son-in-law visits, she will hide under the couch and not come out until he's gone. I feel as though she fears men for some reason. Can you explain this behavior, and can it be changed?.
M.L.C., Royal Palm Beach, FL Jan 18, 2004
Answer:
Cats and many other species of animals are highly sensitive to the natural scents or pheromones that they and humans produce. Animals raised by women often become so imprinted on their scents that they are afraid of men.You and your husband might try putting the same cologne on for a few days and see if that helps your cat overcome her phobia. Also, have you husband feed the cat, morning and evening, every day -- but otherwise ignore her.A less threatening way for your husband to get close to your cat is to gently and slowly entice her to be brushed. Also have him encourage her to play, such as by pulling a string tied to a small bag of catnip to animate the object as though it were a mouse to catch.
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