Question:
I have a well behaved, sweet but very skittish 1-year-old female Ragdoll cat. My husband and I brought her home at 11 weeks old and she immediately bonded with our very sociable male Ragdoll.Although she doesn't hide, you can't approach or even pay her the least attention without her scurrying away. If she perceives she cannot escape, she lets out an audible meow. After letting out the warning meow she will allow us to pet her and appears quite contented. Ironically, she is the one who will occasionally sleep on our bed or will curl up in a basket right next to my computer.What, if anything, can we do to ease her anxiety?.
D.T., Fort Lauderdale, FL Oct 02, 2005
Answer:
Some cats are "wired" differently, and while they protect themselves from being caught, they do enjoy being petted. They simply lack the will to initiate contact themselves. Fear/anxiety may play some role, so a short course of treatment with alprazolam (Xanax) prescribed by her veterinarian may help. Or try the new feline pheromone/scent product Feliway. Put a little on your sleeves and on your bed where she sleeps. This may calm her down and make her less fearful of being approached. Simply holding the cat, gently but firmly, initially for a few seconds and then for gradually longer and longer periods, while talking to her in a calming voice may also help her become desensitized and enjoy being held.
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