Hiding or running away Freezing in place Releasing anal glands, urine, or stool Not using the litter box

Loud sounds or quick, unexpected movements[6] X Expert Source Tabitha KuceraRegistered Veterinary Technician & Cat and Dog Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 27 October 2022. Strange or new environments Unfamiliar people or animals[7] X Expert Source Tabitha KuceraRegistered Veterinary Technician & Cat and Dog Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 27 October 2022. Active, unpredictable children Stressful events (moving and trips to the vet, especially)

Note that while a sound might make her hide for a few minutes, something like moving to a new home might make her scarce for days. Make sure she has access to food, water, and her litter box to use nearby. [11] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Trying to force your cat out of a hiding spot before she’s ready will only stress her out more and amplify the fearful response. [12] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source [13] X Expert Source Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KAFeline Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 1 March 2022. Don’t take it personally as though she’s afraid of you. [14] X Expert Source Tabitha KuceraRegistered Veterinary Technician & Cat and Dog Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 27 October 2022. When helping an aggressive or fearful cat after a move, you may want to introduce her to the new home one room at a time. Start with a calm secluded room where you can put her carrier, toys, food/water, and litter box (on the other side of the room from the food/water). [15] X Expert Source Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KAFeline Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 1 March 2022.

Have the person give her treats as well. Set the treat out where your cat can see it and then move away to a similar distance, moving closer over time. Your cat will begin to associate this person with good things instead of treating the person as a fear trigger. Remember to let your cat set her own pace. Luring her out is not the same as forcing her. Ultimately, she needs to choose to come toward the person.

Even the option of a cat tower can help calm your cat. Your cat is much more likely to respond fearfully to a situation if she feels cornered. If she always knows that she has her tower to escape to, then she’s less likely to respond aggressively when she can just run away to her safe spot.

Leave the door open, so she can explore at her own pace, but don’t try to force her away from this space.

If she won’t come out of her carrier at first, try dangling the toy near the entrance and making it jiggle for several minutes to see if you can entice her out. If not, try again later.

To help increase her curiosity, sit near your cat, avoid eye contact, and talk to her in a soothing voice. Never chase your cat or try to drag her out of her hiding places. This will only stress her out and lead to another fearful response.

If your cat shows aggressive behavior that you fear might be a danger to you or others in your household, then isolate her to one room until you can contact the specialist. [26] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source If she actually manages to bite or scratch you, then wash the area well and apply an antibiotic ointment. Also, ensure that you see a doctor at the first sign of a possible infection. [27] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source