cats afraid of strangers
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| Fri, 03-04-2005 - 4:27pm |
We have 2 19 month old neutered furbrothers, whom we got at a shelter when they were 4 months old. In the beginning, they loved everyone, and have never received anything but good treatment from us. Before that, I don't know. Over the past few months, they have become very fearful of anyone new (adults, that is--they still love kids) and we can't figure out why.
They've never been outside, and we've never allowed anyone to mistreat them. They're really sweet and friendly to us. One of them, Tapley, is a bit aloof unless he needs a warm lap. The other, Spock, chases us all over the house meowing to be scratched and rubbed.
But when a strange adult comes in, they both flee to their secret bunkers, wherever those are. It took my mom her 5-day entire visit to get Spock to let her pet him. Tapley would consent to be in the same room with her, but wouldn't let her near him.
We have been using the same cat sitter for about a year when we go away, and she says the only way she knows we have cats at all is that the box has been used and the food eaten. Otherwise, she sees no traces of them, which really makes her sad.
Is this just a phase, like separation anxiety in humans, or is it a permanent part of their personalities? They're such awesome little guys that I hate for visitors to not be able to enjoy them.

Hi Ashmama.
I HAVE 13 CATS IN THE HOUSE AND ABOUT 4 OF THEM NO ONE EVER SEES. AND THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN MISTREATED.
LOVE IS SHOWN BY DEEDS, NOT WORDS.