We see things, including cats, through the veil of our human-ness. My first impulse when I see a cat is to speak to it, then go over, get down, hold out my hand for a sniff, and then start patting. Because I am a giant human, I usually am not afraid of cats.
A shy cat will bolt or hide if approached this way. Miss Moppet is a shy cat. She is only beginning to come to visit me on the couch. Or eat her breakfast while I am working in the kitchen. Right now she is resting in a preferred spot, a little kitty bed under a table by the big living room window. I would love to go over and say hi.
This is not a great idea for she feels threatened. I had been a bit saddened and frustrated by what to me seemed her stand-offishness. It finally occurred to me that I was “pushing my agenda” onto her, hoping she would conform to my expectations.
“This is quite an acceptable place. If she would just put that camera away…”
Miss Moppet getting settled in her new world.
It is best to leave her in peace when she goes to her under-the-table place. However if she is up on the cat tree and looking at me, I know I can approach slowly and see how she responds. Usually she is up to socializing then.
If she hops down a level, she is ready for a hair brushing or some patting. Miss Moppet really loves to be patted. She arches her back, rolls around, purrs and purrs and purrs and licks my hand.
Always best to wait till I get the signal. I had really thought I was being patient, but I was not.
Getting to know a shy cat is an amazing experience. I am learning to slow down and be aware of Miss Moppet’s frame of reference. I am as new to her as she is to me. She likely finds me very mysterious and scary.
missmoppets cottage 