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Anonymous
Hi /an/. I was wondering...is there any way to make your cat less skittish? Like, any good, SAFE, harmless way to desensitize him to everyday household noises and activities?

I mean, I love my cat, and thus will keep him irregardless of his behavior. But it might be easier living with him for the next, say, 20 years if he was just a little more normal.

Pic related. Cat in question.
>> Anonymous
Where do you think the term "fraidy cat" came from? Some cats are just jumpy; most are, in fact. Try not to slam things in their presence, but if you can't help it, the cat will live through a little fright anyway.
>> Anonymous
what kinds of things is your cat afraid of?
>> Anonymous
Keep him in a place he can't run away or hide in, and make the loud noises that scare him. Immediately after, give him a treat. Every time something loud happens that normally scares him, reward him with cat treats and he'll start to associate the sounds with good things rather than bad.
>> Anonymous
>>203697

DO NOT EVER EVER DO THIS. This will traumatise the cat for life, seriously. It's exactly the wrong way to go about it.

If it's the noises your cat is afraid of rather than the objects themselves, say for instance the cat freaks when you vacuum. You want to record the sound of you vacuuming, and play it on your speakers. Start off really really low, almost inaudible. Over a period of days, slowly increase the volume. Keep doing happy normal things in your house which are familiar and safe to the cat, and when the cat is behaving normally, give the cat a treat.
>> Anonymous
There is nothing you can do.

It is a fucking cat.

You got yourself into this mess, now deal with it.

Feral pieces of shit...
>> Anonymous
>>203597

You can't be gentle with the stupid fucking thing. It is a cat, it WILL be skittish and incredibly stupid. The best thing I can recommend is you smash it in the fucking head every time it misbehaves. And while you're at it, smash yourself in the cock for being a useless catfag.
>> Anonymous
>>203651

It's hard to pinpoint what he's afraid of because it's pretty much everything. It could be just someone walking behind him or crossing a room or washing dishes or opening a door or walking down stairs or opening a window....etc.

I mean, how do you desensitize him to things like that? It's been 2 years and he's still just as bad as when he was a kitten.

Is it possible for cats to have mental problems? In some ways he honestly acts like he's schizophrenic.
>> Anonymous
Cat + Garbage Bag + River + Adopt a dog
>> Anonymous
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>>203758
>>203738

I own an Irish Setter too, fags.

GTFO.
>> Anonymous
>>203757

Yes, cats are prone to anxiety problems. A lot of cats that have been raised from kittens will be the "whatever dude" cats, and then there are a lot of the "holy shit aaaahhhhhhhhh" cats that have some inbred crap in them, or they weren't handled at a young age. A cat can get used to things like the sound of loud friends visiting and leaving all the time, music, etc, but booming noises will always at least get a dirty look from a cat and they will definitely want to leave if there is a vaccuum in use. If he trusts you and isn't completely feral, there is a chance he will outgrow skittish behavior, two years is still pretty young for a cat. Spend time with him, give him treats, don't pamper and try to avoid loud noises, just let him get used to normal everyday noises at his own pace.
>> Anonymous
>>203757

It is absolutely possible for a cat to have mental problems, especially anxiety related ones. I recommend you head off to your vet, he/she will probably prescribe some anti-anxiety medication and recommend a battle plan for desensitising the cat to these everyday things.

Incidentally, have you tested your cat's hearing (and/or sight)? It almost sounds like he's being startled by sudden movements he should be expecting/aware of by sound. I'm sure I'd jump out of my skin if the first time
I was aware of your presence was the vibration of your footsteps immediately behind me.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
Age gets a cat less Skittish, Just look at Marshal here, all hells breaking loose and it still wont wake up. (11 years old.)
>> cant touch this !AB5fTSvpY6
     File :-(, x)
there are plug ins,and sprays called FELIWAY.its meant to help cats calm down if they are stressed.give it a try,ive heard it works really well
>> Anonymous
>>203800

yep. apocalypse is definitely happening around that cat.

Also, scale down your pictures when you put them online, 3088x2320 and 1.36megs is just plain excessive for a photo of your cat on 4chan.
>> Anonymous
>>203760
chocolate cake


for a dog?
>> Anonymous
I agree that human systematic desensitization techniques can work well. They will take a lot of patience and will probably require the work of friends or semi public places/situations but may help the long term psychology of your pet (if there is such a thing.. I'm making it up).
There are some calmant ("Calm-ant"?) food supplements available to pet owners. These can be put in the pets water, food, or on their sleeping spaces. I tried one in the water supply for my cat and had so-so results. I dont like the idea of drugging a pet when nurture can help ease and cope. Remember animals have brains that are molded by experiences, and that respond to experiences.