As a cat owner, you’re used to warm welcomes, cuddles on the couch, and constant play. While felines act lovable toward their owners, however, they often get skittish around strangers, instantly dashing off to another room. Since you’re used to friendly interaction, this can be frustrating when new visitors arrive. If your cat acts up around strangers, the pet boarding facility, Bar-King Dog Kennel in Keaau, HI, shares how to make your little one feel more comfortable.

Socialize Your Cat From an Early Age

The best way to keep cats relaxed around strangers? Start socialization early. Kittenhood is an ideal time to boost confidence and bring fear levels down, so continue inviting over your most frequent visitors, such as family members, neighbors, and friends. This gives your furry friend time to adjust to new personalities, and eventually, they’ll feel more familiar.

Try new experiences too, from visiting the veterinarian, booking a pet grooming appointment, or bringing your little loved one along to a new home. Pack food and toys whenever you travel, rewarding your kitten during each new experience. 

Prepare for Guests

Before guests arrive, prepare your home by setting out your cat’s favorite playthings. A variety of activities will keep your cat busy and distracted, taking his or her mind off of visitors. Lay out a soft, cozy bed and a climbing wall so there are multiple ways to play, and add convenient hiding areas, such as tubes or a small wall surrounding the bed. If nerves kick in, your furry friend will have a place to relax. 

Try Practice Visits 

Before visitors even arrive, try a practice run by going through common guest behavior, such as ringing the doorbell. Let your cat know that this is nothing to fear; use treats to calm down and reward your furry friend. Follow up by allowing a familiar face to pose as a guest, such as a family member who resides in the home. Eventually, start inviting new faces over, and reward your cat when good behavior occurs. Sooner rather than later, visitors can enter without your cat acting skittish or immediately dashing off.

Getting your cat adjusted to strangers takes time, but it’s well worth the effort. Eventually, you’ll find your little loved one cozying up to visitors. As Keaau, HI’s premier pet boarding facility, Bar-King Dog Kennel provides your furry friends with the love and attention they crave. It’s a great place to get your cat comfortable with new people and pets alike. Visit the website to learn more about cat boarding or call (808) 966-8733 to schedule your tour of the pet boarding facility today.