The Association Blog

Inspo from Lollypop Farm’s behavioral modification program for shy cats

Two quick takeaways from the oldie-but-goodie recorded webinar, Scaredy Cats: Behavior Modification for Shy Cats in Shelters:

A Hiding Place Is a Shy Cat’s BFF

Always, always, always provide a hiding place for your shy cats—and, say the folks at Lollypop Farm, “don’t ever take this away!” It can range from a commercially made hiding box to a cardboard box with a hole cut out, even a towel hung over one side of the cage. (And P.S. this is a necessity for all the cats in your care, not just the shy ones.)

Minimize the # of Moves 

It’s important to avoid moving cats around too much—what the behaviorists at Lollypop Farm call “playing cat Tetris”—as multiple moves from one kennel to another, or from one room to another, can be stressful for shy kitties and set their progress back. Smart moves, however, include a relo from a bottom cage to a top cage, a quieter area of your shelter, or a quiet office foster.

For more tips like this–including how to assess sensitivities to handling and getting these kitties used to human touch, listen to the complete recording.

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