How to recognize a frightened cat

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PIXIE : I was very afraid during the renovation work of the bathroom, especially when the worker drilled the wall, and you could see it :

  • My pupils were dilated
  • My tail was stuck under my body
  • My whiskers were against my cheeks

Pixie, afraid, is hidden behind a bag.
Other signs are added to these when a cat is afraid:

  • Ears are flattened towards the back
  • The body is often of profile with regard to the danger or to the aggressor
  • The cat growls or hisses

If you see a cat who is afraid, leave him alone : a terrified cat will feel threatened by the slightest movement, even comforting. He could then show himself aggressive and attack. Go away and leave him time to calm down alone ; if it’s possible, eliminate the source of his dismay quickly and calmly.
You will know that his fear passed when he will resume his normal activities : eat, go to his litter box, or ask for your attention.

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21 thoughts on “How to recognize a frightened cat

  1. angelswhisper2011

    Granny always does leave me alone, when I frightenend, I go and see her in that case, but Grandpa never leaves me alone, he thinks he is helpful when I’m on da creeps and can’t understand why I hit him….MOL 😀 Pawkisses for a Calming Wednesday 🙂 <3

  2. Ellen Pilch

    Great post, I think people should teach this to their children. I keep my kitties locked in bedrooms when we have a gathering, but kids always want to see them. One time, a little girl chased one of mine into the closet and got scratched. I felt bad, but it happened so quickly there was no way to stop it.

  3. da tabbies o trout towne

    pixie…we wooda been a fraid with all that going on az well…N we bet if ewe ask zorro, he wood say he wuz a fraid two….♥♥♥♥♥

  4. Raven

    Pixie, I’m sorry you were so scared by all the construction noise. Your mom is very smart to know that you needed a calm place and some time to calm down from all that scary comotion.

  5. Robin

    Excellent advice! I’m sorry to hear that Pixie was so afraid. It can be hard for a kitty to understand what is going on when all of those obnoxious sounds and smells come around. I hope she is feeling much more calm and relaxed now that the bathroom is finished. 🙂

  6. Deztinee High

    Oh Pixie weez so sowwy yous had to be skeered like dat. Weez get fwaid sumtimes too. Weez glad all da noise and skeery peeps be gone now and life can get back to nowmal.

    Luv ya’

    Dezi and Lexi

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