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Gaining a cat's trust
Pet owners sometimes fear that their companion(s) may not feel at ease with a sitter. If this was the case it could render the whole sitting arrangement a bit pointless. Yes, the cat is in familiar surroundings. Food and water are being provided, litter boxes cleaned. But what if s/he keeps hiding under the bed, too frightened to connect with a stranger, unable to enjoy cuddles and playtime? What if s/he experiences similar anxiety levels at home as s/he would in a cattery?
If your cat is shy around strangers it is most helpful to choose a sitter who understands cat behaviour. Ideally this would be someone who finds the right balance between respecting your cat's need for self-protection and encouraging her/him to come out of his/her shell. It can also be useful to share as much information as possible about what stresses your cat and what makes him/her happy. One example: A host of mine told me that her cat was timid around strangers and tended to hide under the bed but loved to be brushed. So instead of cowering next to the bed and sweet-talking her all I needed to do was to tap gently on a brush and she would emerge from under the bed for the pleasure of being groomed.
When I get to know a cat, I usually avoid initial direct eye contact and towering over her/him. Instead I try to be on the same level as her/him and establish eye contact, short at first, when I feel it wouldn't intimidate him/her. During a catsit I strive to
Once trust has been established, I make sure to be available for regular playtime and cuddles. This will help the cat to relax and feel safe during a sit. Pet owners are often surprised about how fast their companions adopt me as their sitter. When I send photos they see them head-butting, cheek-rubbing and licking my face or lying on their backs and giving me the goo goo eyes. Some of my hosts have even reacted sligthly hurt, suggesting that their companion might have forgotten all about them. This is not true of course. They just know how to adapt to new situations. To say it with a Steven Stills song: If they can't be with the one they love, the love the one they're with. :)