Don't be shy! Trusted tips for cat sitting an anxious cat

Updated 13/02/2024

Most of us have heard of the phrase ‘scardy cat’, right? Pet parents and cat sitters alike know that it’s not unusual for our feline friends to be skittish, especially in new situations. Cat sitting an anxious cat doesn’t need to be a scary prospect, in fact, there are plenty of different ways to make a cat feel safe and comfortable whilst their parents are away.

Here are some fur favorite tips on how to cat sit a shy cat and earn their trust as a pet sitter.

Is there a difference between shy cats and anxious kitties?

Yes and no, it’s a tricky one. Some kitties are simply just born shy cats - they’ll always be nervous or hide when new people are in the house, or if any sudden or unexpected changes are made. Similarly, some cats are more prone to anxiety - they hate any changes being made to their routine, loud noises in their house, or sudden movements - and they’ll react like a shy cat by hiding and staying hidden.

There is a difference, however, between caring for a timid cat and looking after a cat with separation anxiety. If you’re pet sitting a kitty who becomes overly anxious when their humans are missing, they can show more distinctive signs of distress, such as vomiting and excessive vocalization. Make sure to have an honest conversation with the pet parents before a sit to see if this has been a problem before. Otherwise, inform their humans if you notice any odd behaviors when you do your regular updates, or else contact their vet for advice.

How to help a shy cat

When cat sitting it’s important to stick to their normal routine as much as possible. Ask their parents if they have any tips on how to help their fur baby feel comfortable and safe whilst they’re away. If they have a litter box, keep it inside as it will be covered in their scent, which will help them feel safe.

Don’t force any interactions with your cat companion, you need to play by the kitty rules. If your pet sitting feline is in the mood to meet and greet, great! Let them come to you, sniff your hand, size you up, and wait to see if they stay around for snuggles.

Keep loud noises to a minimum - make sure the TV, radio, or speakers are at a low volume, and the phrase ‘inside voices’ also applies to cat care. Shy cats are much more likely to poke their noses out of hiding if it’s quiet and calm.

What are cats scared of?

Like any creature, cats can be scared of a lot of different things. Most typically, they are very sensitive to noises and smells. Cats have amazing hearing, but it means that loud noises are amplified a lot more than they are for humans. New smells can often be seen as a threat to kitties and cause them to hide or panic.

Check out our tips on how to get a cat to trust you, which can help you bond with your next feline friend.

If you have a feline family, check out which of our verified sitters has experience with shy or anxious kitties - we’ll help you find the paw-fect sitter for your cute cat. If you’re already a TrustedHousesitters member, those with Standard and Premium memberships have 24/7 access to our Vet Advice Line if you ever have any concerns about your fur family or pet sitting buddies.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.