My scared cat!? How can I?.....?

Hi there... cats need to be gradually acclimated to the environment as they by nature are territorial rather than pack animals, which is dogs are by nature. Alpha dogs is then necessary for a pack in order to hunt for food, where a cat can hunt alone. Anyhow, when a cat travels out of areas which are very familiar to them they become quite uncomfortable or even fearful especially if within the environment changes as you may be observing with your American Shorthair.

You may want to enlist the help of family and/or friends to help your cat adjust to the changes on your outdoor excursions. Have a friend or family member wait outside nearby when you two begin to leave home. If he exhibits any level of confidence, reward him with a treat - you'll need to carry treats that he considers of high value... something he can never refuse to eat. Increase the proximity of people away from home. Over time, you'll want to raise the criteria by having your trusted friends/family members make noises typical of people who do outdoor activities. Each time your cat shows a bit more confidence, again offer rewards.

The idea is to help your cat associate a pleasant reward with an unpleasant situation. Eventually, he will soon realize that going out on the excursions is a fun event, he will become less fearful. Please do keep in mind always that every cat responds differently to the experience and the amount of time of improvement can be more or less depending on temperament which is as individual to the cat. Some cats come around and others never do so be sure to keep your expectations realistic so that if he does learn to enjoy the excursions you will be nicely surprised, but if he doesn't your expectations won't disappoint you.

well is the harness a comfortably-fitting one and do you have a lightweight leash with a secure clip.You want the leash to pull from the chest rather than the throat.like most harness The cats' Walking Jacket is a fine alternative to a harness, virtually escape free, and with the leash attached mid-back, for comfort.

now to deal with being scared if any of the neighbors are outside.

A major part of overcoming your cat’s shyness and fear is overcoming your own anxiety and fear about your cat's behavior toward others. Pay attention to your own actions while walking your cat; do you shorten the leash and tense up when a stranger approaches in anticipation of your cat’s behavior? Do you get nervous before company comes to your home because you are fearful of how your cat will interact with them? Just as your cat will grow more fearful by sensing your anxiety and stress, he will find confidence in your strong, assertive leadership. You must become the pack leader, so that your cat can relax knowing that he is safe under your care. Establish your dominance through walks and obedience training, and be aware of your own mental state during interactions with strangers. During personal interactions, instruct others on how to behave with your cat. On first meeting, there should be no eye contact or touching; the stranger should act disinterested in your cat. This allows your cat to have his own personal space, and not to be threatened by what he perceives to be a dominant stranger.

but let the neighbors know that before you start taking your walks.

you should see improvement in a few weeks to a few months

however if after three months i would call your vet if this contuse because that might be sign that something else is wrong if the personality just changed i would go to the vet asap for the reason above also before you started walking him did you put the harness on for a few weeks then the lead for A few weeks before walking him if not try that and rember about your anxiety feeds his.

i hope this helps

also cats are not meant to be coped inside like the last two people said they are wild animals even though we keep them as pets there instincts are still there just take it slow and he will get comfertiable

Don't take your cat outside. He is obviously stressed. Did you have him hooked up to a leash? Even more scary! Keep him inside now.

How old is he? A little kitten? That would be a cause for more stress. It's a big big world for a little cat!

I have raised cats for over 35 years and have never had one that would be comfortable on a walk.

Cats generally do not like noise, strangers, strange places, open new places without cover, etc.

I would stop the walks. Dogs need walks, cats don't.

You are terrifying your cat not helping it.

My cats dont scare me in any respect. I do scare them each so often in spite of the undeniable fact that. noticeably my maine coon Charlie. he's so vast..yet a huge P*ssy too! Alot of legends and human beings have self assurance that cats are related to the underworld, or the international of spirits. That they might see or experience whilst a spirit is close to, or etc. i've got self assurance that it fairly is real by way of fact i offered a used merchandise on line as quickly as and saved it in my room. nicely for like a 365 days i ended slumbering in my room by way of fact creepy issues began taking place. Very undesirable desires, listening to issues, etc..yet I knew it wasnt in basic terms me by way of fact whilst i might pay attention something creepy, my cats might pay attention it too and each so often even formerly i might pay attention it. they might additionally look at something interior the air, even in spite of the undeniable fact that there develop into no longer something there..then hiss and run away. i eventually found out that the object I had offered probable had a spirit related to it..*particular, i've got self assurance in hauntings..* So now i can finally sleep in my room peacefully.. yet no Im no longer scarred of my cats..Im fairly happy to have them around if something supernatural happens...and to coach that Im no longer loopy lol!

It is possible to is scared because they are being loud. I try walkingg him around the house and let him get used to everyday noises like the T.V. being on, the dryer going.

cats don't like loud noise.they are quiet peaceful creatures and maybe your cats not so outdoorsy ok i propose taking the cat outside in a peaceful place