Expert: Jessica - 12/15/2009

Question
We just adopted a 9 month old domestic shorthair from a rescue organization. He was there for 3 weeks, prior to that he was at the county shelter, before that we don't know. He is super affectionate, purrs loudly and often, loves to be touched, petted and held - all in all a very sweet kitty. He's very jumpy though. If he is on the couch and I come over to sit by him, as soon as I start to sit down he jumps up and runs away. He comes right back though. He does this whenever the front door opens or when someone stands up from sitting on the couch too. But he always comes right back. It just seems strange considering how loving and affectionate he is with people. Do you think this behavior will ease up as he gets more comfortable in our home? It seems to be a little better every day but I'm worried it might just be how he is and I'm not sure how to handle it.
Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Shauna.  I do think that his behavior will continue to improve as he becomes more secure in his new environment.  Shelter life can be damaging to the emotional well-being of some sensitive kitties, and it takes stability to heal them.  Once he realizes he's not being bounced around anymore, he is likely to begin to relax.

However, there certainly are cats who remain skittish.  You might want to try a product that can help calm him.  I would recommend using some flower essences to promote a feeling of safety.  The brand I like is Spirit Essences (www.spiritessences.com), because they were created by a widely renowned holistic vet and an animal behaviorist.  I would suggest their Scaredy Cat remedy.  The essences can be added to water, given by mouth, applied to the head or mixed with water and used as a mist to treat the room.

Another product that often helps nervous cats is Feliway.  This is a synthetic facial pheromone, a hormone cats release through their cheeks, which helps cats to be relaxed and content.  I use the plug-in diffuser in my own home.  You can learn more about how it works at www.feliway.com.  I have found the diffuser set ups to be least expensive on amazon.com, and refills to be least expensive at www.entirelypets.com, but the products are also available at pet stores.

Good luck, and thanks for adopting a shelter kitty!

Jessica