How to Help Your Cat Overcome Their Fear of New People

How to Help a Scared Cat?

Tip 1 – Create a Safe Retreat 

One of the first ways to help a cat that’s scared of new people is to give them at least one safe space to retreat to before any introductions. A safe space helps give your cat control, which is a key factor in reducing anxiety when unfamiliar people are around. You can help your cat feel safe by: 

• Making sure there’s a quiet room away from new people where your cat can rest, with access to their resources, such as a litter tray, water and a scratching surface, so they don’t feel the need to interact with strangers.

• Providing elevated spaces, as cats often feel safer when they’re off the ground. A bed or hammock placed in a high position can help them feel hidden and secure.

• Letting your cat decide when they’re ready to leave their safe space and investigate. Don’t force an interaction, as this only makes the situation worse for your cat. 

• Always respecting their boundaries and never cornering, chasing or picking up a fearful cat. 

Tip 2 - Take It Slow

Gradual exposure is key to helping your cat feel comfortable, but it’s important to let your cat set the pace. When introducing your cat gradually to a new person, it’s important to: 

• Get your cat used to their scent – allow your cat to sniff and interact with an item belonging to the new person, such as a worn T-shirt or blanket. This can be especially helpful if the person will be spending a lot of time in your home. However, don’t force your cat to engage with the item. 

• Have the person in the same room, but at a distance – let the person be in the room without approaching the cat. This helps them get used to their presence without feeling threatened.

• Guide the new person on how to interact with your cat – encourage them to sit calmly, avoid eye contact, speak softly and allow your cat to approach them on their own terms.

Tip 3 – Build Positive Associations 

Pairing people with positive experiences is a great way to help calm a scared cat. By using positive associations, it can help reshape your cat's perception of new people through a few simple steps: 

Offer High Value Snacks When the Person is Nearby

Offer your cat their favorite high value snack when the new person is nearby. For example, you could place a delicious Happy Snack by FELIWAY® on a lick mat or in their food bowl, keeping it at a distance from the new person to avoid forcing an interaction. 

Over time, your cat may become more comfortable and move closer, eventually reaching a point where they can lick the Happy Snack by FELIWAY® directly from the stick. But remember, this needs to be on your cat’s own terms and it may take time.

Use Toys to Engage Them

As well as treats, you can try toys! Wand toys are a great first way to engage your cat from a distance, allowing them to play without feeling the pressure from an unfamiliar person. A catnip filled toy may also be super interesting for your cat if they respond to it. Ask your guest to gently throw a catnip toy near your cat, not at them, and let your kitty choose whether to play. 

Establish Trust Through Positive Experiences

Long term positive associations are built through trust, so punishing or pressuring your cat can ruin any positive progress and end up making them more wary of new people. 

Repeat positive interactions to help build a bank of good experiences that your cat can draw on in future situations when strangers are in the home.

Tip 4 – Support Their Emotional Well-Being

When helping a cat that’s scared of new people, it is important to prioritize their well-being. FELIWAY® Optimum is a fantastic way to help your cat feel emotionally supported. This pheromone diffuser promotes enhanced serenity and can provide your cat with benefits such as:

• Helping them feel calm – using pheromones, which are part of cats’ natural communication system, the diffuser sends calming signals. This helps your cat feel safe in changing environments and social situations.

• Long lasting serenity – simply plug it a few days before guests arrive or when a new person moves in and leave it plugged in. Each refill lasts 30 days, and the diffuser is designed for continuous use, helping your cat feel calmer for longer. 

• Improving their safe space – put your FELIWAY® Optimum in a room where your cat spends most of their time, ideally near their safe space, to give them an extra feeling of comfort. 

Tip 5 – Be Patient and Consistent

Progress may be slow, but that’s okay. For cats, trust is built over time, not forced in moments. If you and your feline friend are taking smaller steps, try things like: 

• Celebrating small wins – a sniff, a blink or a nearby nap. These are all signs of growing trust.

• Respect your cat’s personality – some kitties may always prefer quiet companionship, and that’s perfectly okay.

• Keep your cat’s routines consistent – a predictable routine can help your cat feel more secure.

• Introduce new people one at a time – if possible, keep introductions gradual to avoid overwhelming your cat.

• Consult a professional – if your cat’s fear persists or you notice a sudden change in how they cope with different people in your home, there may be an underlying medical reason. In these cases, it’s important to consult your vet.

To find out more about kitty behaviors, continue exploring our FELIWAY® blog online. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop with everything we’re up to!