Cats may be less likely to approach children, guests who are very tall, or people they’ve never encountered before. Be especially patient with your cat when guests of this kind come by.
If your guests are patient and calm, you may consider bringing your cat out. However, make sure he has an escape route if he becomes overwhelmed.
You can also provide vertical spaces for the cat to escape to if he feels threatened, such as tall cat trees. He can also watch and assess a situation safely, before deciding it’s OK and he wants to join in. Knowing when to hide and protect himself and when to come out and play is an excellent social skill for your cat to develop.
Your vet might recommend using zylkene, which can help pets manage stress. Some people believe that certain flower extracts, such as Bach Flower Remedies’ “Rescue Remedy”, can help their cats relax. Give the proper dose to the cat before company arrives. Always consult a veterinarian before administering medication to you cat.
If the cat remains calm, reward his behavior with treats, play, or petting and attention for a few minutes, then put him back in the safe area. You can repeat this exercise a few times while your guest is visiting. If the cat seems uncomfortable, move him further away until he is calm, and reward him as just outlined.
Anti-anxiety medication can help with this process also. If your cat becomes anxious, simply increase the distance until he is calm.
Make sure that the people around your cat are kind and gentle. Avoid very loud noises. Be careful with young children, who may not understand how to handle a kitten.
