My cat is terrified of me, whenever I try to pet her she runs away.
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If you have ever physically punished your cat, it is possible that your cat has developed a fear of you. On the other hand, you can be the gentlest of cat owners and still have a cat that runs when you try to pet her. Often this behavior is due to poor socialization of the cat when she was a very young kitten. Kittens need to be socialized to human touch between the ages of 2-7 weeks. This is when kittens learn that being held and pet by humans is pleasurable. Kittens that don't receive much early socilization may always be a little skittish around people and not associate petting with a positive experience. Some cats are also just more sensitive to being pet - it doesn't feel good to them; it arouses or irritates them. A cat that doesn't like the way petting feels will run away to avoid the experience. Yet, that same cat may enjoy your company and want to be in the same room with you.
You can encourage your cat to come closer for petting by doing the following simple steps:
1) let your cat initiate the interactions, rather than you trying to impose them on your cat;
2) Sit or squat down whenever you would like your cat to approach so that you don't seem as threatening to your cat;
3) Reward your cat's approach with a favorite treat or a tiny bit of canned food;
4) Let your cat smell your hand before you attempt to pet or touch;
5) If your cat is shy about its head being touched, try scritching under the chin or at the base of the tail;
6) Reward your cat for allowing you to touch her.
7) Keep your petting brief and increase as she seems more tolerant.
8) Instead of petting your cat when she approaches, engage her in play with an interactive toy to help build a bond between the two of you.
9) Be patient with your cat and yourself.
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