My Cat is Afraid of Strangers 

Just imagine a stranger shows up and announces they’re friends with your brother/sister/mother/significant other. And then they immediately want to bear hug you.

My cat does not care if he is up in a tower where people can't reach him. He DOES NOT want to be in a room with people he doesn't know 🤣🤣 He's so focused on leaving the room that he doesn't event want food. And no one even touches him.

This is a much needed video for most of the cat owners.....

I have three cats. One is the " Hay, paisan". Cat two is a wait and see,highly focused. Cat #3 is "RUN FOR THE HILLS A CAT EATING DRAGON JUST CAME INTO MY HOME".

I learned early in my life that cats are invisible until they want to show themselves. In other words, pretend there is no cat. :) My little girl theory was, an irresistible person is one who dares to ignore a cat.

When someone new arrives, my cat runs to the person, smells them and then ask them to pet him. He just loves people, giving love to people and receiving love from people

Jackson, honey, I noticed you did it: you brought a Brazilian speaking portuguese on the video and at end of your video you put a chorinho (a type of Brazilian music that mix bossa nova and samba), so, thanks for that ♥

My cat runs to the door when the bell goes of and is excited! no matter how many unknown people come at the same time he says hi to every single one and demand them all to pet him. This happened the day after we got him and ever since. Is a special cat whom also plays fetch :D Edit: I love reading the commentary reply about your cats and what you think of mine ❤️

We’ve got one cat that greets everyone, wants attention and absolutely LOVES Halloween 🤣

Our cat, Nala, was an abused stray. She is scared of strangers. We have a quiet house, so she doesn’t have to worry about it too often. She runs and hides. She used to hide if she heard anyone coming up the stair outside. She’ll actually peek out now if we have food delivery!

I have two cats. One of them loves strangers so much that we fear someone can just pick him up and take him away. The other one hates strangers lol

TIL: In the U.S some states and cities have started supporting “community cats.“ Cats that dont really have an “owner“ or are a bit “ferral“ will be adopted out to be barn cats, or can be spayed or nuetured when wild populations are more than the environment can support. Such good news.

This would be great if he stayed out long enough to see they had treats 😅 he has a specific place under the bed that he will stay until the strangers are gone

I just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do. I’ve had many cats in my life, but my husband and I adopted a Maine Coon at the beginning of the pandemic and she is the most wallflower-y wallflower there is. I’ve never had a cat as scared and timid as this one, so I’ve learned a lot about how to approach her needs and increase her mojo. Last year at this time she was growling and hissing at us, completely terrified. Now, she’s on her cat tree as we speak, watching the outside world, and owning her space! 👑

Good tips that I been practicing with success throughout the years! I always tell the visitors to never go with their hands straight over my cat's face. It's threatening. And I give them a little sweet candy thing that my cat loves, so they can show my cat, they got something nice for him.

Perfect timing with this video! One of my newest rescues, Ringo, immediately runs under a bed when someone comes over. I already have high places for Ringo to go, in every room in the house. I will now tell my friend to shut up, and not call out to Ringo. Next I will have them do the bribery thing. Hope this works! All the others have no problem checking things out. Thanks for another great tip video Jackson! 😻

My cat used to be scared when we hosted a house party. Recently I found out that when I stay sober, he’s a lot more relaxed and even hangs out in the living room with everyone and lets people pet him. Turns out the thing he’s scared of isn’t my friends, but rather my drunkenness🙈

We've had neighbors come over the other day. Within a minute our cat came to them and said hi. They were totally surprised because their cats would never do that haha. I'm glad he reacted that way because he hasn't met a lot of strangers because of covid (he is now a year old).

I have 2 cats, one is friendly with strangers and the other immediately hides when strangers come to my house. I haven't higher places in the living room, so I'll put that options to him and look what will happen. 😁👍 thanks for the video!

I've been looking all over for this kind of a video! My can runs at the sound of the doorbell, or any sound for that matter! So thank you!

I remember when my mate was coming over to stay for a week, first time my cat was ever seeing her, she tends to hide under the bed with strangers, and I had to tell her for the first day to not touch her or look at her, pretend she’s not there, the next day to do the exact same thing, but give her some treats every hour (for 2 days I had work and she was way too nervous to eat anything the first day) and by the end of the 2nd day, she let my mate pet her on the stomach of all places!!

I didn’t like when a stranger did that with my pets. Just getting right up in their faces and staring at them. I know I’d be uncomfortable someone right up in my face talking to me. I kept telling him to stop that. Some humans never learn pet language. It’s why my dog doesn’t like kids usually because kids don’t know better. They’ll go right up into the pets face.

My cat would growl when people even approached the house, like the postie. She took a week to get used to my mother visiting, just in time for her leaving again. We ended up having mum doing all the feeding and super special treats while she was there so she associated mum with good things. She warmed up quicker after that.

Mine is instantly behind the sofa as soon as she hears a different voice downstairs. There is a tall scratching post by the window and cat shelves going up to the ceiling in the next room overlooking the hall but she picks the sofa in the living room. Shes very food and play orientated but it can take ages for her to come out again

Justt remember: Cats Rule (and people drool). Once humans get that all straight, we're good.

Catterina is fairly friendly. My dog loving parents and sister have met her and were allowed to give her pets. They felt so privileged. It's all thanks to Jackson because I was able to teach them some cat etiquette. But this video will help after the pandemic and I have lots of people over. I freaking love Jackson! 💖💖💖

My cat hides when he is in the presence of strangers that he doesn’t know. He loves the crap out of me!! ❤️

My cat loves me and my husband. She never hisses at anyone. She has cat towers and perches. She still hides behind the tv and then comes out when they leave. She loves to cuddles us and runs the house so she doesn't want anyone taking her. Lol in her defense she has seen her reflection and knows how cute she is.

I thought my cat was a mojitto cat. She’s the boss when it is just the household. Her tail is up. She prances around. She tells us what she wants. The moment we open the door she disappears and hides until well after the guests are gone. On the other hand what we thought was the nondominant cat stays and hams it up, taking all the attention she can get.

We have a cat that seems to like everyone. Even the neighbors 8 yr old son. They chase each other.

My cat comes up to THEM and attacks them. He hates most people.

My uncle refused to get any pets for his children. But one day he found a kitten at his allotment garden and brought it home. When visitors came the cat hid under the couch and would attack feet if people laughed or spoke to loud. I've never seen my uncle so proud and happy then in those moments.

I wouldn’t like it either if strangers came to my house and start touching, petting, picking me up, kissing or hugging me.

English: fixed, spayed, neuteted Romance languages: *S T E R I L I Z E D, C AS T R A T E D*

I definitely need a more in depth version of this vid for my little man lol

You are great, Jackson ! I laugh and smile while listening .

Thank you so much for this video! This is exactly my 2 cats' problem. They're terrified of people they don't know and now they started to run away when they hear the doorbell. I cover one hiding spot, they find another...

Great! Thanks Cat Daddy!!

I am travelling and cat sitting in peoples houses. Your videos really helped with some cats. Yesterday i started sitting a super shy cat, that was actually always leaving a room when I entered. Today I closed the door to the upper flat level so the cat needs to stay in my room and I put her sleeping cave and cat tree closer to my couch where I was just doing my computer work. Food was not at all a motivation for that cat to come closer. Slowly during the day I started to sit closer to her sleeping cave. And this evening I put a little string to her sleeping cave and she actually wanted to play a bit. That playing really helped to get her out of her cave and she took a first treat and a quick little sniff on my hand. I will be here a few more days and love the process of fearful cats becoming your friend.

Jackson, I couldnt have used this video more. My dad has had a lot of home visits from nurses recently and my cats have had trouble adjusting

I have a cat named Luna who I call “Mimi” as a nickname, because she is so “hey, what about me?” But, she’s also a wallflower cat and doesn’t care about anything but getting as far away as possible from people she doesn’t know. She eventually warms up, but it takes at least a week of positive interactions.

I have three cats in three categories when there are guests. One gray cat who doesn't care who comes in and doesn't socialize, just calm like a queen. One black cat who meows and nudges everyone's feet specially kids. And a fluffy cat who absolutely hate kids. He just runs to the room and goes to the top bunk of the bed. And he's the type if you're new, he wants you to not go or look at him. And after a while if he deems you "safe", he just goes out and he'll be the one who come to you.

OMG, what a pleasant person, handsome and kind

We have 3 cats who are all different with strangers. Our little one who came to us feral hides, but does peek out. Our middle one, gets into her cat tree and observes. She does not mind being pet by these people and will play if invited. Then there is our Social Butterfly who will come to any stranger for attention. She rubs them and rolls around for attention.

Just watched the lost cats of Philadelphia episode and finally decided to become a foster and TNR volunteer. Also excited to have an abandoned little boy cat added to our family through my son and daughter-in-law adopting him. Can't wait to help them catify their apartment and give him is best life.

Sound advice. That food bribery thing would probably work on me too. Some stranger comes over to visit and sets a lasagna on the table, I'mma be like "Hello, new friend!" 😄

Your videos are so helpful. My cat and I get along so well because I started watching you when I adopted him last June. I’m so glad we avoided fighting with him by giving yeses, lots of play, and not taking his behavior personally. Thank you Jackson!

I have two cats, Max and Chloe. Max is usually the more vocal and adventurous of the two. He's also more easily thrown by odors and still spooked sometimes by the coffee grinder. Chloe was more timid when I adopted them but a love a bug and more comfortable around strangers. Max will vanish and check out their odors after they leave. And it's hard to desensitize him during the pandemic.

Cats are such individuals! I don't remember having a really nervous cat, but one we had was so much the opposite it was ridiculous. One time we had a workman come to do a job. He popped his work bag on the floor and the cat immediately went and sat in it! Another time we had some plastering done. As I was working nights they were given a key to start work. When I got home, one of the plasterers said "I fed the cat". The next morning they said that the cat rushed at them and grabbed one's leg as he used to do to me as well. It simply meant "There you are at last! Where's the food?"

My cat (also called Mimi) is terrified of strangers, and particularly if they come in trucks or cars. Her mother was feral stray, and although we had two other cats at the time, I took her in as she was pregnant. Initially, she would bite me and scratch me, but gradually came to trust me. I made her a place in the attic where she could give birth, and showed it to her, but she stayed outside except coming in for food. My two cats were scared of her, as she was quite wild. She showed up at my door one night, ran upstairs to the birthing place and promptly had two kittens. I watched them being born. It was a hectic time with the two kittens, wild mama and our own two cats. Trying to keep all of them safe, fed and happy. For the sake of Sara and Matty (our two cats) after having the feral mama and boy kitten neutered and vaccinated, we had them adopted. I kept Mimi. I sometimes wonder if she hates strangers and cars because they took away her mama and brother (which broke my heart, but was necessary for Sara's sake - she was very unhappy). Sadly Matty died, so now it's just Sara and Mimi who will be 3 in May. Sara and Mimi aren't the best of friends, but they rub along okay. Sara is very friendly with people who visit, whereas Mimi hides upstairs in the attic where she was born, or in the bushes outside.

I've noticed that my cats have been much less afraid of the women who have come to our house than the men. I'm guessing the reason is actually that the guys were bigger and therefore more intimidating, and also that since a couple of the women were family they smelled more familiar, BUT I still like to joke that my cats are just sexist, lol

So good to see another Brazilian in here! And loved the Kramer reference. Thanks Jackson for the wonderful information you provide to us (and to our cats)

Literally no one in my family has ever seen my cat. No matter how much we accomodate he. If she sees and or hears any human other than my fiance and I she runs and hides in the bed until they leave.

My Gracie loves the cable guys. I'd say she's very much a mojito cat.😸

Thx for the videos they are really helpful

Great advice Jackson 👍

Nice one, Jackson! I got happilly surprised to watch a fellow brazilian asking for your wisdom/advice! And to hear that song in the end! Thanks a lot! My cat Amora is also very afraid of strangers. Will remeber those tips next time we are able to receive visitors. Stay well! We love you

Huehue Coyotl is not afraid of stranger (people), he comes forth, sniffs around, and then goes to wherever he wants without hiding. He is no common cat. Ferarless. Sociable. I advise the knuckle nose intro. I love my cat. My cat loves me. COVID be damned! Great video. General lesson: Don't take cat for granted, go slow, let cat lead. And in our case, let curiosity reign.

I have two cats and they’re complete opposites. One loves meeting new people and one is more anxious around new people

I swear your videos are psychic and come at the right time!!

This is a good idea, my young cat Quinn, was a street cat until 5 months of age. She is now very happy and well adjusted to her domestic life, apart from greeting visitors. She has finally become accustomed to my partner visiting, but others are not welcome. She is a smart, confident, dominant cat, I just want her to not be scared and feel okay that others are there.

Such a timely video, a plumber came by to fix the sink yesterday and my sweet 9 month old kitten, Bunny has been extra needy ever since.

I never write comments, but I just came across your channel as I am adopting a kitten ! Just wanted to say that your videos are very helpful and clear, and always informative without being boring. Thanks for making such high quality videos , keep it up !

Always great info and tips!!

My cats are all up in my face whenever I am in the kitchen. I often have thoughts of how I will be able to manage with them all over the counters and the table when we have company coming for dinner ... but then I remember that when we have company, they will be under the bed ... and all my concerns float away!

Both of our cats are mojito cats, but with VASTLY different energy levels. The younger girl will rush the door to greet literally anyone and immediately wants all the pets. The older one waits in the living room for you to come to her before she greets you. neither are even remotely afraid of strangers.

THANKS....I needed this

Great practical tips! Thanks so much!

This is the video I needed! 🙏🏽

One of my cats is staring directly into my eyes whole the time. I love it. Not only mine but most of the people - they are go crazy about staring into cats eyes.

I have 3 Mojito cats and 3 Wallflowers. The Wallflowers are siblings we got from a bad situation, we got them at 4-5 months old but it was already too late for socialization. Been trying to get more people to come to the house to see them to show them strangers are okay and won't hurt them but we can never have enough people over. One of them, Lunala, stays on her tower and bolts up there if anything changes. Another one, Sugar, will bolt behind the cat tower. The last, Solgaleo, goes and hides either upstairs or in my room.

Thank you for the Seinfeld clip. Love that! The best show ever

Thank you 🐱🤗

That last bit its true. I have a scaredy wall flower cat and noticed that if I walk past her with out eye contact or even face the other way, she's fine.

My Bella is a wall flower and I follow all these pointers. She's still very careful but if you see her enough times, don't approach her and give her some treats she will eventuuuualllly come say hi. Til then, she keeps under the bed or up on top of the book case. Also, feliway helps! Synthetic cat pheromones that you put in the wall socket. Helps calm her.

The animation 💧🐈‍⬛ lmao

My cats are unnatural, they instantly come up to the new person to investigate. 😂 Still don't want to be touched without knowing them but they think they're guard dogs.

“Weirdo” 🤣🤣 video maravilhoso!!! Thanks Jackson

I love how you always have questions from people all over the world, in all different languages as well 💖 The whole Planet is blessed by Cat Daddy... maybe even the whole universe when the kitty loving aliens catch wind 👽🐱🚀 love from Australia 🇦🇺

thankyou for the tips, im now starting to understand my cat 🐈💜

"Don't try and pet the cat!" is far easier said than done for a 4 year old nephew! lol.

My cat is almost 12 months. He is a perfect people judge. Some people he will love from the first sight and he will want to play and cuddle with them, on the others he will be hissing and run away from.

LOVE your videos! ❤

I have one of each. My male cat won’t leave strangers alone and my female bby is fickle as ever. I love them both so much 💖

I've definitely noticed that my kitten doesn't like it when we have guests. However, my other two are not too bad. My tabby loves everyone, and my older princess loves my mom and guys. My kitten runs for the hills 🙈

One of my cats is a special kind of cat. She has never met a "stranger". The other 2 retreat until they scope you out

Me and my very antisocial boy Truman watched this together, thank you Jackson!

Thank you for the video! We are just introducing cat sitters for our 10 month old cat!

I'd say my Mika is the Mojito type, he runs to the door as soon as the doorbell rings and meows until the visitor comes in, and starts rubbing on their legs 😊

Love it! So useful. I have a 4 month old thinking of the future after lockdown once we can have people over😅

I'm still working on getting a scratching post for my cat cheese it, so for now his place of retreat is in my closet where I store all of my good/ seasonal clothes. He also sheds a lot. XD Seriously though, he's coming more and more out of his shell every day and I am so proud! Take Jackson's word for it. Food does help. A lot. Sometimes leaving food by a hiding cat is the difference between never seeing them that day and cuddling with them on the couch.

Mais um vídeo do Brasil!!! Love it!

thx

Our 10 month boy was adopted mid-2020 at the height of the pandemic. At the shelter he was social and didn't show signs of fear of strangers. However about 3 months after we brought him home, a friend dropped in - and Ham zoomed out if sight. After the gentleman left, it was 2 hours before I could entice him to come out again. It has continued to the point that I fear using a sitter to come in and check on him if we need to be away a few days.

I have one of each, one will come into the room, up for a short sniff, then she’ll just flop on a chair. The other one runs, but I’ll try the up heigh perch with some treats :)

So this is also a list for how to approach an introvert. 😝

LOL. You are too funny 😂 !!

So good that the video starts with a Brazilian girl and ends with samba playing

Omg needed this bc anytime my fam comes over, my 2 cats retreat. The girl will eventually come out after awhile of them being over ... i have their cat tree in my office so that i can get work done during the week, but I'm def gonna invest in another cat tree ( i should've had a 2nd one already but u know 😊 )

My giant black male cat does that. He never met a stranger. He is very dog like. Lol