Getting Started -
Fear of People
There are
many reasons why cats develop fears. Cats that are handled
frequently and regularly during the first few weeks of life are
generally more exploratory and more social. Without adequate,
continuous and positive interactions with people and other
animals as young kittens between 3 and 9 weeks of age, cats may
develop fears.
Cats can also learn to respond fearfully as a result of just one
experience that was intense or traumatic. This learning may then
generalize to similar situations. For example, a bad experience
with a small child could result in a cat that is fearful of all
small children.
If a cat is punished or some other disturbing event happens in
the presence of a particular person or other animal, the cat may
begin to pair the stimulus (the person or other animal) with the
unpleasant consequence (punishment).
Genetics are
another contributing factor to the development of fears. There
are some cats that are inherently timid and fearful. These cats
may never become outgoing and highly sociable.
Poor
nutrition during early development can also affect the kitten's
healthy emotional development.
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