I get to babysit a cat all next week!

[charlie and algernon]

A friend of mine is going to the convention and he left me his cat to watch. Unfortunately it's a very shy cat, so I doubt I'll be seeing much of her. Any way to actually coax a cat into playing with you?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Roll naked in catnip and tuna.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

8. DTTB...

whatever you do

[charlie and algernon]

9. I'll try not to

[zanne]

2. Bribes! Catnip or some irresistible cat treat.

When I buy cat treats, I notice my cats go absolutely crazy about the tartar control goodies. Oh---and alot of patience.

[charlie and algernon]

3. sounds good

i may need to pick up some goodies

[bullwinkle428]

7. They're called "Liv-A-Littles" - completely irresistible!

http://shop.halopets.com/Natural-Treats

You can get them at Petco, if you have one nearby...

[Arugula Latte]

4. Dangle string or other enticing things that move

:)

Some kitties can't resist.

[charlie and algernon]

5. lol, perhaps catnip scented string?

[Arugula Latte]

6. Yep, couldn't hurt.

:)

[Demoiselle]

10. The most irresistible cat toys I know are:

1. The Cat Dancer---coiled wire with little rolls of cardboard on the end that jitters in a very enticing way and--
2. A laser pointer--cats love chasing that little red dot.

The trick with a shy cat is never to force the relationship. Move quietly, sit quietly in one place and let her come to you. If you like, you can try to shut off some of the living (and hiding) space to her, so she has to stay a bit closer to you and (you hope) will get to know you better. Patience, quiet and a laser pointer. But most of all, patience.
I currently have 7 cats...5 indoor cats--3 of whom are a bit shy, one indoor/outdoor cat who is fearless, and one outdoor only (feral) cat, who will allow me to pet her when I feed her. I love them all.

[charlie and algernon]

11. good tips

:thumbsup:

[Arugula Latte]

12. My cats LOVE the cat dancer!

It moves like an insect (moth?) flying.

[Arugula Latte]

13. Forgot to say: squint at the kitty

Seriously, cats communicate with other cats, and with humans in the know, by slowly blinking. It's a reassuring thing to them and tells them that all is good and that you are a friend, not a foe.

[Robeson]

14. Give her treats and eye kisses....

...that usually breaks the ice.

Oh, and post pics for us! :-)

[applegrove]

15. Make sure you are there when she/he eats. That is the fastest way

to a cat's heart. Give them lots of treats.

[SoxFan]

16. Bribery works well

[bertha katzenengel]

17. catnip and a laser pointer

but not at the same time.