by Nicole Cook

Created on: March 13, 2009

Do you feel guilty about having company in your home because you're scared how your cat will react? Does she dart under the bed or cower behind the couch at the mere sound of your doorbell ringing? Or do you try to avoid company all together because of the stress it seems to cause for your cat? It can be disheartening when your beloved cat is terrified of anyone you invite into your home. Some cats may even become aggressive towards guests or even their owners as a result of their anxiety towards company.

Cats are extremely sensitive creatures and very intuitive when it comes to our feelings. While the problem may have begun with one particular stranger or guest, a cat can sense their owner's apprehension and fear that the issue will occur again, therefore almost placing the cat on guard with any future guests. Cats must do everything in their own time, and at a pace that they feel comfortable with. Therefore you should never push guest onto your cat or force your cat to meet a new person.

You must remember that your home is also your cat's home and while you may have invited someone to visit within the home, your cat really had no choice in the matter. There are a few things that you can do to not only make your cat more comfortable in the presence of strangers but to also prepare him or her for the arrival of company as well as warn her that company will soon arrive. You should also make sure that under no circumstance should your can have to come into the room with your company in order to eat, drink water or use her litter box. These items should be located in an area of your home that your cat can visit without the added anxiety of a stranger being present in the room as well. If your cat's dinnertime occurs during a time period when your home is filled with guests, attempt to feed her early or in a quiet area of the house where again, guests are not forced upon her.

Giving your cats cues that will allow her to know guests will soon arrive can be extremely helpful in this transition as well. Some of her anxiety and stress can stem from the fact that she was not aware of anyone's imminent arrival. Setting up a simple routine before the arrival of guests will allow your cat to associate the activities of the routine with the arrival of guests. This will allow her to make the choice ahead of time as to whether she wishes to stay in the area where your guests will be, or to retreat to a place in the home she feels safe before your guests actually arrive.

You can give your cat a certain treat or toy only on days when you plan to have company. Giving her these items a few minutes before their arrival may actually help your cat to associate guests with something positive, something she may find pleasure in. Taking time out to play with your cat, brush or pet her just before your guests arrive will also help with this task. Positive association and positive reinforcement is key to alleviating your cats fear, stress, and anxiety towards guests and strangers. However take note of the fact that some cats will never enjoy the presence of strangers in what they consider to be "their domain" and this should be respected as well. Sequestering your cat to a quiet room in your house that contains all the items she may need such as a litter box, water, food, a bed and toys will allow you to provide her with her space but still enjoy the presence of company in your home.

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