This is Bertie. His mum asked me to visit Bertie twice a day while she was away for 10 days. She explained how he was a rescue cat and very timid. He had got used to her, but was still unsure of everyone else.
Bertie’s favourite hiding place was behind a drawer under the bed and sure enough, there he was when I went on my first visit. All I could see when I peeped in were some eyes shining back at me or the shape of his ears in the shadow. I poked my hand through so Bertie could have a sniff of me, but he wasn’t interested and stayed right towards the back out of reach. I sat and introduced myself to Bertie and explained why I was there.
Over the course of my visits to Bertie I used different techniques to get Bertie used to me; making sure he recognised me, my smell, and my sound as a positive experience. Eventually, Bertie learnt that it was safe to come out, be near me and even be touched by me and in return he gave me lots of purrs 😻
Now, I’m certainly not going to deny that there were a few cat treats involved with this, but as a cat sitter I have the time, patience and knowledge of cats to be able help cats like Bertie become trusting of me.
I love this photo of him. He looks so happy and proud of himself, such a cheeky little face!