I have my maine coon for 4 months and he still runs away from us. When I sit down, he'll come over and sit upon top of my newspapers when I read or sit near me. Is there any way we can do for my maine coon so he can stop running away as we walk in the house.

Every so often I'll pick him up so he'll get use to me.

I need some help in this matter. HELP

-- Anonymous, November 08, 1998

Answers

Is you cat shy, or does he just want some exercise? Is he running away to hide, or is he trying to play CHASE? It's pretty easy to tell, because a cat who wants to play will hold his tail up or arched up in a half circle, and only run a little way off. A shy cat will 'tuck' his tail under, or let lay along the ground as he sulks away. Playing with shy cats - If your cat is shy, and running away to hide, you need to find some interactive toys to play with him, and lure him out. "Teasers" "fishing poles" and "Cat Dancers" are great for teasing a shy cat out of hiding. Set aside a little time morning and evening, when cats tend to be most active, and bring out the 'special' toys. Even just a wad of paper on a piece of string can make a special toy (and a special time). And when he's worn out from playing, get out a few special cat cookies. Then you may even get a few 'snuggles' from that shy cat. Just let him set the pace. Playing "Git-chew" Some cats 'run' because they to be . My first Maine was an "only 'coon" so had to act like his brothers and sisters. We played a game called "git-chew!" He would run a little way off, and we would say "Get you!" and if he wanted to play chase, he would run a little further, tail in the air. So we would "chase" him, saying "get you! gitchew,gitchew,gitchew.." If he pretended to hide, by ducking his head behind something, we'd grab his tial "Get you Tail!" Then he'd run off again, or would 'run away' back to the bed and lay down. He'd run in and across, then it was our turn to run after him. When we got a second kitten, they played chase morning and evening (still do). But sometimes he still wants to play with us. He comes over looking wild eyed, and we ask him '"Git-chew?" and if he runs off, tail in the air, it's time to play chase. Good luck with your cat Cathy

-- Anonymous, November 10, 1998

My former Maine Coon used to show this behavior sometimes. It usually meant that she was trying to draw me into an area of the house that was "her" territory, and that she wanted to play "hunting" games with her toys. Because your cat is coming up to you when you sit quietly, and lets you hold him, it's clear that the cat enjoys your company. Your cat may have decided that a certain room is "his territory" and prefer to play in there!

Another suggestion: are you quiet when you come in? Or do you greet people loudly, wear loud shoes that clack on a wood floor, put down heavy packages, etc? When I first got my Coon, noise made her EXTREMELY skittish, and she would run and hide, but come out later when things were quieter. This included someone walking on a wood floor in heavy boots or heavy-heeled pumps. She never came to like noise or loud people, nor did she enjoy music, unlike some other cats I have had.

Good luck,

Emily

-- Anonymous, November 13, 1998