Cats and kittens that haven’t been handled much tend to be a bit shy. They might make up to one or two people after a lot of exposure to loving gestures, but they may continue to shun others. Anyone who has adopted feral and formerly feral cats and those who’ve had little human contact during their formative weeks, have probably experienced the hidey cat.
I’ve had several cats who run for cover under the bed or blankets upon hearing the doorbell or footsteps on the porch. One of my daughters asked me once if I really did have a cat or was he imaginary because she had never seen anything of the cat except a streak of fur dashing off as she’d enter my house.
You might wonder if your staunch hidey cat will ever become cordial. I’ve seen it happen
three times. Katy came from a kitten-mill. While she adapted to those of us in the household quite readily, the intrusion of guests frightened her. The only people she’d make up to were those who spent the night here. By morning, overnight guests were, in Katy’s eyes, part of the family. She was also relaxed with close neighbors when they’d come into the house. We believed that was because she recognized them and their scent through open windows over time.
As Katy aged, she seemed to forget that she was afraid of strangers or she just didn’t have the energy to run and hide anymore. In fact, she’d invite petting from visitors. I’m so glad she got to experience the love she deserved—not only from us, but others—before she walked over the rainbow bridge at the age of nearly 18.
Sophie had spent her first ten weeks living on the streets with her mother cat. When we 
brought her home, she became a hidey cat, only allowing a few random people to see her. We still can’t figure out how she hand-picks them. She might hide from a cat-loving neighbor or friend and wander out to greet a delivery person or visitor who isn’t at all interested in cats. At Christmas this year, we entertained 20 or so family members, including all ages of children. Once everyone had left, Sophie stepped out from under the sofa in the living room where we’d congregated over the four hours or so. She’d been with us the entire time, only none of us knew it.
Lily was one of 15 kittens born to 3 mother cats eight years ago. The whole kit and caboodle of cats and kittens were kept in an attic until adoption day. So she didn’t get a lot of attention, until she came to us. At the time, we had Winfield, a friendly cat and Sophie, a hidey cat. Lily could have copied either one of these models, she chose to hide with Sophie.
Lily is also a glutton. She loves meal time and treats, and handouts. So I’ve begun giving guests of all ages a couple of kitty treats for Lily and she’s finally starting to greet guests rather than hide from them.
