All of our cats are fairly shy but our tortoise-shell, Julie, takes the cake. I’ve mentioned before that she never allows anyone other than me to pick her up. When company comes she runs and hides.

This past weekend was especially perilous for her, with a four-year-old occupying the guest room. Here she is hiding in one of those carpet-covered pieces of cat furniture. She just fits inside. Unfortunately the indignity of being “outted” by the flash caused her to give up this apparently secure spot for a better one under the bed. Sorry Julie.

I have no idea if this is true, but I’ve heard that pets take on personality traits from their owners. There is definitely a part of me that is very shy. When I was a kid I used to hide in my room as much as possible when visitors came to the house.

Our pets are actually less shy when they are outdoors than when they are inside the house. When strangers are in the garden Julie will keep her distance, but she does usually allow herself to be seen. Other times she will get quite close but be under a shrub where she feels protected. Our other cats are the same way. But they will run from any loud noise or big movement.

Tricia and I have also wondered at their behavior toward the dogs that come down the street on leashes. For some they will barely lift their heads from their naps while sitting on the front porch or the sidewalk. Others will definitely put them into full alert mode. It doesn’t seem to be the size that makes the difference, but I can’t seem to tell what it is.