Why does my kitten cower when I play with him?

Question

He's about 8 weeks sometimes he wil cower and stay flat on his stomach against the wall, and won't budge. When he does this,I pick him up and put him down and then he is okay.

Sometimes he will run and hide when I walk by, and then come back out.

This is only when play with him other than that he is the tuff boss.

He is so cute when he seems so fragile, it seems as though he loses all his meaness when he cowers, but he is a true gnashing monster when he wants to be.

Answer 1

He is probably being submissive. It makes me sad when I see them so frightened. With time he should become more self-confident.

Answer 2

Sometimes instinct takes over and when large imposing opponents are near, or if a large shadow passes over a small animal, the instinct to become small and hold very still takes over.  Loud noises and fast motion can trigger this response as well.

Try approaching the kitty on a level playing field.  Get down on the ground and play in the kitten zone.  Use soft tones and subtle movements, this should help your kitty get over the shyness.

Or maybe it is just a personality quirk...cats are weird that way.

Answer 3

You might wont to try letting him get the better of you in play until he is use to it a little better - cats are so touchy when it comes to playing around they have to feel comfortable to let you get them down and even then it tends to hurt their pride - cats are prideful animals they groom all the time to keep their coats of fur in top condition and if they ever get hurt and get a wound or they get their coats of fur damaged then they will not go roaming around where they normally would, until they heal up - if their fur is ruffled then they will stop what the are doing to fix it right away ....lol  However it sounds as if your cat may not be cowering when you walk by it but rather debating on an attack on your feet or legs he is only 8 weeks old in a week or 2 you'll see what I am talking about. They love to ambush and they will even come out ready to attack and then they will back off real quick at times - but they will get ya just you wait and see....lol

Enjoy your kitten you are teaching him very important defense and he will soon get the better of you when you least expect it...lol  

Have fun with him , that is what he wants!

Answer 4

He might be a little afraid of you - maybe you play to rough with the little guy, or you make to big of a fuss.  Some cats like to act big and tough, but are not.  Try some quiet time with him, or something you can be passive at, like a laser beam - he can chase that with you in the room - but don't cheer him on, just in a normal inside voice say "Good Girl/Boy"