Missy is afraid of my Mother-In-Law

[TheZu]

So we discovered yesterday that Missy is afraid of my Mother-In-Law. For reference, we live downstairs to her in a small studio suite under the deck (So it's all one room. Also has two big windows so everyone can essentially see our whole living space all the time.)

Anyway, I've taken to letting her wander outside for ten-fifteen minutes if I'm home (she's microchipped and it's a private yard nowhere near the road). I never thought we'd ever let our cat our like this, but Missy is actually surprisingly trained...she comes when she's called just like a dog. I always keep an eye on her, and if she can't see me for more than two minutes she runs back to the house to check I'm still there. I was so surprised!

Anyway, we just got home from grocery shopping and we were putting it all away so we could feed Missy lunch and we let her outside in the yard. Now, we've taken her several places before. She seems to LOVE people that love her and loves attention. When we took her to the pet store to fit her to a harness for outside time and walking she was terrified until everyone in the store saw her and fell in love with her and just had to pet her. Shes fine with children. But something about my Mother-In-Law...

I hear my Mother-In-Law cooing and admiring her while she was in the back garden, but all of a sudden, Missy comes running, full bolt back into the house, my Mother-in-law following. And then, she ran behind mine and hubby's leg and peed right in the middle of the floor!!! And we haven't had a single litter box problem since her spay infection. Not even when I went to a children's camp for a week and my husband didn't clean the litter boxes for three days . She hasn't even peed in fright when the Dog's got loose and chased her (my poor baby!)

It was so bizarre to us, for her to be so frightened. We tried to play if off cause I didnt want my Mother-In-Law to feel bad but we cannot for the life of us figure out what set her off so much. Is there anyone your Sphynx doesnt like for reasons unknown?

 

[Yoda mom]

awhhh Missy

Is Missy food motivated ?
Is there a scent that triggers like perfume ?

If Missy is food motivated I would pick a quiet time meet with your mother in law for one on one socialization.
have her give the treats and praise to build trust and confidence

 

[TheZu]

awhhh Missy

Is Missy food motivated ?
Is there a scent that triggers like perfume ?

If Missy is food motivated I would pick a quiet time meet with your mother in law for one on one socialization.
have her give the treats and praise to build trust and confidence

I don't think that's it, because she used to be fine with her coming in a few weeks ago (they just got back from vacation). Just all of a sudden... I know she didn't torture her or anything. Maybe she accidentally sprayed water at her while in the garden and didn't know?? She was gardening. The only difference was the outside encounter.

P.s. She is super food motivated though, so that could work, thank you!!!

 

[MollysMom]

Leo growls at my father in law... who is the biggest cat lover in the world. Was she wearing or holding anything that could have freaked him out? Like a hat or tool or anything?

 

[Yumi]

Every time I see this topic I have no other input then the urge to post: It's ok Missy girl, I'm scared of my mother in law too!

 

[Toa and Ross]

Poor missy and poor mother in law. Maybe your mother in law accidently did something that scared her? Or maybe your mother in law carried a strange smell?
I would try to make sure Missy and your mother in law see eachother as soon as possible again. Make sure your mother in law has yummy treats to give to Missy and hopefully soon all will be forgotten

 

[Toa and Ross]

@Yumi oh poor you. Ask your boyfriend to tell your mother in law to bring rainbow unicorn cakes next time you meet her so you'll be less afraid!

 

[Yumi]

@Toa and Ross sadly it's a too long story, lets just say those probably be poisoned if she brings then. Let's not risk that

 

[TheZu]

I think I figured out what it is! Missy isnt afraid of my Mother-In-Law, she's afraid of people when me or Hubby isn't there, or in an area she doesn't feel secure.

I was scooping her little boxes outside today on the garden so she could roam for a minute, and our neighbors (my best friend) walked by. Shes met them before and even runs up to sniff them when they come in the house...but outside? No! She ran.

 

[Yoda mom]

@TheZu
Yah so glad you figured it out!

Head smooches sent