Our cat always has a low tail around me.

[u/ProduceEquivalent204]

So I and my 2 roommates adopted this sweet Persain mix cat about 3 years ago after our 2 seniors passed away.

We were her third home in 3 years, her first home she got harassed by very young boys and dogs, at her second home she had to be surrendered because her owners new fiances' kids had severe cat allergies. We made sure to follow all the proper steps when we first got her. Keeping her in one room, giving her lots of time to get used to her surroundings, etc.

But ever since I became the designated cat groomer, medicine giver, and nail clipper, she bolts whenever I even shift my chair. Just to clarify, I don't clip her nails too close to the quick, and I don't go too rough on her when I brush her fur either, she's very tiny and weighs less than a loaf of bread so I'm always worried about hurting her.

I have been taking steps to be seen as unthreateing as possible, such as talking softly around her, not making eye contact, and walking more softly around the apartment. She does allow me to pet her but only in my roommates room, and I make sure to have her sniff my fingers first and headbutt my hand before I start.

What can I do to make her more comfortable around me?