So, you finally adopted that precious kitty you’ve been dreaming about for so long. You bought the toys, the bed, the adorable bowls and the gorgeous new collar complete with an engraved name-tag. You have imagined how wonderful it would be, just snuggling with your new fur baby and spending long, special hours together… but as soon as you get home your new fur baby has tucked itself tight into the corner, under the sofa, and it won’t come out. Now you’re asking: What happened to that super-affectionate bundle of fur I adopted after our super-cuddly Meet-and-Greet at the shelter just yesterday? Why is my new cat hiding from me?
Well, don’t worry! For a kitty in a new or unfamiliar environment, hiding is a healthy and completely normal reaction. When you met your new kitty at the shelter, they were in familiar territory. At the shelter — like at the Humane Society of the Nature Coast — they probably lived among a family of other kitties and they were familiar with the faces of shelter staff members who provided food and attention. They were “home.” They knew they were safe and they knew of all sorts of places where they could hide if they felt threatened.
So now what? What can you do to calm and comfort your cat, and assure them that it’s safe enough for them to come out from under the furniture?
1. Be Patient!
If your new kitty is hiding it’s important to understand this is normal. Just be patient and give them time to adjust to their surroundings. If your new kitty wants to hide, let them hide. Don’t force them to come out. Don’t crouch on the floor, reaching under the sofa in an effort to drag them out. This will only make them withdraw tighter into that corner.
Remember, cats are very territorial, so they will feel a little unsettled until they believe this is their home! It doesn’t look like “home,” and more importantly for your new kitty, it doesn’t smell like home. It may even smell like another cat or a dog, who may not even be there anymore. Give them time to understand that they are safe and this is their home. How will know they believe this is their new home? Well, they will mark their territory. Cats have scent glands in a variety of locations — primarily on their forehead, cheeks and chin — and they will rub against things to mark territory with their own scent. It’s like saying… “This is mine. That is mine… and that over there will be mine as soon as I make it clear that this is mine.”
Cats will even mark their favorite people with their foreheads — also known as “the head-butt” — while furniture and other inanimate objects are usually marked with the sides of their cheeks and their chins. Once they feel safe and a little braver, your kitty should start to come out and explore and begin marking the house — and you — with their scent to establish that “Yes… This is my house and you are my human!”
2. Is Something in the House Scaring Them?
Understand that your new kitty might remain timid and continue to hide for a number of days. However, if they continue to hide, even remaining in their safe-spot without venturing out for food or water, you should start looking for things that your new kitty might see as a threat.
Are there a lot of people in the house, lots of new friends coming to see your new kitty? Do you have loud guests or young children who may be making your kitty nervous? Is the volume on your television up too high? Do you have a noisy appliance or AC Unit? Even unusual smells can trigger a kitty into hiding. Take a look around. Is that coo-coo or loud chiming grandfather clock scaring the wits out of your new kitty every half-hour?
3. Does Your New Kitty Feel Trapped?
No matter how familiar a cat is with their environment, they will always want to know where the nearest escape route is! If your new kitty has taken to hiding, be sure to leave doors open and never block the exits to a room. Try to create an open and safe place for your kitty so they can adjust to their new surroundings.
4. Reinforce positive behaviours
Even with people, a little positive encouragement can go a long way! Maybe you can entice your kitty to come out by tempting them with a new toy. Most kitties can’t rest something that’s small and moving near them. Encourage your kitty to come out and play! The sort of toy that has something dangling from a long string will enable you to tempt the kitty with a play-thing while giving them the space they need to feel safe.
Try to have some treats to offer any time your pet comes to you to reinforce the idea that being near you is a good thing and being out in the open can be fun!
You can also leave some treats just outside of their hiding place. But don’t rush toward them if they dare to poke their head out. What would you do if you were scared and someone came rushing toward you? You’d run the other way and hide. Right? Let them know you aren’t a threat. Let them come to you.
5. Provide Food and Water Near Their Hiding Place
If your kitty is hiding, and their food and water is in another room, they may be too afraid to come out even to eat and drink. Seriously, your kitty might even be too afraid to come out to use the litter box.
Do you have another cat or dog that is (albeit unintentional) blocking access to their food and water? It might be beneficial to place these resources just outside of their hiding place. While encouraging them to venture out a bit, having these things close by won’t force them to go further than they feel comfortable with. Then start moving the items toward the place where you will keep them when your new kitty feels at home. With a little patience and encouragement, your new kitty will feel safe enough to come out and start exploring!
7. Give Them Their Own Space
You have a bedroom. Right? If there are other members of the family, they have a bedroom. Right? Well, so should kitty!
Creating a comfortable, safe space for them to escape to is a fabulous way to help your new kitty feel at home. Providing their own territory will boost their confidence and encourage their bravery! Be creative! A good kitty safe space should have lots a comfy bed, lots of toys be located in a nice quiet place. Providing some seclusion, like in a back room of the house is a good way to give them a sense of security and help them adjust to their new home. In no time, you’ll see them venturing out to start exploring the rest of the house!
Well, I hope this helped provide some guidance and assurance.
You’re fine. Your new kitty is fine. It’s just might take a little longer than you planned for the new kitty to feel at ease in their new home. But rest assured. With a little patience and a lot of love, you will be snuggling with your new fur baby and spending those long, special hours together… just like you always dreamed you would.
Do you have any questions or thoughts to share? Please feel free to type those out in the comments section below!
Mark Attenborough says
I was just wondering how much time would pass before a red flag would occur on maybe the cat is not going to adjust to you? I adopted a cat from my local shelter over a month ago and she is still in the hiding phase and avoids me at any turn. It’s been making me nervous because i don’t know if she is progressing to a point where she is comfortable for me or if it just won’t work out.
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Mark:
I spoke with our Kennel Manager, Georgie Waite, and she offered the following advice:
“A cat’s behavior has a lot to do with where the cat came from. Was it a stray? Was it Feral? Was it an outside cat expected to live inside now? Was it mistreated? These factors might require a longer and more patient transition period.
The most common mistake people make after adopting a new cat is to bring them home and just let them loose in the house. Are you playing loud music? Is the television loud? Are there a lot of people in the house or other pets?
Ideally, you want to start your cat’s introduction into their new home in a smaller room. Big, unfamiliar rooms are scary for a cat. Imagine being kidnapped by a giant and being brought to their cave. It would be pretty intimidating.
To keep things nice and calm, put the cat in a smaller room. When you are in the room, just go about your business and pretend the cat isn’t there. When the cat comes out or comes near you, don’t react. Don’t make eye contact, don’t reach out to touch or pet them. Don’t even speak to them. Ignore them completely. Let the cat come to you. Let the cat sniff you… and do not react or acknowledge the cat. The cat will then go back to a “safe place.” Every time the cat comes out of hiding and you reach out to touch it or pick it up, it will see you as a predator trying to cause it harm and it will run away and hide.
By not reacting, the cat will be less fearful and will eventually come to you for attention… But make it wait. Let the cat sit near you or even in your lap. But don’t react. Eventually, the cat will let you know it wants you to give it some attention. That’s when the bond begins. Take it slow. The cat will let you know the speed it’s comfortable with.”
I hope this provides some help. Let us know how things go from here!
If you would like to speak with Georgie directly, she will be more than happy to talk to you and provide more guidance. Just call (352) 796-2711.
Tara Mueller says
Hello
I have adopted a beautiful Bombay from a local shelter. She was so very calm at the meet and greet, and just laid on my arms letting me pet her for 20 min!! So I picked her. Now she’s in my home. Hiding of course, but expected. What I did not expect was her coming out at night while I’m seeping. Crying loud and peed and pooped be hehind
my tv. That was very unexpected! I’ve had cats my whole life, but kittens. They were easy to train. I am an animal lover and have a 26 week old kitten/cat that is not comfortable. I really needed a buddy at this time in my life. But I was determined to adopt. How difficult will this be. I am disabled and need a friend
But I can’t let this keep going on
It’s making me nervous.
Thank you
Tara Mueller
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Tara!
Thank you so much for reading our blog and for reaching out with a question! We love helping our readers!
First, you need to ask yourself some questions. Remember… All things happen for a reason.
Did you adopt the cat recently? As you found by reading this blog post, a cat that’s been recently adopted may take a few weeks or months to fully adjust and feel comfortable enough to reveal its personality. New cats in an unfamiliar environment may feel a need to hide when it’s in a vulnerable position. Move the litter box to a secluded spot where it will feel safe. Or maybe move the litter box to a location that’s more convenient.
Is his box right next to where the food bowls are located? If so, try moving his food bowl farther away. Maybe the litter’s not deep enough or the box is too small. A cat’s litter box should be at least 1.5x the length of the cat. Maybe your cat doesn’t like the litter. Cats tend to like the feel of finer litters and most of them regularly cover their feces or urine. In fact, cats generally spend over 20 seconds pawing around in the litter. Also, some cats prefer unscented litters.
If you have had the cat for quite a while – six months or longer — your kitty’s sudden change in bathroom behavior may be attributed to feline stress.
Has another cat or animal or even a new baby has been introduced to the household or if someone has moved in, moved out, or moved on, your cat may simply be marking its territory. This should be temporary until the cat gets used to the new situation. But be aware that any change to a cat’s routine or environment can cause stress, which may result in out-of-the-ordinary behavior.
Ultimately, there are four things the Humane Society of the Nature Coast can suggest to help you remedy the problem of having your cat use inappropriate places as a bathroom.
First — Clean the location where your cat has been using as a litter box.
Thoroughly clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner so your kitty doesn’t catch the scent and think it’s OK to go there again. A list of products can be found by conducting an internet search of products to remove cat feces and urine odors. Or, you can ask thee friendly associates at your local pet or hardware store.
Second — Put Up Obstacles
Block access to the location your cat has been using as a bathroom.
Third — KEEP THE LITTER BOX CLEAN
Scoop clumps from the litter box daily – if not twice a day — and deep clean the litter box frequently. This means tossing out the old litter, scrubbing the empty box, drying it well and pouring in a fresh supply of clean, unscented litter.
Fourth — Add Another Litter Box
The optimal number of litter boxes is one for each cat… plus one. If you have one cat, you need two litter boxes. If you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. Regardless of the number, you need to keep each litter box in different places.
I hope this helps, Tara. Give these things a try and see if the problem is solved. Be sure to come back and let us know how things go from here!!!
Tankeeya Butts says
Thanks so much for this post. It answered a lot of my questions about my newly adopted cat. I learned he’s and adult and was a stray. He was injured when he arrived at the shelter.
The staff informed me that he was slow to warm up to staff and other cats. I picked him up yesterday. He used the litter box to pee but not to poop. I think i may have interrupted him.
Again, thanks for this post.
Patricia Rummel says
You’re welcome, Tankeeya!!! We are so happy to know that we have been of help!
Mandi SCHUTTE says
Hello, I just adopted a 7 month old kitten yesterday. She was very loving at shelter and when we got home she was shy and reserve. She stayed in her kennel until late evening. And anytime we would pet her in the kennel she would purr non stop.
We went to bed and basically let her have free reign of the house….well now she is missing. I know they hid….but she has not even been with us for 24 hours yet…when should I be concerned and do I just wait to see if she comes out on her own?! We live in an old farm house that is 3 stories….
Thanks
Mandi
Patricia Rummel says
A three story farmhouse with multiple rooms. That means hundreds of possible hiding places. But rest assured… she’s fine.
Some kitties just take a bit longer to feel “at home” in unfamiliar territory. Cats like to know where they are. That’s why you’ll see a cat rubbing things with the sides of their faces. They are marking their territory with their personal scent. By the sounds of it, it’s going to take her a while to sufficiently lay claim to every room in your large house. Just be patient. She’ll emerge from her hiding place eventually. In the meantime, make sure she has access to food and water and hasn’t been accidentally closed up in a room somewhere. Otherwise, just read and follow the instructions in the blog post and soon enough, not only will she’ll be exploring the rest of her new home she’ll actually let you watch her do it! Next thing you know she’ll be snuggling into your lap demanding your undivided attention.
Keep us posted!!!
Bev Steiner says
I adopted a 7.5 year old Persian cat that had been with the same family since it was a kitten. She’s been hiding since she was brought here a week ago. She didn’t drink any water for 1.5 days and was hardly eating so I moved her stuff into the room where she was hiding. I was encouraged at first because she came out briefly while we were in the living room but she’s only been out in the middle of the night for the last 4 days. She eating and drinking some but 1/2 or less of what she should be. How long should I expect it to take for her to come out of hiding. Should I not look at her in the closet when I go in to change litter and give clean food and water?
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Bev:
It’s easy to understand why your new cat is hiding. Imagine being with the same family, in the same home, for 7.5 years, starting as a kitten, and suddenly it’s all gone. You know that must be terrifying for her. Aside from the trauma of being in a strange place, she is mourning the loss of her other family. She doesn’t understand why they are gone. The encouraging thing is she’s already venturing out of hiding to check out her new surroundings… and you. That says a LOT about you. That she’s eating is another very good sign! As for locking her in the closet when you’re changing her litter and providing fresh food and water, I would suggest letting her observe you doing this. Seeing that it’s YOU providing her food now will actually serve as a bonding thing for her. Let her know it is YOU proving for her now. You could even let her see you placing a few treats in a spot between you and where she’s hiding. Make a ritual of it. Shake the container before placing them on the floor and I’ll bet in very short order the shaking of that container will pull her from wherever she’s hiding.
Ultimately, you are doing vey well. Better than average, in fact. Some cats take up to three months to feel safe enough to be seen by humans in their new home. Just keep doing what you’re doing, being patient and making her feel safe. Eventually, she’ll be giving you head butts and pestering you for rubbings.
Keep up the good work and keep us posted on her progress!
Allison Tolliver says
Thanks for the post. I adopted a 5 month old kitten two weeks ago. She is very shy, and hides under the bed upstairs most of the time. When I visit her, she (mostly) comes out and is very affectionate. I’m afraid she is afraid of my dog. Whenever the cat hears the dog (even just walking downstairs) she hides and has never come downstairs herself. How can I tell if she will get over the dog? I don’t want her living in fear under the bed forever.
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Allison:
After reading your post I can’t help but think that everything will work out just fine. Your new kitty is just feeling a little vulnerable. Such a small kitty in such a new environment. As long as there is no aggression being shown by the dog toward the kitten, all should be fine with a bit of patience and time. That she comes out and shows affection she is clearly bonding with you and sees you as a “safe place.” Perhaps holding her while spending time in the same room with the dog a little bit each day. Eventually she will see the dog is not a threat and will be more willing to share the same room on her own. Keep us posted!!!
Lynn Woodland says
We adopted a shy seven month old cat and after five weeks of patiently working with him, he’s become playful and affectionate and comes when I call him. We’ve given him cat furniture that he can climb and he does, but as soon as he’s out for a while he goes back to his favorite hiding spot under some blankets by our bed. This is where he spends most of the day. If I don’t wake him up and call him out from time to time, he’d spend even more time there. Is there anything we can do to help him feel comfortable lounging out in the open?
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Lynn:
Thanks so much for sharing your story.
According to PAWS Chicago, a non-profit animal shelter organization based in Chicago, Illinois, cats will prefer one of three types of environments.
Cats that prefer sitting in high places belong to the Tree Dweller group. They like being above their environment so they can observe everything going on. Cats that love to sprawl out open spaces are Beach Dwellers. Beach Dwellers are the most social. They like being in the middle of everything, being around other animals and humans so they don’t miss out on any potential fun. Cats who love to burrow under blankets are in the Bush Dweller category. They like periodic sessions of privacy. As humans, we want to be left alone sometimes. It’s nothing personal. He just might want to catch a proverbial cat nap. Bush Dwellers prefer to stay lower to the ground tucked under the bed, hiding in box or snuggled into your potted plants or under blankets.
Otherwise, many cats, no matter what kind of “dweller” they are, will burrow into blankets to have a warm place to snuggle in chilly weather. It has been a bit cold lately.
Of course, there is the possibility he might be feeling ill and he’s hiding so he can rest and heal. Has he been lethargic? Has he not been eating or drinking water as he usually does? Check his gums. Are they pale? If any or all of these are happening, you should call you veterinarian at once.
If he isn’t displaying any signs of feeling ill your answer is likely one or a combination of the other options mentioned above.
I hope this proves helpful If you have any other questions, please let me know!
Ann Wise says
Hi my name is Ann and I just adopted two sisters from a friend of friend. They are Adult cats five years old and when they came into my place I made the mistake of opening the carrier too soon. They went straight under the sofa and they are both black, and all I see are black flashes run by me. I did have a room set for but now they went under the sofa? What should I do? I am worried about eating and drinking the last couple of days, however the litter box was used? When would this become serious
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Ann:
First — Congratulations on the adoption of your two new fur babies! And thank you for adopting them together!
Second — Rest assured, their hiding, darting past you and small food and water intake is completely normal. That they are letting you see them as they flash by and they are using the litter box are also good signs.
They are scared. Everything is new, and it sounds as if this might now be the first time they’ve been in a strange place surrounded by strange faces. The fact that they are the only consistent thing they’ve ever known means they will cling to each other for security. The good thing is, like the old saying about there being “strength in numbers,” they will find each other’s company to be a great source of empowerment in venturing out to explore their new home. The flashing by you is likely a form f play right now, hide and seek. That they ae doing it around you means they won’t be opposed to having you participate. Just talk to them, using that reflexive, higher-pitched mommy voice we all use when we are speaking with our fur babies, and just sit in the room with them so they can get used to your presence. Engage them with toys and a trail of treats that lead closer to you. In other words… invite them to play! You may have to do it from a distance for a while but if they respond, that too will be a good sign.
I hope this advice helps. Do come back and let us know now and then how things are progressing… and feel free to post their pictures on our Facebook page so we can see what they look like. They sound adorable!!!
Grace P says
Hello! This was beyond helpful. My dad showed up with a 2 year old kitty last night. The house is fairly huge and he has another cat who hasn’t lived with other cats in 12 years. So the kitten is in my room for now. My boyfriend and I both currently live in the room, there is food and water and litter access. She has been using all three all night! Which is great! What I am worried about is, my boyfriend and I are moving soon and we are afraid when we leave it will be much harder for the kitten to adjust to the rest of the house. Especially because of the other cat and her getting familiar with our smells but not my dads. It has only been a day so I know time is needed, but I would hate to just leave and make the kitty start the whole meeting process over.
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Grace:
How cool to have a new kitty! But, with you and your boyfriend leaving soon the introduction of these cats should have already begun. At least allow them to see each other. I suggest placing the new cat in a carrier and placing it in a room where the other cat can check it out from time to time while someone supervises their interaction. The carrier will keep the new cat safe and secure while the existing cat will be able to smell and check it out without having direct access to it. Watch for signs of aggression. There will likely be some posturing from the existing cat and some reactionary fear/defense hissing from the newer cat. But that’s all part of the sorting out. Whenever there are two, one will establish itself as the alpha and the other will take the subservient role. It’s the natural way in the animal world. The mystery is, will they get along and if so, how smooth will this transition be? As for keeping the new cat sequestered in your room, your instincts are correct. It would be best if your dad was the one feeding and caring for the new cat. It’s important for the new cat to know him as its provider. You don’t want the cat feeling like it was abandoned when you leave.
I’m so glad you find the information here to be helpful. Let me know how things go!
Megan says
Hi, I recently adopted a bonded pair of 8 month old kittens (brother and sister) 10 days ago. They had been at the shelter since they were 10 weeks old. After bringing then home I placed them in a smaller room, once they decided to explore they took shelter under my bed and that’s where they spend a lot of their time. They have been coming out more during the daytime to explore my room and the female will even engage in play and allow me to pet her from time to time. How long until they stop running away and hiding when they see me coming around the corner or hear my daughter and husband talking?
Patricia Rummel says
Hey Megan:
How wonderful of you to adopt the sibling kitties!
From what you’ve shared, I think they are adjusting very well. Of course they will hide together. They feel secure in each other’s company. That they are letting you pet them is a sign they trust you and feel safe around you. It won’t take long before they are used to seeing you come around the corner and become familiar with the voices of your husband and daughter. The standard is three months before they start feeling like they are “home.” Just be patient. Things seem to be going well so far!
Laurie Ann Lawrence says
My son & his fiancée have adopted a 4 yo cat.
He was surrendered in November by his owner to a “cat cafe,” and his the entire time. A few weeks ago, he fostered with a man, who said after 3 days, he was fine…
They have the cat nearly a week. Set him up with his “pouch” (think kitty sleeping bag) that he stayed in. He did come out to eat/ use the litter box. DIL took him out of his pouch and laid him on the cat bed…he purred and she pet & rubbed him for a long time.
He’s definitely not aggressive- I put my hand in the pouch to pet him—no aggression at all.
Anyway, they let him out after a few days to explore. He hid under their bed, and is currently hiding behind the washing machine.
Is there anything they can do to reduce his stress? It’s just the two of them- no other animals, no loud music, no kids. They’ve both had cats as pets their entire lives, but haven’t encountered this.
TIA.
Patricia Rummel says
Try sitting on the floor near the washing machine and talk sweetly to the kitty. Offer toys and treats… and be patient. He already seems to understand that you aren’t a danger. Maybe he’s just wanting some privacy. Do make sure he isn’t using the space behind the washing machine as a littler box. Is he eating and using his litter box? If so, he’s probably just exploring and has decided he likes it behind the washing machine. Maybe offer cuddly, secure and private places for him to snuggle down. My cats like snuggling inside of things. Two favorites are a padded kitty tent and a deep basket made of soft, woven cloth.
As I mentioned to another response, here are three types of cats. The preference in where your cat hangs out tells what kind of cat he is.
According to PAWS Chicago, a non-profit animal shelter organization based in Chicago, Illinois, cats will prefer one of three types of environments.
Cats that prefer sitting in high places belong to the Tree Dweller group. They like being above their environment so they can observe everything going on. Cats that love to sprawl out open spaces are Beach Dwellers. Beach Dwellers are the most social. They like being in the middle of everything, being around other animals and humans so they don’t miss out on any potential fun. Cats who love to burrow under blankets are in the Bush Dweller category. They like periodic sessions of privacy. As humans, we want to be left alone sometimes. It’s nothing personal. He just might want to catch a proverbial cat nap. Bush Dwellers prefer to stay lower to the ground tucked under the bed, hiding in box or snuggled into your potted plants or under blankets.
I think your kitty s a Bush Dweller. That may explain why he likes being tucked behind the washing machine. Try providing things like I mentioned before to see if he likes them.
Let me know how it goes!
Jillian Cox says
I saved a kitten from a rian drain in a big city. No mama or other babies. I took her home it’s been almost a month. She has been eating and using the litter box, she hides alot which is understandable. She comes out and lounges and is very playful. But she is getting mean. Everytime we go to pet her she thinks she has to bite and scratch. What can we do to make her stop
Patricia Rummel says
Hey Jillian:
So you rescued a kitty from a drain in a rainstorm, you took the kitty in, gave it love, affection, a warm, dry place to live, food and probably some kitty toys and now the little darling is exhibiting some… how shall we say… “ungrateful” behavior.
Well, I have just the post for you. It’s called, “Kitty Cujo. What Just Happened?”
It sounds like your new cat has “petting aggression.”
I have a cat with similar characteristics. She was rescued from inside of a car engine… in August… in Florida. She was so young and tiny (our veterinarian guessed 10 days old at most) we had to take shifts bottle feeding her every two hours. You would think she would be eternally grateful and adoring for saving her life but… nope.
So, she was the one who inspired the blog post I think you should read. Since implementing the things I’ve learned while researching this behavior we have come to understand her. Now, there is actual affection and cuddle time.
The link is below. Just click and it should take you right to the page.
Let me know if the information proves helpful!
https://humanerescue.org/2020/03/02/kitty-cujo-what-just-happened/
Debbie says
Hi, I got a rescue kitty (12 weeks old) and she is hiding under the bed all the time. Unfortunately I didn’t read this blog yet and have talked to her and coaxed her out from under the bed. She seems more scared now. She will play with feather toys for a long time then runs back under the bed. A couple of questions, should I leave the bedroom door open so she can go anywhere in the house? Should I put her in a smaller room with less hiding places? Any other ideas or advice.
Patricia Rummel says
Hey Debbie:
How long have you had the new kitty? It usually takes about three months for a new pet to start feeling comfortable in their new surroundings.
That she is coming out to play with toys is a good sign.
As for whether you should open the door to allow her to explore the rest of the house or put her in a smaller room with fewer hiding places… I would opt for plan A. Eliminating her access to hiding places will only stress her out more. And don’t be surprised if she finds more places to hide when she is in another room. It’s all part of the process. Just make sure she has access to her food, water and litter box and pay very close attention to making sure she doesn’t slip outside when you open the doors to go out or come in.
Otherwise, just keep offering playtime with toys. That seems to be something she enjoys enough to come out of hiding. And talk to her. Use the “mommy voice.” You know the one. The one where your voice goes up real high and playful. It’s actually quite soothing to pets. While they may not understand everything you’re saying, they hear how you are saying it… and that makes all the difference in the world.
Brianna says
Hello, I adopted a 13 month old stray cat 10 days ago. The woman I got her from only had her about two weeks before she gave her to me. They definitely had a bond. She had been feeding her for a while and was able to lure her inside. She was able to take her to the vet to get her vaccines and spayed. She kept her in her bathroom.
I set up the kitty in my bedroom. My bathroom is too small. She has been hiding since she got here. I know that’s completely normal. I have a camera set up in the room so I can tell if she came out of hiding. She does come out of hiding to eat, use the litter box, hang out in the window, and recently started playing with her toys. She will only come out if I’m not in the bedroom or at night when I’m sleeping.
If she feels like I’m coming near the room, she will quickly run back to her hiding place. I don’t really go into the room except to feed her, clean the litter box, and sleep at night. I do read to her for about an hour every day before I give her her dinner so she learns the sound of my voice.
My question is there anything I can do to make her less scared of me? I know it will take time. Also, I have to take her to the vet. Do you have any suggestions on the least stressful way to get her out of hiding into her carrier?
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Brianna:
Sorry for the delay in response.
You posted this of the 10th of February so, with the 10 days you’ve had your new kitty for about a month. The good thing is, your kitty’s behavior is totally normal!
It usually takes about three months for a new pet to adjust to their new surroundings. I mean, imagine it. You’re new kitty went from being alone, outside to being confined in another strange place with another strange person. It has to be scary for her. Just e patient and try a few of these suggestions:
First: Start spending more time around the kitty.
You say you keep her in the bedroom and only go in to read to her for an hour. Otherwise you only go in feed her and sleep. How about giving her a bit more freedom? Let her explore the house, especially while you’re home. Let her get used to more than the sound of your voice. Let her get used to the television, the sound of running water, doors opening and closing and the sound of your cell phone ringing. All of these things can sound scary coming from the other side of a door when you’re alone in a strange place.
Second: Talk to her. One thing about cats is they are notoriously curious. Interact with her. Give her reasons to come out of hiding. Have you tried one of those animated toys? Set one of those on the floor and turn it on while you’re going on about your business. When our Little Bit was going through her “hide-and-seek” phase I got one of those Mystery Motion Electronic Activity Cat Toys and in less than two minutes, she popped her head out from under the sofa to check out the new thing. Within three minutes she was batting and swatting and pouncing and darting around… Well. You get the idea. Of curse she would still spend time in hiding. She still does now and then. But she spends most of her time hanging with the family (me, my husband, two dogs and another cat).
Third: Be patient. It has only been a month. Before that she had been alone on the streets or in a stranger’s house. Give her time to believe she’s “home” and not just in some other temporary, scary place.
As for getting her into a carrier? Try this website. They offer several ways to get your kitty into a carrier.
I hope this helps. Be sure to come back and let me know how things progress!
Emily says
I don’t know what to do at this point. My partner took me to a humane society during Christmas because I wanted a cat. She was fine when we got her. She liked both of us. Something changed one day and she would no longer come near me. If she sees me in the room, she whines until my partner goes to where she is. She won’t eat if I’m around. She will hide and whine.
If by chance I do hangout with her, in our upstairs room. I don’t touch her. I’m on the opposite side of room and I don’t make eye contact. She’ll bolt out of the room. She allows me to see the side of her my partner does once a month and then it’s back to hissing at me for being near her and running at full speed away.
I feed her. I clean her litter box. She won’t play with me. She’ll only play with my partner. She’s 6 years old and was surrendered to the society. I wondered if she had dementia and just forgets who I am daily or what. I don’t actually know what to do at this point and my partner knows that this is hurting me and wants to give her back. But I want to make it work and do my best daily to just be around her and give her space.
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Emily:
It has to be frustrating… wanting the affection of a new, adorable kitty, and she seems to prefer the company of your partner.
Cats are fickle. Our youngest cat plays favorites with my husband all the time. Sometimes it has to do with the amount of time one us us recently spent with her.
You say you go through periods where you “don’t touch her,” you stay “on the opposite side of room” and you “don’t make eye contact.” That isn’t going to encourage her to spend time with you. Just be natural around her. Lower the tension level. She can probably sense your frustration and hurt and she doesn’t know what else to do. She knows you are the one feeding her and cleaning her littler box, and cats appreciate the “nurturer.” They really do. Just relax. She’ll come around in time.
Makenna says
Hi there, my boyfriend and I just adopted a 6 month old kitten who had been in a foster home since she was 3 months old and was ferial before that. She’s been in our home for about 5 days now and hides non-stop when my boyfriend and I are home and awake. She eats small amounts and uses her litter box at night when we’re in bed though. Just last night she started exploring the apartment and meowing when my boyfriend and I went to bed but when I go out to peek and see what she’s up to she bolts for her hiding spot. We have tried engaging her in playing and offer plenty of treats to her each day but she wont let us come near her. I feel terrible that she’s so scared and am not sure what to do to help her, any advice?
Patricia Rummel says
Hey there, Makenna:
Being that you’ve only had your new kitty for five days, a little patience is in order. I know you want to cuddle and snuggle with your new fur baby. I mean, that’s why you adopted her. Right? Hours and hours of lovings and suggles?
Well, while she probably wants that just as much as you do, she’s just a little scared right now. Think about it. She went from being feral (on her own and fending for herself for food and survival) to being in a foster home with a total stranger… and now she’s someplace else with some ONE else.
The fact that she’s exploring, albeit on her own when you’re not around, is actually a good sign. Just go about your normal routine… and talk to her. Use that soothing, high-pitched “mommy” voice. Even experts are saying how baby talk is one of the fastest ways of getting your cat’s attention. Also, offer something interesting. Cats are notoriously curious and they respond to things that move. Try one of those automated cat toys. I’ve used the Mystery Motion Electronic Activity Cat Toy for a long time. I have yet to meet a cat who can resist it. Just don’t use it all the time. Use it sparingly to keep it new and interesting. Switch that up with things like sitting on the flor with one of those wand cat toys with the feathery thing dangling on the end. Get down on the floor and play with her. She might not come out right away. But she will. You just have to let her know you are not going abandon her like everyone else and she is really home now.
As for the late-night meowing, I found this article and thought it might be of interest to you.
I hope this helps!
Linda Marsh says
This is 2.20.21. I brought Sweet Potato (Sweet Pea) home from shelter on January 13. 3 yo yellow/orange tabby. Was picked up stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve with a bloody nose. Taken to vet, neutered, then shelter. Said he was sweetest at shelter. Laid on my lap and purred. Made mistake when bringing him home and let him out into open townhouse and tried to pick him up. Since that night, he has either hidden up in ceiling or behind furnace in furnace/laundry room. Only comes out at night to eat. I greatly need a companion since my Sophie passed. Talk to him in soft voice every day. How much longer to have to endure? Becoming embarrassing with friends who constantly ask.
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Linda:
So your kitty was originally found on New Year’s ever on the streets with a bloody nose and was taken to a shelter where he stayed until you adopted him on February 20th…
Sounds like your kitty had some pretty rough and scary days.
He probably seemed more relaxed and cuddly at a shelter because he had enough time to feel safe there. Now he’s in a different place and feeling a little vulnerable again. If he was cuddly when you met him at the shelter he will be that way again. He just needs time to believe you won’t be temporary, like everything else has been in his life. It takes around three moths for a pet to feel safe in a new environment… and a bit longer for them to feel like it’s “home.” Just be patient. Keep reassuring him in your soft “mommy voice.” And don’t let your friends make yo feel like you are doing something wrong or there’s something wrong with your new cat. This is all normal… and you are a dear woman for giving a homeless animal a place to feel safe and loved.
Patience. That’s all you need. You clearly have enough love in your heart already.
Nimia says
Hello, I am fostering a 4 years old stray cat to see if she gets used to living with humans, since she was very friendly with the lady who was feeding her in the cat colony. When I brought her home 10 days ago, I let her stay in the bathroom where I also placed her litterbox and food. She has been hiding most of the time behind the toilet or in a carton box I placed as hiding spot, but she regularly comes out to eat and use the toilet (however never in my presence). When she is in the carton box, where I guess she feels most safe, I can also touch her and she blinks back at me. She’s particularly active at night, and sometimes I hear her meowing and jumping in the bathroom. 4 days ago I tried to leave the door of the bathroom open to see if she wanted to explore more the house. She ran in the closed in front of the bathroom, she hid there for 1 day and then she went back to the bathroom. After that, despite the door open or ajar, she didn’t try to explore anymore, she seems more scared than before, she doesn’t want to be touched and she comes out to eat and use the litterbox only at night.
I wonder if I should go back to close the bathroom door for few days? Or if I should keep it open until she decides to go to explore? Or maybe is better just ajar so that she feels more protected but still able to go out of the bathroom if she wishes? Any advice?
The home environment is very quiet, she is alone the whole day, there are no other pets nor kids, but still she seems very afraid to come out. Thank you!
Cassandra says
Hi,
I adopted a 5 year old cat from a shelter about 3 weeks ago. He hid for the first few days and then started to warm up to my boyfriend and me. He liked to hide under the bed but would come out if I called his name and would sit on my lap. At one point during the second week he would constantly be sitting on my lap while I worked, and would even fall asleep there.
A few days ago he tried to hop up onto my lap when I wasn’t looking, but didn’t jump high enough and his nail got caught in my blanket. He was trying to run away but I had to free him from it. Since then he has only been coming out from under the bed to eat/drink and use the litterbox, which has mostly been at night.
I’ve tried petting him under the bed and he will purr when he lets me touch him, but he hasn’t come out for either of us since the nail incident. I’m unsure what to do at this point. He was so comfortable with us and now it is worse than it was when he was first brought home. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Cassandra:
Sounds like your kitty had an unexpected scare.
But not to worry. It’s a temporary setback. He just wasn’t expecting to get snagged by the blanket. Along with the scare, there was probably a bit of pain involved!
My cats react the same way when something falls and makes makes a loud noise. Remember… everything is still very new for your new kitty. He is still learning what all of these new sights, sounds and smells are.
The purring when you pet him is a god sign. It isn’t you he’s afraid of.
Patience. That’s all you need. The love is already there.
Brooke B. says
Hello I adopted a feral cat from a vet office. they had found her clinging to life in a snowstorm. So she has been through a lot. when I brought her home she found her hiding spot of underneath my couch. I read on here it’s best not to try to disturb the cat or force it out so I’ve let her stay there. She comes out for food and water mainly at night when I’m sleeping but sometimes during the day. and I keep the food and water near the couch for her as she is still too scared to wander in my apartment. She goes to the bathroom as well in the litterbox but only at night and/or when I’m not there. And she does sometimes pee under the couch which has now been difficult to clean. I know this is supposed to be a really slow process. I’ve had her now for two weeks and just want to know if there is a time when I should try to get her out from there. I’m scared she will make this a permanent spot and because I let this carry on that she wont even try to come out and explore more and form a relationship with me. Any advice would be amazing. thank you !
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Brooke:
While it is better not to “force it out,” I wouldn’t go so far as to say not to “disturb the cat.”
There are way to interact with your new kitty without dragging them physically from their hiding places.
Try sitting on the floor. Get down on the cat’s level and encourage her to leave her safe space voluntarily. Use that high-pitched, soothing “mommy” voice. Entice her with toys, like the kind that have a feathery thing dangling from the end of stick. Offer treats, and shake the container so she starts associating the sound with something yummy.
While you have had the cat for two weeks, it’s normal for the transition to take longer, particularly for a stray that has survived trauma.
There is something we in the shelter world refer to as the 3-3-3 Rule. In the first three days, your new pet may be overwhelmed with her new surroundings. They may not eat, or have unwanted bathroom habits. They are learning their new environment and overcoming fears of new sights, smells and sounds. After three weeks, a new pet starts to settle in, feeling more comfortable, and they just start to understand that this new place is “home.” It’s about then that they will start letting their guard down and little by little they will start showing their real personality. After about three months your new kitty will start feeling comfortable and safe in their new home and will feel safe enough to start establishing a bond with you.
Jan says
I adopted a 1-1/2 yr old female cat a little over two weeks ago. I am a first time cat (pet) owner, and I thought I knew a few things about adopting a cat from reading articles such as yours, and fully expected they normally hide right after bringing it home. She didn’t eat anything for 4 – 5 days. She must have become comfortable with the new surroundings as she comes out and eats/drinks. She is very cautious about me, always making sure where I am with her eyes wide open with the big round pupils. It is disappointing and makes me sad. This is not what I hoped for. Also she hasn’t meowed even once since I left that shelter! When I was leaving the shelter, I found out she has been at the same shelter since she was three months old. Is that something to do with her avoiding me? I don’t think I want a cat who does not cry.
Patricia Rummel says
Hello Jan:
Well, congratulations on the adoption of your very first pet. But I’m sorry the experience has left you disappointed. I hope I can help alleviate some of that by setting more realistic expectations, especially this early on into your time having the new kitty at home.
It might be helpful if you would read through some of the other questions and concerns expressed by others to this article, and the responses I gave to them.
It’s also helpful to try to think of this from your new cat’s perspective. Imagine living in one place for over a year since you were three months old. You spend your days in the same surroundings with the same staff members while watching strangers (potential adopter visiting the facility) and other cats come and go. Then, all of the sudden you are stuck into a carrier, put into a car, driven to a new house where you are plopped down in the middle of a completely strange place where there are no other cats with a person you don’t know while other total strangers come and go.
Give her time. As I have told other cat parents, it takes three months and sometimes longer for a new pet to come down from the stress of environment change. Patience and love, Jan. Patience and love. Give her that and she will be meowing for your attention probably more often than you think she will.