How long for cat to adjust to new home?
Lisa Jeff
I got a new cat on Wednesday. Since his arrival, he found a cupboard to
hide in and has been there since (giving us a scare until we found him.)
As of Saturday, he has stayed in there, always running back in when we
bring him out. He has eaten virtually nothing since his arrival. (he's
done a little exploring, but goes back to the cupboard.)
Is this normal? I'm a little concerned about his not eating and taking
this long to come out.
Note--he's been bounced around from a few locations recently. I'm not
sure of his past, though apparently he was abandoned to a vet.
Could he possibly be ill? (He's supposed to be 2 yrs old)
Comments appreciated. Thanks.
Ron & Jeannie Dailey
No, he is just scared to death! I would make sure that I put water and
food in the cupboard where he is. If he doesn't have to venture out to
get it, he will probably eat. Put down some very appetizing food like
cooked chicken or smelly tuna to peak his interest, (although fish is
not good for a long term diet, it helps on these occasions).
If he's doing a little exploring, that's a good sign. At this moment,
the cupboard is his security blanket - poor little mite. Try to talk to
him and quietly pet him while he's in the cupboard. With a little
patience and love, he will come around.
I applaud you for taking a cat who was obviously not effusive when you
met him - these little guys usually turn out to be the best -
unfortunately, they generally get passed over for a more friendly one!
Good luck.
Jeannie
We Take Care of Yesterday's Kittens
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Deborah Maizels
> I got a new cat on Wednesday. Since his arrival, he found a cupboard to
> hide in and has been there since (giving us a scare until we found him.)
> As of Saturday, he has stayed in there, always running back in when we
> bring him out. He has eaten virtually nothing since his arrival. (he's
> done a little exploring, but goes back to the cupboard.)
>
> Is this normal? I'm a little concerned about his not eating and taking
> this long to come out.
>
> Note--he's been bounced around from a few locations recently. I'm not
> sure of his past, though apparently he was abandoned to a vet.
>
> Could he possibly be ill? (He's supposed to be 2 yrs old)
>
> Comments appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Lisa,
I would say he's not ill, just very scared after all his moving around
from place to place. Four days is quite a short time for a timid cat to
overcome his fears. I'm looking after a 5-month old ex-feral kitten at the
moment, trying to accustom her to humans before she is rehomed, and she
has a fairly large pen where she stays most of the time. When I let her
out she runs to the nearest dark corner and cowers there, however in the
pen she's fine and I can stroke her, pick her up and she purrs.
The cupboard is a secure place for him at the moment - have you tried
putting the food inside with him?! If it's practical, let him stay there
for now, and spend as much time with him as you can, building up his trust
and confidence in you. Maybe entice him to you with tasty bits of food
(Butter on your finger tip often works, or bits of chicken meat) or
distract him with a toy and game.
The most important thing is that he does eat and not become dehydrated
through lack of food and water. If he doesn't eat in the next day or so,
try and take him to the vet to be checked out. But try putting the food in
the cupboard as well, and leaving him in quiet, or just sitting quietly a
distance away.
Your great patience is needed with him, but I have heard many stories of
timid cats who came out of their shells and became loving pets. Whatever
happens, don't let him down as he has been in the past by others and force
him to have another change of home. Give him lots of time and patience and
you will be rewarded. It may take weeks or months but he will reward you
eventually.
Good luck,
Debbie Maizels, Willow, Cocoa and Manya
Cats Protection League (UK)
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"When I play with my cat, who knows whether I do not make her more sport than she makes me?"
Montaigne, transl. by John Florio (1553-1625)
Jerry Goldstein
> I got a new cat on Wednesday. Since his arrival, he found a cupboard to
> hide in and has been there since (giving us a scare until we found him.)
> As of Saturday, he has stayed in there, always running back in when we
> bring him out. He has eaten virtually nothing since his arrival. (he's
> done a little exploring, but goes back to the cupboard.)
>
> Is this normal? I'm a little concerned about his not eating and taking
> this long to come out.
>
> Note--he's been bounced around from a few locations recently. I'm not
> sure of his past, though apparently he was abandoned to a vet.
>
He's probably just frightened and will need some time to adjust.
When I got my first cat about 3 years ago, I brought her home from the
adoption agency late in the afternoon. She promptly hid under a large
stereo cabinet in a space I couldn't get to. After a few hours, she still
hadn't come out. That evening, I slept on the couch (near the cabinet)
very fitfully. By morning, she still wouldn't come out. I was getting
somewhat distraught. Then suddenly, later that morning, dear Honey finally
came out and approached me. She turned out to be the most wonderful cat I
could possible imagine. I love her more each day.
Give your cat some time and he will come around. Put some food and water
in or near the cabinet. Perhaps a litter box also.
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