scared new cat

[timothy0502]

I just adopted my very first pet, a 1 year old domestic short haired cat. I brought him home and the second I let him out he ran under the bed and had not come out since. Is this normal? What is the best way to handle him? Wait for him to come out on his own or try to force him out?

[kittycats_delight]

It is VERY normal. You are strange to him the house is strange everything is strange and scary. Give him time. Let him come out on his own. Leave him alone. Maybe close the bedroom door and leave him for an hour or so then go check on him. If he is still under the bed which he may very well be get down on the floor and talk to him quietly. Offer him some yummy treats. If he doesn't take them from you it's ok leave a couple anyway. Let him explore a little at a time when he is ready. Keep going back and checking on him and talking to him. Try to pet him gently and have yummy things on hand. He needs to know he can trust you and that everything is ok. Time is the key. Keep us posted on his progress. What is his name BTW? When he gets comfy with you and his new surroundings you will have to formally introduce him to the PT gang. And that will mean pictures. We look seeing everyone's beautiful furbabies.

[timothy0502]

Thanks for the advise. I've tried all of these and he has come out a couple of times, but unfortunately he crawled up beside me and scared me while I was sleeping! This made him even more skidish but I think he's coming around. His name is Mo, but my wife wants to change it. Hopefully when he comes out I'll get some pictures.

[kittycats_delight]

Mo is a cute name...he will come around like I said before just give him some time. Keep up posted on his progress.

[moosmom]

Cats are creatures of habit and do not like change. Mo is scare, which is very normal.

If you can, isolate Mo in a spare room with his litterbox, food and water, a radio playing soft, quiet music and some toys.

Go into the room and sit on the floor with some treats. If you keep doing this, he will come out eventually, once he feels comfortable.

If you can't isolate him, then just let him come out at his own pace. Don't try to pull him out or force him in anyway to come out. That will only enforce his being scared. You need to take baby steps. It's going to take time, love and alot of patience. It sounds like Mo is coming around!

Good luck! Sounds like Mo has a wonderful furrrever home!!

[Randi]

Welcome to PT! I agree with what everyone said - take it slowly and let Mo come out in his own time. Sitting quietly on the floor near him with a few treats will probably help. Let him smell your hand and get to know you.

Good luck!!

[davidpizzica]

Timothy, I agree with everyone's advice here, because it worked when I brought Nikki home. As soon as I opened her carrier, she immediately went under the bed. (she is an adult cat, too). I left her alone and played the radio for her for company, I think she became a fan of the oldies, and she gradually cme out on her own and quickly became queen of the house! By the way, I'm david p and welcome to Pet Talk!

[sylsyldoom]

THIS IS NORMAL.
dont worry, a lot of cats are scared when they go to some place totally new. you shouldnt force her out sometimes they can bite and scratch. while shes hiding you can talk to her quietly or give her some toys to play with. it may take up to a few days for a cat to get used to new places let her explore the house and try to keep it quiet (sometimes loud noises can make new cats really freaked out.)

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[momcat]

Welcome to Pet Talk, Timothy! Mo is doing what cats do when brought into a new and strange place with people they don't know. There's a period of adjustment that Mo needs right now, he needs to check out his new surroundings as well as his new human companions. For now, just be cool. Don't force anything and definitely don't try to pull him out of his hiding place. You certainly don't want him to learn that you are to be feared. Right now Mo needs your patience, reassure him that all is well, that there's a whole lot of love for him in his new surroundings. Before you know it, Mo will be EVERYWHERE! Give him his space right now, he's not rejecting you, he just isn't sure yet. I can't wait for you to start telling us about all of Mo's adorable antics.

[timothy0502]

Mo has decided to come out. It took him three days before he allowed anyone to touch him, but once he did he came around FAST!!! He has now completely taken over this house and will not allow anyone to ignore him for two seconds. He is a wonderfull playfull loving little kitty and is now whole heartedly a part of our family and an absolute pain in the butt!!!

[kittycats_delight]

WOOHOO.....welcome out of hiding Mo. I am glad he finally came around and has adjusted so well. I am glad you has a cuddle kitty and a big "pain in the butt". He won't let you soon forget who is boss HIM. LOL

[catmandu]

Mo,was just being cautious,as he might have had some bad experiences,with people.But that is wonderful,that he has decided,that you are all right,after all.And you,will have a Cat,that you can treasure,for years!