I know he will be wary of us to begin with and nothing smells of home yet but I thought (perhaps naively) that he might be coaxed into playing little games with string or toys, or at least come out of the cardboard box we gave him sometimes, but he hasn't, except when we are asleep or we leave the house! We've only had him a few days though so maybe I am over-worrying.. Should I be worried? I am quite new to cats.
2006-11-27 04:52:04 · 21 answers · asked by Clazza 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
16 weeks is a little old for him to be shy. Was he socialised properly as a kitten? He should have spent time around people, being handled and petted - he should see you as big cats who bring food and games.
I'd be worried, I know he hasn't been with you long but he could be shy, nervous, or semi wild. He should have come out to play for a short while even if he goes back in to his box.
Where did you get him from? If it was a breeder or shelter, contact them and explain the problem. Ask for their help, they should have the animals best interests at heart.
2006-11-27 07:25:21 · answer #1 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let him settle down, and be very quiet in your house. Talk to him sweetly but deon't pull him out of his box. Offer him food and water at a reasonable distance from his box (increase the distance every few days). He'll settle in. Some cats are always shy and prefer to be where humans aren't, but for the most part, they'll settle in, and once they realize that they can get rubs, they tend to warm up very quickly!
Have you looked into getting another kitten? Once you have one, it doesn't make that much of a difference to have two. I have 3 cats, and they really love each other. They ricochet around the house, and then settle to sleep together. They are much more personable than when I had just one.
Anyway, I wouldn't worry unless your kitten isn't eating or pooping. Consult with your vet if the behaviour worsens, or if other problem arrise. Otherwise, just give him time.
2006-11-27 12:59:56 · answer #2 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem with my 6 month kitten. When she was 8 months old she still was very scared, so I had to do something.
I took the advice of Old Cat Lady and got some Essence of Flower for Scaredy Cats from Dr. Jean Hovfe's web site. It's very inexpensive and no shipping or tax.
My kitten is a testimony that it works. My kitten was doing nothing but hiding out then after two weeks of using this essence she now is letting me pet her, she roams the house, she is not so skittish. She has shown remarkable progress and besides that, she loves the smell of this flower. I put it on her toys, on her bed, on her neck and in her food.
If he doesn't come out soon, meaning in a couple of weeks, then please try this remedy. Put some drops in his cardboard box on his blanket or on some toys, and put them in the box. If you can on his head. Be patient and don't expect changes in a few days--give it two weeks.
My husband was real skeptical about this, but I convinced him I wanted to try it once. Now he is a believer and says this stuff really works.
Also, I found out just talking softly their name and I love you felt comforting to her, lots and lots of soft talk.
If you work then the essence may take longer if your not there for the 3-4 times a day drops. I was home all day and put in almost 24-7 hrs, or it felt like it.
So, please take Old Cat Lady's advice and I know you will be more than happy.
2006-11-27 13:24:57 · answer #3 · answered by Hedicat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar experience when I moved in with my roommate, and her cat was very skiddish and afraid of me. The best thing to do is not to appear threatening to the kitten. Walk slowly when around him, don't make sudden moves, don't approach him, let him approach you if he's comfortable. And yes, toys can be a good way to coax him out of his box. Just don't push the toys into his box, or he'll feel like the toys are threatening him too. Remember that the box is where he feels safe, so leave him alone when he's in there. You might try just sitting by the box when it's just you and him at home, facing away from him, just minding your own business, and see if he ventures out.
2006-11-27 13:02:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
He is frightened and not yet ready for play with you. He will come out eventually and love his new home and the family.
If you want to ease things along for him get a bottle of Rescue Remedy from a health foods store. If he is hiding, you can put three or four drops on a washcloth and put it under the bed or wherever he is hanging out. "Refresh" the cloth three or four times a day with some drops. If you can handle him, put a few drops on the fur between his ears as three or four times a day for about a week, less or more as you sense the positive reaction you will get from the remedy. Always shake the bottle well before using the drops. The flower essences are totally benign and cannot harm the kitten in any way.
2006-11-27 13:02:54 · answer #5 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It may take weeks before your kitten is comfortable. I have found that the best way to deal with a nervous kitten (or cats for that matter) is to take things very slowly. Try not to be too loud or make any sudden movements around him, and it can help if you spend some time on his level, imagine how scary it must be for the little thing when everyone aound him is so huge!
The main thing to remember is have patience don't force him into anything and eventually he will feel settled and happy.
2006-11-27 14:40:18 · answer #6 · answered by Gem* 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some cats take longer to adjust than others. Be patient. When the kitten begins to feel more secure in his surroundings he will begin to come out in the open more often. You don't say whether this kitten was from a stray cat or from the animal shelter or a pedigree. If this kitten was taken from the streets so to speak it might take him longer than it will for a kitten that has already been socialized by the people who owned its mother.
LL
2006-11-27 13:16:46 · answer #7 · answered by LeapingLizard 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlike dogs, not very many cats will just come up to you and instantly be your best friend. They're very independent and they have to adopt you.. not the other way around. It will always be expected that cats -no matter what age- will "hide" from you for days. Try to build trust. You look monstrous to the cat, so try getting down to his/her level.. then you won't look so scary. Try not to make any fast movements or loud sounds. and NEVER look them in the eye.. that would be threatening them. Usually when you leave the cat alone, it'll come up to you out of curiosity. I really wouldn't worry if I were you. I hope I've been helpful!
2006-11-27 13:00:56 · answer #8 · answered by .:*giggles*:. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 cats, 2 of which used to be "fraidy" cats. They would run and hide all the time. They were both isolated at birth and with limited human contact. Now, I can't get them away from me! They both smother me completely. So, it really depends on your cat. He will come around when he is ready. I wouldn't worry too much. Give him time and show him affection when he is ready for it. He will probably be more comfortable with you when the house is quiet and no one is around. That is why he is happy when you are sleeping and not at home. Given time, patience, and love you will soon be smothered too!
2006-11-27 13:10:56 · answer #9 · answered by amy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No plz dont worry. Its early days yet and he need time to adjust to his new surroundings. EVERYTHING to him at the moment is new. Not just a new home but its a whole new world. He just needs time to find his feet. Let him come to you and always give him his own personal space as this is where he will feel safe and secure.
By all means keep tempting him with toys and treats and calling him by his name. Give him time, H ewill come round.
IF, for some reason he doesnt you can ask your vet for advice and they can put you intouch with an animal behavourist who can give you ideas.
Good luck
2006-11-27 16:47:02 · answer #10 · answered by Mystic Magic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋