My family and I just got a new kitten (6mths). She just recent got spay. We brought her home and now she stays under the bed unless someone is in the bedroom with her. And at night she gets in bed with My girlfriend and I. The kitten knows where her food and water is but just wont walk around the house.
2007-01-03 02:14:48 · 17 answers · asked by slederabe 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
It's very normal-it's the kitty's way of feeling safe. Even an adult cat will do this. In time it will feel more secure and start exploring her new home-good luck and enjoy your new friend!
2007-01-03 02:18:59 · answer #1 · answered by Chico 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I brought home a kitten to keep my cat company. My poor cat only peeked her head out from under my bed for food and kitty litter breaks (I put separate bowls and litter near my bed). I was worried I would have to give up the kitten. My cat hid and hissed at the kitten for several months until I took them to the vet in separate carriers. When I got there, they were afraid and crawled into the same carrier together. Slowly they got used to each other and as I write they are laying up against each other on the bed.
Some cats just need more time than others to get used to new smells and situations. My theory is that the smarter they are, the more cautious they are. My kitten (now a cat too) is as dumb as a box of rocks (but adorable). She is fearless and clearly dominant. When we moved, she adjusted right away. My cat is smarter and very cautious. It took her a week to feel comfortable about venturing around the new place. You may have a smart kitty that is just figuring out her environment before she ventures forth. Don't worry, she'll figure it out.
2007-01-03 11:36:51 · answer #2 · answered by chicagowoman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give her a few days or so. It does take time for any cat to get used to a new home. When we first got our cat, he hid behind the recliner unless he had to go to the bathroom, to eat and drink. This only lasted about a day or so. My boss had a cat, (There were 2 other cats, and a dog in the house as well) that hid in the basement for nearly a week before he would walk around the house. I rather see the cat hide under the bed rather then hiding in a strange spot. Also you can play with her and love her up and see how well that works.
2007-01-03 10:26:00 · answer #3 · answered by Pauly W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's sounds like she is doing OK. The fact that she is eating and drinking is good and that she does not seem to be afraid of you or your girlfriend.
She will most likely build up her confidence about exploring the house in due time so just be patient with her. Have you tried taking her from under the bed into the TV room and holding her as you watch TV? Also try getting her to "play" with a cat dancer or feather toy might help. Be sure to talk to her in a soft, encouraging voice whenever you pass through the room where she is hiding out.
Don't force her now - just let her take her time adjusting to her new surroundings.
2007-01-03 10:27:18 · answer #4 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about it, that is normal for a kitten, it is her way of feeling safe that nobody can hurt her or anything. She will come out eventually, she just needs to feel safe around the whole house, when you see her finish going to the bathroom, eating or drinking, lightly stroke her and let her know she has done good, and maybe she will feel a little more safe outside from under the bed. keep doing this, and she will feel much more comfortable walking around the house.
2007-01-03 10:41:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I accidentally scared my big ol' scaredy cat when he first came to live with us and he hid under the bed for several days. I would drag him out and gently pet him and talk soothingly to him. He would run back under the bed as soon as he could but in a few days, he became more confident and started coming out on his own.
He's still scared of his own shadow at times. He's scared of crackling plastic bags from the store or the broom even if it's only sweeping the floor and not chasing him. I can leave the outside door wide open and although he is curious enough to stay and look out from a safe distance, I don't even have to worry about him going out....oh, no, not him. Now, our other cat...she's another story...curious enough to venture out the door. We have to watch her!
Whenever scaredy's food dish or the couch calls him, he's there in a flash, not under the bed anymore. He does hide when my 7 yr. old grandson comes to visit but when the food dish or litter calls, he slinks around the walls and under tables to make a way to his favorite part of the house. He won't miss a meal, even out of fear!
2007-01-03 11:29:23 · answer #6 · answered by rugbee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going to the vet's was obviously a traumatic experience for her. It's also obvious that she was comfortable at home and is glad to be back and is just making sure you aren't going to cart her off somewhere again. She knows she is safe with you guys and is just making sure the "bad guys" aren't close by. That's why she only comes out when you are in the bedroom, because any "sign" of trouble and she can dart right back under the bed (her safe haven). Don't worry, though, this is normal for most cats. She will eventually feel safe enough to venture out into the house and take over again.
Also, for future reference, if you took your cat to the vet's in a cat carrier, be prepared for her to run when she sees you bring it out again. I have to bring mine out a couple days before my cat's vet appt. Mine sees the carrier and runs and hide. If I take it out a few days ahead and leave it on the bedroom floor, she gets curious enough to "check it out" and will even lay in it. When the vet day comes, it's easier to get her into it.
2007-01-03 12:06:21 · answer #7 · answered by Sara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put yourself in kitty's shoes--last time she was caught, she was made to have weird pains. she is still trying to overcome that. let her find out her security is not in danger--that she will not have to undergo that kind of misery each time you or someone picks he r up--reward her for coming out to you--let her know her pain was not caused by her being a bad kity--she does not understand. she hurts. why?????
the vet never gives enough pain med for animals after neutering--i feel this is cruel for the animal, but very necessary--why let the animal suffer--would you make your kid go thru that without follow up pain meds?????
so--let poor little girl recover--she is hiding from predators because she knows she is not strong right now.
there is no home remedy pain med for kitties. just be very kind and sympathetic to her pain and suffering and recovery. she loves you --you are her momms--she just does not under stand why she is in pain and she does not want something bigger than she is to kill her because she is not strong yet. you need to convince her that she is safe.
i hope this helps you with your sweetie. she will come out and be with you again when she feels better.
happy new year--my kitty was fixed just before christmas and he was not a happy cmper, either--they only gave 2 days of pain med and he hurt for 4-5 days.
be patient--enjoy kitty--she will come around.
2007-01-03 13:23:50 · answer #8 · answered by z-hag 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave out toys that move and hang. Try to bring her into the living room with a toy, and leave out several more toys to get her attention. Just show her lots of love and put her on your lap and pet her but not against her will. Just be patient.
2007-01-03 14:00:07 · answer #9 · answered by pepepippy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just give her a little more time. She'll come out. Put her water and food and some catnip toys. You will find her stiiing on your lap before you know it.Let it be her idea. Don't rush her.
2007-01-03 10:24:34 · answer #10 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋