I rescued two cats yesterday (female 5 months male 7 months). The male comes running out of hiding when I visit them (they have their own room for now). She is very shy still and hasn't moved from under the couch as far as I know. Should I worry about her not eating at this point? I have just been leaving food out for them. Should I pick it up and only offer a few times a day to see if she comes out? Any suggestions would be great.
2007-03-02 10:39:39 · 14 answers · asked by haair 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
I got them from a non kill org. but they were brought in as strays.
Thanks for all the great info. She left the couch and I couldn't find her so I turned the lights off and sat with them quitely and she came out and looked at me for a few seconds before running away again. So I think she is coming out when she feels more comfortable.
2007-03-02 15:48:35 · update #1
No cats are set in a routine, the cat is just adjusting. Although it can be bad if shes not drinking.
2007-03-02 10:42:28 · answer #1 · answered by dashiznititis 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great suggestions on this post!
You don't say if the kittens were wild, if that's the case then it will take longer for them to develop trust.
I grew tons of catnip {the fresh works best for this since it still contains the essential oils} and would put handfuls around the area that I fed the ferals in. I don't know a cat that can resist fresh although some aren't interested in the dried catnip, it is still worth a try.
Some cats don't care for the catnip until a bit older than the female is but try it anyway. Just put some on a piece of old sheeting or other thin fabric and fold over and leave it for the cat to explore when she is alone.
Sometimes it helps to leave a few treats, just enough so you will know that they have been eaten. You can also leave a radio on low so they can get used to voices, it will become background "white noise" so your voice won't startle her when you enter the room.
You can wear a t-shirt or a nightgown, cotton or flannel, overnight and leave in the room so she can become familiar with your scent. Just give her time and have patience.
If you have a video camera you can set it up with a frame by frame setting and watch the next day to see if she is coming out to eat and use the box.
Good luck and like the others here I am very thankful that some people really do care about these poor wild cats rather than a fancy, expensive pure bred who will most likely have serious medical problems from inbreeding!
2007-03-02 19:34:55 · answer #2 · answered by runesofgaia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my mother-in law got a cat and lost it in our house. she had been hiding behind the couch in the rat room for two weeks. she came out while we where sleeping to eat and eventually got used to me as i persuaded her that i was okay. after a while i was the only one she would come too. if you are really worried that she is not eating or drinking. put food and water next to the couch. if she still isn't eating, i would take her into the vet. if she looked like a bag of bones when you brought her in, she may end up having major problems with eating and will need professional help.
2007-03-02 18:59:40 · answer #3 · answered by weirdo fernado 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you are doing is the way to go with new cats in the house: confined in one room with food and water bowls available and kitty litter available. The male kitten is a little more adventurous than the female who seems like she is naturally shy and timid. At any rate, each cat has to be given their own adjusting time and I am sure it won't be long until the female kitten wil realize that there is nothing dangerous in her new environment. By the way, you are such a nice and caring person to take these two kitties off the streets.
2007-03-02 18:50:37 · answer #4 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's probably just shy. You'll have to coax her out of the couch and offer her some food in a bowl that was never used before. Preferably wet food. If she doesn't eat, just wait.
2007-03-02 19:03:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just leave the food down and let them get used to you. I rescued a litter a while back. If you can pet them and let them know you are harmless that is the key. I put the food down and put them in front of it and that was that but the ones I got were starving to death. Other then that give it a day or two and be patient and they will get used to you.
2007-03-02 18:44:36 · answer #6 · answered by The_answer_person 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing to worry about, cats can be like that. When she's good and hungry enough she'll decide that it's her bigger concern and get brave. Just keep the food out and give her time to warm up for a while.
2007-03-02 18:50:01 · answer #7 · answered by Indigo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would leave dry food and plenty of fresh water out for them. And of course, you'll want to provide a litter box. Chances are, she will come out at night when the house is dark and quiet. It isn't unusual for the cat to hide out for a day or two. I'm sure she'll come around.
Thank you for rescuing the cats. Some of the cats I've rescued over the years have turned out to be my favorites and have made wonderful, loyal pets. You are to be commended for thinking of these homeless cats and providing love and care to them.
2007-03-02 18:48:47 · answer #8 · answered by Joyce A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Female kittens react to abandonment diffrently then males. If she isnt eating solid foods or not drinking she may not be able to. Try putting out kitten milk. you can find it at any pet store and in some grocery stores. This worked for me when i tried to feed the strays in my yard.
2007-03-02 19:03:03 · answer #9 · answered by mistic girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi i would not worry a cat dose like to feel comfortable around the house and when he gets hungery he will eat as soon as you get to know you look out he will be so much fun have fun with you cat
2007-03-02 18:51:13 · answer #10 · answered by angelface 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very common for cats to hide when they come into a new home environment. She'll come out... slowly but surely.
2007-03-02 18:47:06 · answer #11 · answered by mJc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋