New cat, hiding......?

Question

5 days ago, I got a 2 year old British Blue girl - I've called her Burberry. Anyway, since I got her home, I opened the cage and let her come out on her own, and have kept her in my bedroom only. She has been hiding behind the chair, under the bed, and behind the tv cabinet so far, but I'm starting to worry that it's too long for her to still be hiding away.

I've read a lot that says older cats have more trouble adjusting, but I'm just putting it out there incase there's anything more I can do to help her settle in. She isn't interested in any catnip toys or regular toys. She has been eating but not when I'm in the room. I've been giving her wet food on a dish and placing it just under the bed, this is the 4th night and as far as I can tell she is only eating the dry food so far.

She also meows during the night, which wakes me up so I talk to her etc (while half asleep!), and have a look under the bed at her, but still nothing.

Any suggestions? Thanks :)

Answer 1

Nice name BTW.

Cats like to be where they are. Moving is traumatic especially for an adult. I would give her plenty of time to let her figure out things on her own. It's a good idea to ignore her so she doesn't feel threatened. As long as she's eating, drinking and using the litter box she's fine.

Indoor/outdoor cats that are moved from one house to another need a month inside the new home before they can venture outside. It takes that much time for them to acknowledge that their new home is their permanent home and not just a transit stop. That is when they move with their families. She's changed her surroundings and her people so she's doubly confused, alarmed and frightened.

It may be that she's only been fed dry food and isn't used to wet which really is better for cats.

Answer 2

Hi it sounds like your fat is still adjusting to it's new surroundings just keep putting frest water and food out for her and keep all the litter box and stuff in the same room where she is. As well put a small towel on the floor or in the cage so she has a place where she can go and hide and feel safe in time she will come out to eat and hit up the litter box. After a wihle try sitting on the floor calling for her quietly and holding some treats out as she comes closer tell her how good she is and give her a treat. You might want to put the treat on the floor til she feels comfortable eating from your hand. Remember take it slow@ in time she will come around and be your best friend and feel safe in the new home. As she feels safer let her explore the house but leave the comfortable place open to her when ever she wants to relax. hope this helps!

Answer 3

Just be there for her, the cat will come around when she feels comfy. Keep her water good and dry food( like you have been)and keep on talking to her, you might leave the bedroom door open so she can hear you in the other parts of your home....read a mag or book on the floor and talk to her may take a month some cats are so so skittish, a very funny and mind other own animal...

Answer 4

I got my cat (4 years of age) and for 2 weeks she hid under the bed. Only cam out to eat and use the box. Then it took about a couple of months for her to get down the stairs (she had a single-story home). I spent evenings sitting on the floor so I was smaller and not as scary. I remembered the Movie Gorillas in the Mist about Diann Fossey in Africa. She sat and waited until they were comfortable with her.I read magazine articles out loud so she could get familiar with my voice but did not move much so as not to scare her. Certainly had other things to do but felt since she was now a member she deserved nothing less. Biggest advice...be patient, gentile and you will have a wonderful relationship.And that was 11 years ago and she is still with me and I am crazy about her!

Answer 5

It takes about 10 days. Get her a toy. Best one is a toy mouse inside of a tunnel that looks like an upside down bowl. Or the feathers tied on the end of a string.

Answer 6

Good answers here. My cat hides in all the places that have been named. She also loves to hide in plastic or paper bags from the grocery store, She even runs at our feet while in the plastic bag. She will climb in any open box and make it hers.If someone leaves the closet door open a bit, she pushes in and climbs in the laundry basket and sleeps atop the clothes. On hot days, she loves to hide in the bathtub,

Answer 7

she's just getting aclimated to her new home.
since cats are mostly nocturnal she's going to be more active and vocal.
just be patient with her. she will get used to the bedroom and venture out to explore the rest of the house soon enough.
i would just keep calling to her and maybe get some pounce treats - shake the can so she gets used to the noise and leave treats for her near the door - then keep moving them further in to the house- eventualy she will come running when she hears the shake- mine sure do!

Answer 8

It sounds like she's traumatized and might have been abused in the past. It might just take time until she adjusts.. Why don't you let her out to other areas of the house so that she can explore her new surroundings.. Cat's love to explore.. this might help her out of her shell.. she needs to "own" where she's going to live and she needs to explore.

Answer 9

It will just take time. Don't focus on her too much, it only makes them nervous. And there is nothing wrong with a cat eating only dry food.

Answer 10

my friend had a cat that hide for a month. would come out when all was asleep, but just to eat. I got an adult Birman girl for my birthday and she hid for a week. she would come out and sit on my chest, staring at me when I was asleep. That little bit of interaction halped her warm up to me.