I recently got a kitten (2 1/2 weeks ago) and she's still hiding under things. She lets me pet her and hold her and she'll come out to play when I'm sitting down, but the minute I stand up or walk around she bolts for cover. But as soon as I cut the lights off and get in the bed she's jumping up on the bed attacking my feet and snuggling.
I kept her in my room most of the time, but now that I've opened the door to introduce her to the rest of the house, she won't leave. She just stays under my computer desk or bed hiding. When I take her out of the room she gets terrified and bolts to go hide under something or runs back into my room as soon as I put her down.
What can I do to make her stop being so hidey and scared of everything? It's really starting to annoy me...
2007-08-21 07:09:47 · 8 answers · asked by Mr. E 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
The kitten is 10 weeks old. I give her treats whenever she comes out and speak softly and encouragingly to her. My friend brought his kitten over who is around the same age and they didn't get along at all. I find myself afraid to even get up and move around because it might ruin any progess I have made.
2007-08-21 07:38:12 · update #1
Also, getting another kitten is out of the question right now.
2007-08-21 07:39:35 · update #2
it's natural behavior in a cat, especially if you just got her. ever get the phrase, "scaredy cat" from your guests? she's probably scared of you getting up and walking, opening doors, and other objects in her face because she's small compared to you, it's sort of like that thing where you'd be afraid of spiders but they say spiders are more afraid of you because you're bigger? i know most of the crap i'm saying doesn't make sense, but it's true, your cat just wants to explore on its own if you give it the chance, once it feels more comfortable in your home, you'll know once it starts coming out from hiding and starts rubbing up against stuff or rolling around on the floor.
2007-08-21 07:19:42 · answer #1 · answered by Frawggy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing that will help is lots of love and some time. I adopted a kitten from a shelter about a month ago and she does the exact same thing though she is getting much better. Whenever you do see her out make sure you give her some positive reinforcement and talk to her in a soothing, calm voice. Perhaps give her some treats when she comes out so that she associates something yummy when she is social. Best of luck to you!
2007-08-21 07:16:40 · answer #2 · answered by siamsa_siamsa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give her lots of attention, call her by name and make sure she has things to play with as well as a "safe" spot to hide when she needs it. I always agree that two cats are better than one and help to socialize each other intheir new environment. Remember, she's a kitten. Everything is new to her and she doesn't see any other kittens to turn to.
2007-08-21 07:29:55 · answer #3 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old is the kitten? If she wasnt socialized at her critical development period, she might be shy the rest of her life.
Depending on her age, you might want to consider getting another kitten that is the same age. Having contact with a conspecific might really help her.
Hope this helps
2007-08-21 07:18:41 · answer #4 · answered by cat tech 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look that kitten is too young - it should still be with it's mother. You should have taken her home at around five weeks you twerp. Now lump it for the next month till she gets used to her surroundings. It may be annoying but it's a scary world for such a tiny animal. Did you have to ask this - couldn't you figure it out yourself.
2007-08-21 07:16:46 · answer #5 · answered by Scarlet 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
she has to get used to you. don't let it annoy you be a nice owner. my cat did that in the beginning she was just scared. sheesh!
2007-08-21 07:13:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have an official scaredy cat
2007-08-21 07:17:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
stop beating it up and it wount want to hide
2007-08-21 07:18:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋