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From Loving to Frightened

post #1 of 5
1/6/10 at 7:10pm
Thread Starter 
We adopted a 2 year old cat last week. For the first 2 1/2 days, the cat was very lovable and playful and wanted to be around us all time. On day 3 that changed. The cat started hiding under the bed and won't come out. He does eat and use the litter box though. The vet could not find anything physically wrong, but we think there may have been past abuse as his tail was broken in the past. We have had cats for over 25 years and never experienced anything like this. The vet is even stumped. We adore this cat and thought we found the perfect addition to our family. This is breaking our hearts. Any suggestions?
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post #2 of 5
1/6/10 at 7:23pm
Hello and welcome to TCS.

Hurray for you for adopting from a shelter! I think you will just have to give him time. Something must have startled him and triggered past trauma.

So easy does it. Don't force him out. sit quietly on the floor in the room he is in and speak softly to him, or even just read aloud.

When he does begin to venture out again, don't make a fuss or reach for him. Let him come to you and ask for pets when he is ready.

You can try some play, like dragging a string along infront of where he is crouching under the bed, but if he backs off instead of batting at it, don't force the issue.

Also, you can get some feliway plug in diffusers to help reduce stress, and rescue remedy to put in his water or food.

Whats his name? Please let us know know things go.

<edit> you might also offer him another place to hide, out in your main living area like a card board box turned on it's side. (Box Fort) Put something that smells like you in it, like a shirt you've slept in, to help him get used to your smell.

In fact, put another shirt under his food so he associates your smell with his food too.
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post #3 of 5
1/6/10 at 7:50pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you for the suggestions! I am going to give them a try. His name is Theo and is just a sweetheart. When we adopted him there was not much information so his past is somewhat a mystery. All we know is he had at least one previous owner. I will keep you posted on how things progress.
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post #4 of 5
1/6/10 at 8:13pm
Those were great suggestions. I just want to add patience. He is in new surroundings, new sounds and smells and you don't know his past. But thank goodness you will help him have a great future. I am sure he will come around. Keep us posted about his progress.
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post #5 of 5
1/6/10 at 9:22pm
Great tips posted above. I would just add to keep him confined in a small space or limit the area of the house he has access to until he's fully comfortable in his new home and with his new people. Also, make sure he's got a "safe place" to retreat to when he does get scared.

Do you have other pets or are there other pets that roam the neighborhood?

Definitely look into getting a Feliway diffuser or two. Run them constantly.

Just be so very patient with him and celebrate the baby steps. I'm sure you'll win him over in no time.
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