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New Kitten Still Nervous

post #1 of 12
10/15/10 at 1:55pm
Thread Starter 
Hello,

We got our new Kitten early this morning! We were very excited to meet her, but have been giving her time to adjust, at first she hid under the sofa, but we coaxed her out from the couch, and got her to her little safe room with a bed, litter box, food, and a few toys. she still hasn't used the litterbox and hasn't eaten anything all day. Should i be nervous yet... It has been a while since we have had a kitten, and our last kitten just dived into family life. She is 10 weeks old, and was living with a sweet woman and her 2 cats when we adopted her.
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post #2 of 12
10/15/10 at 2:40pm
Give her time. Sit in the room with her, on the floor, and talk to her, or read aloud, to help her get used to your presence. If she comes out from hiding see if she will play with a string on a stick type toy.

I would sleep in there with her, too if you can, she's used to being around other cats, so she will be very lonely by herself.

Give her a cardboard box to curl up in and a stuffed animal to curl up with.

Don't make comparisons to your last kitten. Every baby is different.

congratulations on your new family member!
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post #3 of 12
10/15/10 at 2:52pm
I agree completely with Otto.

It is quite common new cats are hiding and perhaps not even eating etc...

So, dont stress her, no dragging out - but try anyway to be her mommy best you can. Like Otto is hinting.
It will repay you much in the long run.


Welcome to the Forums, and good luck!
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post #4 of 12
10/15/10 at 5:19pm
Thread Starter 
Thank You So Much, your kind words are very helpful,

I am almost in tears now, I had a dryer that i was selling by my front door, when my sister came in the door, kitty got scared and ran up into the dryer, i am trying to coax her out with treats, songs, toys, anything i can think of but nothing is working, I told the lady we couldn't sell her the dryer, but i don't know how to get her out... she seems ok in ther... not in distress... it is me who is a wreck...
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post #5 of 12
10/15/10 at 5:36pm
^Kittens love dryers. She'll come out eventually. I think you just need to leave her be overnight. I bet when you get up tomorrow morning, things will have improved somewhat. It takes time. Some kittens are more nervous than others.

BTW, you also have to be careful of other places she can hide where you may not be able to find her. They can even get underneath a bed and get stuck in the box springs.
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post #6 of 12
10/15/10 at 5:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primula View Post
^Kittens love dryers. She'll come out eventually. I think you just need to leave her be overnight. I bet when you get up tomorrow morning, things will have improved somewhat. It takes time. Some kittens are more nervous than others.

BTW, you also have to be careful of other places she can hide where you may not be able to find her. They can even get underneath a bed and get stuck in the box springs.
I can't even believe i was so stupid i should have covered that little vent... I am not going to be able to sleep until i know she is ok...
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post #7 of 12
10/15/10 at 6:03pm
Aw, don't call yourself stupid. This kind of thing can happen to anyone. Kittens are tiny and quick. I agree with Primula, leave her be overnight, I will only add, put litter box and food and water right near the dryer, so if she comes out in the night she will find what she needs right away.

If it will make you feel better, spread some blankets on the floor and sleep near-by. YOu never know she may creep out and curl up with you.
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post #8 of 12
10/15/10 at 6:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
Kittens are tiny and quick.
Exactly. The OP has to be careful of outside doors and windows that have even a tiny crack open.
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post #9 of 12
10/15/10 at 6:10pm
Thread Starter 
I am so relieved... I turned around and she was sitting next to the couch ... she came out... and seems like she is feeling much better!
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post #10 of 12
10/15/10 at 6:10pm
If she is inside the house, you can get a really big laundry basket and turn it on it's side. Put some really tasty food out for her, some water, and a small litter box (cake pan size). She'll be able to come out, but not get past the laundry basket.

When she comes out, leave her in the bathroom or other room with the door closed for several days until she totally is acclimated to her new home. We kept Tumbles confined for about 3 weeks after we got him since he was such a little scaredy baby when he first came and wouldn't let us pick him up and he'd dart under the bed every time we came into the room. Visit her frequently, but just give her time to get used to all the smells, sounds, and people of your home. Don't rush her and let her set the pace. However, until she's comfortable in your home, don't let her have free run of the house. You might also want to only give her limited access when you do let her out of the room.
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post #11 of 12
10/15/10 at 6:22pm
Thread Starter 
thank you all for the great advice, I have had Mr. Whiskers for 12 years, and I am not used to a baby in the house! Thank you all for being so kind! I guess... my house is baby proofed but not kitten proof!
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post #12 of 12
10/15/10 at 6:28pm
^Now you can sleep! The joy of having her will more than compensate for the worry.
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