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My new cats are hiding

post #1 of 11
8/12/11 at 12:30pm
Thread Starter 
I just adopted two cats - both female about 1 year old - three days ago. Since then, they have both been hiding under either my living room sofa or my bed. I hear them coming out at night to nibble at the food that I leave out for them and using the litter box. I want to be patient and realize that it takes time for cats to be comfortable in their new surroundings; but is there any way that I can help get them out of hiding and exploring their new home entirely?
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post #2 of 11
8/12/11 at 12:40pm
The best thing to do is give them time. Congratulations on your new additions!!
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post #3 of 11
8/12/11 at 1:23pm
Some cats need a few days, some cats need a week or more. Just do things as you normally would, they will get used to your sounds/routines and make their way out when they are comfortable.

Congrats on the new kitties!
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post #4 of 11
8/12/11 at 2:25pm
One thing that helps sometimes is to put them in a small room (like a bathroom) where they can't hide from you, and then go in and interact with them by giving them food and water, cleaning their boxes, and just talking to them. Some people even go in and read to them, out loud.

How were they in the shelter? Friendly? Or very timid?
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post #5 of 11
8/12/11 at 2:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrblanche View Post
One thing that helps sometimes is to put them in a small room (like a bathroom) where they can't hide from you, and then go in and interact with them by giving them food and water, cleaning their boxes, and just talking to them. Some people even go in and read to them, out loud.
That's what we tried to do (minus the reading out loud bit) and before we knew it they wanted more space. Some kitties just need more time, just like people.

Another thing you can try is putting them up high on a cat tree where they can observe you from safe and 'powerful' position. At least that's what a guy on tv said
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post #6 of 11
8/12/11 at 2:39pm
I'm glad you got two, at least they feel comfortable together. YOu might try just sitting on the floor, reading out loud or talking and if they come out kinda ignore them; let them explore and see you as non-threatening.
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post #7 of 11
8/16/11 at 6:00pm
You received some excellent advice in your other thread a few days ago. Did you try any of the suggestions? Did the cats show any improvement at all? Have they been to the vet for a check up (here you get a free check up with any adoption, which I think is a great idea)
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post #8 of 11
8/17/11 at 7:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by lorarobe View Post
I just adopted two cats - both female about 1 year old - three days ago. Since then, they have both been hiding under either my living room sofa or my bed. I hear them coming out at night to nibble at the food that I leave out for them and using the litter box. I want to be patient and realize that it takes time for cats to be comfortable in their new surroundings; but is there any way that I can help get them out of hiding and exploring their new home entirely?
It's a cat thing. They will come out in a week or so. I've had cats for over 30 years and everytime I move they do that for at least a few days. Cats are very habits driven animals and don't like change. Anything new upsets their world and takes them awhile to adjust. It's completely normal.
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post #9 of 11
8/17/11 at 5:38pm
Hi there! Welcome to TCS!

I'm sure that they will come out soon enough. When we brought my childhood kitty Muggins home she hid for 2 weeks, then she was the friendliest cat you've ever met
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post #10 of 11
8/18/11 at 8:05am
As someone else pointed out how did these cats act in the shelter? Could they be handled? Did they seem to be tame and trusting or where they scared and fearful? How long where they in the shelter?

The following information is assuming the cats where tame at the shelter and could be handled. First of all you need to separate the cats. The reason is so they do not have each other to rely on for "support and company".

Then I would recommend either keeping each cat in a small bathroom or ideally a dog create with just water a litter box and a towel. I would recommend hand feeding the cat in the crate. The reason for this is so each cat learns that you are a source of good things like food .

After a week or two of the cats letting you pet them without food and approaching you when you come up to the cage I would recommend reuniting the cats in a small room like a bathroom.

If the cats become scared and "over bond" with each other again redue the progress stated above.

IMHO cats are hear for humans to enjoy and the above behavior pattern does not sound enjoyable. Or is at least encouraging what I would call feral behavior.
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post #11 of 11
8/18/11 at 8:36am
Hi and welcome to the forum . I left you a post under the behavior section of this forum. Hope you enjoy your stay .
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