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Worried about new cat

post #1 of 8
12/29/11 at 8:03pm
Thread Starter 

2 days ago I brought home a cat I adopted from a friend.  He's 4 1/2 and in good health.  Unfortunately, I did not shut him up in a bathroom or small room like I now realize I should have.  He has found a good hiding spot under my couch/recliner and he will not come out.  Anytime I try to coax him out, he starts growling and hissing.  He has also taken a swipe at me from under the couch.  At times, it sounds like he's saying "nooooooooooooooo!"  I have dry food and a water bowl next to the couch.  The box is also nearby.  I have been bringing wet food and setting it next to the couch at morning and evening meal times, in the hopes that he will smell the regular offering.  I don't believe he comes out at night when I'm sleeping, or when I'm gone during the day.

 

I grew up with cats, so I'm not unfamiliar with cat behavior.  I realize he's extremely scared and stressed out, but I'm starting to get worried. I'm reluctant to drag him out if he's obviously not comfortable, and I'm afraid that every time I try, I'm taking a few steps backwards in allowing him to feel safe in his new home.  That being said, I'm also worried about his health if he doesn't come out soon.  Does anybody have any suggestions?

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post #2 of 8
12/29/11 at 8:31pm

I agree with you that he's probably pretty scared and stressed. Truthfully, I'd leave him be - if he's found somewhere that he's comfortable, even if it's under the couch, let him have it. Anything he finds comfortable at this point is a good thing.

 

That being said, if he doesn't appear to be eating, that's a bit of a problem.  I would try putting his food under there with him. Going too long without eating (even by his choice) isn't good for him. You can also try putting a smelly shirt or some piece of worn clothing under his food - this will help him associate your smell with good things. If he still doesn't eat, try putting something really smelly (tuna, fish, etc) or unseasoned cooked chicken under for him, just to get him to eat something.

 

If you're home and in the room with him, try talking to him, just so he gets used to the idea that you're part of his home and he can get comfortable hearing your voice.

 

A lot of people here have had really good luck with Feliway diffusers to calm cats down. You can try one of the plug-in diffusers, or I believe they have a spray that might help.

 

As long as you can get him to eat and use the litter, I'd just let him come out at his own pace. I'm sure some others will be along soon with some more tips. Good Luck!

 

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post #3 of 8
12/29/11 at 8:37pm
Thread Starter 

Thank you Ms. Freya.  I did buy a Feliway diffuser and I have it plugged in near the couch.  I like your suggestion about putting a shirt under his food.  I think I may try that one, as well as talking to him so he gets used to the sound of my voice.

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post #4 of 8
12/30/11 at 4:04am

Welcome to the TCS site and our Forums!

 

You Kate mention you think he is going out at nights and when you are away? How do you notice it? Do you see he used the litter and drank and ate some? If so, there is no real worry nor hurry. If not? It is quite common even bought cats behave like this two days, or even more... Stressing the new owner of course... The not eating as dangerous: it is most dangerous for them overweight. (risk for liver damages). These normalweight it is not so risky - which is lucky for strays...

 

Good luck! *vibes*

 

 

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post #5 of 8
12/30/11 at 9:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by StefanZ View Post

Welcome to the TCS site and our Forums!

 

You Kate mention you think he is going out at nights and when you are away? How do you notice it? Do you see he used the litter and drank and ate some? If so, there is no real worry nor hurry.

 



Just to clarify, the OP said "I don't believe he comes out at night when I'm sleeping, or when I'm gone during the day."

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post #6 of 8
12/30/11 at 9:43am
Was this cat a well socialized cat from your friend? If so, it will only be a matter of day's before he starts to become more acclimated and secure. If you were able to pet and love on him before he came to you, then he will come out soon. He is just very, very scared and doesn't know what happened to him, where he is, or why he is there. It will just take a few day's. I would leave him be but monitor the food bowls. If he is NOT eating anything, then more drastic measures need to be taken to get him out from under that couch and to a vet. I highly doubt that will be necessary though. The kitty will come out to eat when he is hungry and probably will come out at night or when you are not home. The Feliway should help a lot plugged in near the couch. Just keep leaving the food/water near the couch. If after a few day's you see the cat IS coming out to eat the food and food is missing from the bowl but still retreating back under the couch. Then we can help you with more suggestions as to how to get him out from under the couch and into a "safe" room, which would be best. Good luck and keep us posted cross.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif
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post #7 of 8
12/30/11 at 11:59am

If you're feeding dry food, I would mound it up into a sharp peak in the bowl.  That way, you'll be able to tell if he's eating of the top of the peak.  Check the litter box, to see if there are new deposits.

 

It isn't the perfect start, but your little guy may suddenly appear out and about, perhaps even on your bed at night.

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post #8 of 8
12/30/11 at 12:43pm
Thread Starter 

Thank you all for your suggestions!  @mrblanche, that's an excellent idea about the dry food.  I will do that.

 

Update!  Shyster DID make an appearance last night while I was grading papers (I'm a teacher) at the kitchen table.  I felt someone watching me...  And I turned around to see a little face behind the couch!  He slowly walked around the living room exploring.  When he got close to me, I said hello and he started to growl a little bit, so I ignored him.  He did use the box and get some water before exploring again.  After about half an hour, he had enough and went back under the couch.  I've decided to let him stay in the living room and hide under the couch, since this is where he obviously feels safe right now, so I've closed off all doors to the rest of the apartment.  It looks like he came out again to use the box today while I was out to lunch, so I'm not as concerned anymore.  I know he's alive!  And also not SO scared that he won't come out when he needs to.  I did announce my presence to the couch when I came home, and the couch growled at me, so I guess we're all good for now.  smile.gif

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