How to coax a new cat out of the safety zone

Regent is a three year old Maine coon who was dumped in the woods around Regent University and left for dead. Long story short, we brought him home. The safe room bonding went quickly since he remembered us from the rescue; he jumped on the bed with us and even ate/pottyied in no time. He even let my husband get his collar on with no drama!

The problem is that he is showing signs of severe trauma. Certain sounds will cause him to panic, and when he heard my husband drove away this morning, he yelled until I woke up. We are currently leaving him in the bedroom but propping open the door so he hears our voices. This is keeping him quiet.

But he will not leave the bedroom. He will sniff around the hall and check out the top of the stairs, then he dashes back home, where he inspects his property to make sure it's all still there. He seems to have a distinct impression that I am trying to trick him to separate him from his property.

We don't mind being patient, but we wonder if there are any strategies to help him.

I rescued a feral cat that I became friendly with. At first he was exhibiting the same behavior. I was never able to pick him up and wondered how I would do it when it was time to neuter him. Well he did eventually calm down after about 3 months and became less vocal. He never was able to calm completely he was never able to help himself while I was on the phone for some reason he couldn't help meowing up a storm to get my attention. He was about 10 when I took him in he didn't spray so I left him enact. I know if I had neutered him he would probably have been less anxious and more quiet. He still remained the most talkative cat I had and would always answer me when I call his name. Have you neutered your cat? If not that will calm him a little quicker. Eventually he will calm but it may take a couple months until he become comfortable with his surroundings then he will less likely rely on you all for his comfort.

Hi Hexie! He was well cared for in his old life. Neutered, microchipped, the whole bit. Why a person would toss out a cat like that is beyond me.

I would just give him some time I don't think he will always be this way. I think he is just clinging to what he knows because he is scared. Just a hand on the top of my cat Tom's head would stop his crying. It did go away I think yours will get acclimated as well.

How long have you had him?  It's completely normal for a cat to take a few months to fully settle into a new home.  Especially after being abandoned as he was.  It's great that he is already bonded to you and your husband! 

We brought him home this past weekend. We are taking it easy and not hounding him.

VBCatParent said:

We brought him home this past weekend. We are taking it easy and not hounding him.

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He definitely needs more time than a week or two. Our Tempest has been in her room for nearly 2 months now, and we were warned by the shelter to let her take her own time and not rush her - that it may take a few months. If you try to rush the process and drag him out, it's likely all you'll do is prolong the time it takes him to get comfortable.

Oh, we are definitely taking it slow. We're a little bummed because he took over the bedroom so fast, and seemed ready, but quickly shut down when we showed him the hall. This morning he explored the rest of upstairs. He was on alert, but he stayed calm. My husband (his favorite person) sat at the top of the stairs, and walked up to say hello. So he is slowly expanding.