New kitten hiding under the bed all the time

pazuzuinxs · Feb 1, 2015

I just got my fourth cat---a maine coon from a pretty reputed breeder about 4 months old. CFA registered and with all vet shots up to date.

I have had cats all my life, and feel I have some idea with introducing them to new homes and resident critters etc. However, I guess there is always more to learn.

The issue is this, and I am getting a bit upset with it all. The newcomer has been hiding under the bed pretty much all the time. He has a room to himself where I go to work. He does not eat, drink or poop when anyone is there and just darts back inside the bed if he hears any sort of noise. And to date I have probably heard just a couple meows. And there is a ton of hissing and spitting if anyone goes near him. I have toys, the feliway diffuser on all the time. I have tried to entice him with delicacies and laser pointers. However, there isn't any change. Now, I know that patience is the key often but this has been going on for over a month. Introductions to other pets are of course ruled out for now. If he sees so much as a peep of another animal, he works himself into a fit (once he darted out and hurt himself on the closet mirror when my buddies dog---a rather laid back bulldog mix--- just had a peek at him).

Now all my previous cats and kittens have been naturally curious, and even if shy at first, have usually broken out of their shell within days. I had also worked at a no-kill shelter for a few months a while ago, and I recall one who was just always shy and timid. It was in her nature and she never quite got out of it. Then she was adopted out after 6 months and brought back by the owners a year later (they did keep her finally which was great!) saying that the cat was still very shy and never seemed to warm up at all. I am rather afraid that this may be the case with my new one as well.

There was a long waitlist and I thought that I had carefully chosen my breeder and was very eager to at last get him. The breeder was ready to meet halfway which worked out well. I am beginning to think that perhaps I should have gone to the cattery and seen first hand how he interacts. I have never given up on any of my pets but somehow I feel a bit disappointed, especially since I also had to pay a decent amount to get him in the first place.

Would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

charlismom · Feb 1, 2015

Poor baby sounds very unsocialized. Or ill?

The two feral kittens I trapped in December weren't even as bad as what you describe, and they never interacted with a human before me.

Did you call breeder and discuss? That would be my first go-to, you need to ask a bunch of questions of the breeder, and talk about what has been going on since baby came to your home.

pinkdagger · Feb 1, 2015

How long have you had the cat? I would discuss with the breeder too. They could offer some tips that will make him more comfortable. Also if he is sick, you should have medical records from them too.

A breeder can be very reputable and indeed very responsible, and they work to the best of their knowledge and provide the best care they can, but it doesn't translate directly into every cat their cats produce. The kitten may have had lots of exposure to strangers, to other animals, to new sights and sounds, but that was all when he was able to go back home to comfort and familiarity. Now that he's away from home and he can't find a way back, it's a very different situation.

Were you able to bring anything of his from his old home? Our rescue's foster home let us take a toy with the kitty we brought home, and it's still her favourite toy. I think just having it around while we let her explore (at night when we were asleep and she felt more confident NOT being approached) helped her feel a bit more at ease. Her siblings had also crowded into the carrier too, so the carrier had scents of "home".

I would give him more time. As with any individual, every one is different. Some cats may need weeks to come out of their shell, whereas others will be ready within days or hours.

pazuzuinxs · Feb 1, 2015

I have had the cat since over a month which is why I am a bit concerned. I did get the carrier with the cat (along with some matting) but no toys. I think with a rescue foster, you get to interact with a real family and often times it is a mutual process and you can get toys etc. With a breeder, even if responsible, at times that whole personal thing is not there. And I totally agree with you---not every cat in the litter is the same. And this is a new situation. But in my experience cats are rather inquisitive creatures, especially when they are kittens. Plus I have had an easier experience with my earlier ones.

I had a word with the breeder who told me to try catnip and wait some more. He seems unresponsive (even to laser toys which is a first for me).

I have medical records which show there is no illness. He also looks healthy enough and is eating, eliminating etc. when no one is there. I could go to the vet of course as a last resort. But I have had good ideas come up from the members here, so I am thinking of trying some stuff first.

pazuzuinxs · Feb 1, 2015

CharlisMom said:
Poor baby sounds very unsocialized. Or ill?

The two feral kittens I trapped in December weren't even as bad as what you describe, and they never interacted with a human before me.

Did you call breeder and discuss? That would be my first go-to, you need to ask a bunch of questions of the breeder, and talk about what has been going on since baby came to your home.

My first inclination was that he is very unsocialized (which could be true, but unfortunate). Doesn't seem ill and his last vet records also say the same.

I am in touch with the breeder and she says to give my kitten more time etc. I will probably have a second word with her soon. I could do with some hissing and snapping (I have interacted with ferals before and I know how to handle that) but this extreme hiding and sheer freaking out is making everything very stressful. I am thinking even if there is a live mouse darting by, he will probably run away. Which is very very uncharacteristic of Maine coons

maggiewheels · Feb 1, 2015

If this was my problem I would be sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor of the room with you're new kitty. Letting the new baby get use to you while your asleep. That's how I got my maggie to come out of her shell. I wish you all the luck and please keep us informed

pazuzuinxs · Feb 1, 2015

maggiewheels said:
If this was my problem I would be sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor of the room with you're new kitty. Letting the new baby get use to you while your asleep. That's how I got my maggie to come out of her shell. I wish you all the luck and please keep us informed

Thanks for your advice. I was wondering that if I stay in the room (I have an old futon which I might be able to use) then he might stop eating or something. Do you think I should still give it a try?

maggiewheels · Feb 2, 2015

Put the food and water closer to the kitty and sleep in the room. You shouldn't have a problem. I wish you alot of luck! Just hang in there it's gonna take some time. Also I would talk to you're own vet this is a little weird that this kitten is acting like a feral cat.

stewball · Feb 2, 2015

I.was also going to say unsocialised.
Besides sleeping with her keep talking to her quietly ort reading to her so she knows the sound of your voice. Good luck.

catwoman707 · Feb 2, 2015

Oh boy, this is a familiar thread unfortunately

These breeders with a great reputation etc seem to be everything you are looking for, the lines are great, colors, etc are all good. Temperament?............unsocial.

What you basically have is a semi-feral kitten. Feral doesn't mean born outside, it means lacking socialization at a very young age and consistent as the kitten is growing.

These breeders are not considering how minimal interactions with the kittens effects them, or they don't care....................

I can guarantee you are NOT the first one to be concerned and contacted her, but it continues.

It's VERY disappointing, I'm sure.

Your kitten is well, this is not a sickness, it's purely behavioral and he's literally scared to death of everything.

You will need to start from scratch, just as you would be working on taming a pretty much feral cat.

I have recently been helping/advising a couple others in your same shoes. One I finally convinced she needed to actually cage him and start there.

Very sorry for this happening.

I'm happy to walk you through the steps, but know it's going to take some time and patience.

pazuzuinxs · Feb 5, 2015

catwoman707 said:
Oh boy, this is a familiar thread unfortunately

These breeders with a great reputation etc seem to be everything you are looking for, the lines are great, colors, etc are all good. Temperament?............unsocial.

What you basically have is a semi-feral kitten. Feral doesn't mean born outside, it means lacking socialization at a very young age and consistent as the kitten is growing.

These breeders are not considering how minimal interactions with the kittens effects them, or they don't care....................

I can guarantee you are NOT the first one to be concerned and contacted her, but it continues.

It's VERY disappointing, I'm sure.

Your kitten is well, this is not a sickness, it's purely behavioral and he's literally scared to death of everything.

You will need to start from scratch, just as you would be working on taming a pretty much feral cat.

I have recently been helping/advising a couple others in your same shoes. One I finally convinced she needed to actually cage him and start there.

Very sorry for this happening.

I'm happy to walk you through the steps, but know it's going to take some time and patience.

This was a most wonderful answer! Thank you so much! I thoroughly agree with you and I would very much like to hear your step by step solution. I wish the admins could make this a 'sticky' so everyone who needs help can read your answers.

As you said, some of the 'breeders' do not have the best socialized cats. I come from a smaller town in the midwest and just getting a good breeder itself is a pain unless I am willing to drive for more than 6 hours. So in all honesty, I should also partly take the blame in perhaps going for 'not the best'. Also for me personally, I have always seen shelter cats to be more social (though they come with a host of secondary infections at times).

My breeder probably did not interact much so I am left with as you said 'a domestic feral'. Now since I want to treat him as this prized purebred and not a feral, this process is probably taking way more effort and becoming much longer (and more frustrating).

I was actually looking at cages and I was thinking that would be a good place to start. My wife was appalled to hear this suggestion but I managed to convince her that caging the cat will be the best way to go.

I would really really love to get your advice on this. Would help us a lot.

catwoman707 · Feb 5, 2015

Thanks so much for your kind comments!

I am happy to work this through with you!

I have to head out for a short time to do my 'cat route' in town, the cats I have tnr'd through the years I continue to care for, so meanwhile until I get back and we get this going, can you give me some details on how he is acting now, any interactions, will he eat in front of you, and so on.

I will be back in about an hour!

pazuzuinxs · Feb 5, 2015

catwoman707 said:
Thanks so much for your kind comments!

I am happy to work this through with you!

I have to head out for a short time to do my 'cat route' in town, the cats I have tnr'd through the years I continue to care for, so meanwhile until I get back and we get this going, can you give me some details on how he is acting now, any interactions, will he eat in front of you, and so on.

I will be back in about an hour!

Awesome! thanks for getting back to me.

Eating or drinking---never in front of me. Sometimes he just sits in a corner all day. I pay him a visit a few times (say 4 hours apart) and I see him in that same corner where he was before. He does not eat dry food at all...does seem to at least eat gravied fish (or even broiled) which my other half had to prepare just for him. Again, he only uses the litter box if it is dark and there is no one around. I have both the feliway and the bach thing going almost always.

Interactions---A lot of hissing and growling if you go near him. Once I took a risk and picked him up by the scruff and just petted him a bit (that was about a week ago) and he didn't bite but was continually looking to escape. He did escape once I loosened my grip.

He is scared of pretty much any noise. If there is a bump, he gets all bristled up and ready to dart. I think I mentioned it before but he actually slammed himself into any object if he is in that darting mood.

One positive---he does groom himself and looks immaculate otherwise. Not when anyone is around but at some point I believe.

My other cats don't go near (they don't seem to bothered and neither do I allow them). My basset hound is always inquisitive but too slow and lethargic to care much. Either way, any sight of any animal, and my newcomer is off in a flash. Or if it is a constricted space, he gets into a corner and just growls and claws.

Let me know if any of this sounds familiar to you. Or if you need any more information. He is about 4 months old, has a twin brother who is awaiting adoption I believe.

Again, looking forward to your help and thanks for taking the time

catwoman707 · Feb 5, 2015

Okay so yeah, you have a domestic feral on your hands. How sad really. It's ridiculous................

Caging is going to be your best bet and will get the most success.

So I just went through the thread where I was helping coach someone in your same situation with her young cat from a breeder.

I would pretty much be describing the very same things to you as I had for her, so maybe you want to read it through?

Just a note, the best is to read between myself and Nacho, the person who started the thread.

There are a few others trying to give advice but it was not good nor accurate.

This is my passion, so someone referring to me as cruel or life or death forcing is absurd, if you knew me personally you would laugh, I am so not THAT!

Let me know what you think!

We can customize some parts of it if you'd like too, just let me know!

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/285414/do-cats-remember-bad-vets-trip

pazuzuinxs · Feb 5, 2015

catwoman707 said:
Okay so yeah, you have a domestic feral on your hands. How sad really. It's ridiculous................

Caging is going to be your best bet and will get the most success.

So I just went through the thread where I was helping coach someone in your same situation with her young cat from a breeder.

I would pretty much be describing the very same things to you as I had for her, so maybe you want to read it through?

Just a note, the best is to read between myself and Nacho, the person who started the thread.

There are a few others trying to give advice but it was not good nor accurate.

This is my passion, so someone referring to me as cruel or life or death forcing is absurd, if you knew me personally you would laugh, I am so not THAT!

Let me know what you think!

We can customize some parts of it if you'd like too, just let me know!

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/285414/do-cats-remember-bad-vets-trip

That was a wonderful post and thread and quite informative. I am really supportive of your passion and think you know what you are doing.

First, I am just going to some stuff in here for others as well (since this thread is newer and bound to get views).

1. Crating is not cruel! I cannot emphasize it more. I have used it for my dog and have seen it used on cats and it works really well. I will try it with mine as well and post updates. Cats have a complex social hierarchy but at the end of the day they do associate with their food source. And breaking the ice by food from hand (I might or might not use a glove depending on the level of aggression also does two things---smell association and positive association with the owner.

Again, there will be others in my place who will think their purebred will be a fairy and won't dream of crating them. This is what I am (was) doing till now---needing to accept the cat is a feral is probably a huge step in the right direction.

2. Not giving up is another thing I have learnt. But not doing anything is worse sometimes. Yes, be patient but also be proactive. Look and work remedies.

3. Probably not that relevant to this thread, but I wanted to raise this point anyway. MsAimee raised a point being some cats have innate feral-ness and need to be wild. I disagree. First, cats are not wild animals, and then even if you cannot get each one to be a cuddle buddy, it does not mean that the cat cannot be tamed for handling or some interaction. The logic of freedom and being wild and loving the great outdoors is aligned with those who do not support keeping cats indoors. I don't think having a cat indoors creates any great issues or decreases the cat's quality of life. On a still broader level, this relates to the central claim that cats or any other animals should not be kept as pets at all, which again i don't agree with. But I digress. And I have enough on my hands now so I would rather not think about these things especially when there are no definite answers sometimes.

Questions for you catwoman:

What kind of food should I try for handfeeding? Tuna/ tilapia is working now and I doubt he will have pellets...

Any ideas of what kind of cage I should get (as in brands etc.)? I can possibly woodwork out a cage but I don't think that's a good idea.

Where should I place the cage? In my room or somewhere else?

Do I give him out of cage time or should I stick to my guns till he is much calmer?

Once I get your reply, I will proceed. And thanks again for your help! The thread was very informative.

catwoman707 · Feb 6, 2015

pazuzuinxs said:
That was a wonderful post and thread and quite informative. I am really supportive of your passion and think you know what you are doing.

First, I am just going to some stuff in here for others as well (since this thread is newer and bound to get views).

1. Crating is not cruel! I cannot emphasize it more. I have used it for my dog and have seen it used on cats and it works really well. I will try it with mine as well and post updates. Cats have a complex social hierarchy but at the end of the day they do associate with their food source. And breaking the ice by food from hand (I might or might not use a glove depending on the level of aggression also does two things---smell association and positive association with the owner.

Again, there will be others in my place who will think their purebred will be a fairy and won't dream of crating them. This is what I am (was) doing till now---needing to accept the cat is a feral is probably a huge step in the right direction.

2. Not giving up is another thing I have learnt. But not doing anything is worse sometimes. Yes, be patient but also be proactive. Look and work remedies.

3. Probably not that relevant to this thread, but I wanted to raise this point anyway. MsAimee raised a point being some cats have innate feral-ness and need to be wild. I disagree. First, cats are not wild animals, and then even if you cannot get each one to be a cuddle buddy, it does not mean that the cat cannot be tamed for handling or some interaction. The logic of freedom and being wild and loving the great outdoors is aligned with those who do not support keeping cats indoors. I don't think having a cat indoors creates any great issues or decreases the cat's quality of life. On a still broader level, this relates to the central claim that cats or any other animals should not be kept as pets at all, which again i don't agree with. But I digress. And I have enough on my hands now so I would rather not think about these things especially when there are no definite answers sometimes.

Questions for you catwoman:

What kind of food should I try for handfeeding? Tuna/ tilapia is working now and I doubt he will have pellets...

Any ideas of what kind of cage I should get (as in brands etc.)? I can possibly woodwork out a cage but I don't think that's a good idea.

Where should I place the cage? In my room or somewhere else?

Do I give him out of cage time or should I stick to my guns till he is much calmer?

Once I get your reply, I will proceed. And thanks again for your help! The thread was very informative.

So glad you found the thread informative and helpful.

I agree with you completely in your views.

Answers to your questions-

At the start of handfeeding, you will use what is most irresistible to him, tuna pieces and/or tilapia sound great.

This will only be for a very short time, as you will want to move on to more fully nutritious foods once he will come to you for food.

What do you normally feed your other cats?

As for the cage, I think even the most inexpensive cages are fine to use, as long as he is unable to escape. I really like the ones that have a door on a long side as well as a door at one end. Somehow they can really come in handy having dual access if needed.

Depending on what you want to spend, obviously the smaller cages cost less, and you can use a small cage too, what I have done is cut a piece of wood, plywood type to just under the width of the cage, drill holes in the corners and create a shelf with zip/quick ties attaching it snugly. This adds space for the bed to be on the shelf, and litterbox under it, just make sure there is enough clearance for easy in and out of the box.

Dish for water should be very stable like a heavy crock type.

Cage placement, as mentioned in the other thread, is a big plus if it's elevated.

Place a chair beside it for visits and feeding. Putting him at your level is so much less intimidating and will help him feel much less vulnerable. Covering it fully with a sheet type cover with the front open and maybe 6-8" back too, for security yet he is able to see all around too.

Placement is best wherever you are the most, unless your home is too busy and active, then you will want to start off in a more calmer, secluded spot until he becomes more relaxed and acquainted with you. You don't want to overwhelm him either.

I would NOT allow him to be out of the cage at all, not for some time.

New kitten hiding under the bed all the time

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