Timid and Strange KItten Problems

Hello guys! I have recently adopted a new kitten named Charlie from the local shelter about a week ago. I have never owned any pets before so I'm not sure how to deal with a new pet in general?
Charlie was never a fighter or upset kitten. He allowed anyone to hold him and cuddle with him with no problems whatsoever. However he seems to still be uncomfortable around the family. We have made him a little sanctuary room in the bathroom with his own little bed and litterbox and food. Thing is, he'll be sitting with us and comfy and cuddling and sleeping and next thing we know, he bolted and hid under the couch. He doesn't want to play with anyone and kinda just sleeps (which is typical of a kitten) and if he isn't asleep, just sits there.
Any advice for me and how to deal with the kitten? I really don't want an anti social kitten nor do I want to return him.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
ps: Adopting a second kitten is not possible as of this moment

Earlier today he literally ran from our arms and hid under the couch for hours and I tried letting him come out on his own but he just ended up sleeping there for a long time till I lured him out with some food..

How old is Charlie? 

Can you pinpoint anything that has occurred when he bolts?  Movements or noise?  It seems something is spooking him, poor little guy.

I'm wondering whether a vet check would be in order, in case he's in pain.

Charlie is about 9 weeks old. I honestly don't know if something spooked him. My house is typically loud but it doesn't usually spook him

So you got him at 8 weeks?  Just a baby.  I'm going to move you over to Pregnant Cats and Kitten Care as there are some pretty knowledgeable kitten people over there.

Does he plays at all?  For example, if you try to entice him into play, with a Da bird, or leading a  paper by a little rope...  Usually a very popular play with kittens...

Its true kittens sleep a lot, but they also do play...

I too Im thinking he may be not well.....

Had he been dewormed properly, for example?

linawaary said:

Hello guys! I have recently adopted a new kitten named Charlie from the local shelter about a week ago. I have never owned any pets before so I'm not sure how to deal with a new pet in general?
Charlie was never a fighter or upset kitten. He allowed anyone to hold him and cuddle with him with no problems whatsoever. However he seems to still be uncomfortable around the family. We have made him a little sanctuary room in the bathroom with his own little bed and litterbox and food. Thing is, he'll be sitting with us and comfy and cuddling and sleeping and next thing we know, he bolted and hid under the couch. He doesn't want to play with anyone and kinda just sleeps (which is typical of a kitten) and if he isn't asleep, just sits there.
Any advice for me and how to deal with the kitten? I really don't want an anti social kitten nor do I want to return him.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
ps: Adopting a second kitten is not possible as of this moment

Earlier today he literally ran from our arms and hid under the couch for hours and I tried letting him come out on his own but he just ended up sleeping there for a long time till I lured him out with some food..

Click to expand...

Do you know anything more of his background?

I got to think, if he is born as semiferale, and didnt got properly socialized / fostered, he may be shy, as simply as that.

That is why he doenst play much, and hides if he can.  He is too unsecure, dont knows what tune is played.

And him accepting to be cuddled with, may thus be a part of a survival strategy...  taking the least bad course in a sea of uncertainities...

Either that, OR  he may have a physical problem...

These are the two differennt explanations coming to my mind.

I would watch him to make sure he doesn't have a fever.  It's not unusual for a kitten to get sick after arriving at their Forever home.

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You can also create simple hiding places for the kitten in common areas so he is easy to find.  Cardboard boxes with a hole cut in for a  door, or a blanket draped over the top of the sofa and hanging over the edge, Even well placed pillows will work.

StefanZ I got him from the shelter so they deworm him before you can adopt him so I'm not sure how well of a job they did. Like many of the cats at the shelter he wasa stray so I don't know much about his past
handsome kitty I have noticed he sneezes quiet a bit! I'll be sure to check him and maybe drop by a vet!
He has started purring when you hold him lately so maybe progress? I'll make sure to see if he's fully healthy

StefanZ handsome kitty do you guys happen to have an estimate of how much a vet visit will be? Money is a bit tight and I'm hoping to know it won't be that much...

Have you checked with the shelter to see if they cover any vet costs?  I think a general check up at my vet is around $45.00  Some vets have kitten packages and I think Banfield Hospital (attached to petsmart) has kitten packages which cover vaccinations and a wellness check.  Most vet offices offer these as well  and it is worth it. 

handsome kitty I'll check it out thank you!