Cat in Hiding - Please help

Hi -

I know this has been posted before but i thought it i posted it would alleviate my parents concerns.   I got them a beautiful 2 1/2 year old female cat.  She was from a loving family who had to take in an in-law in who was allergic to her.   They said she was timid with their grandchildren but was very loving after she felt comfortable.

My parents have had her for about ten-days.  We put her in a room with litter, food, her toys, bed, etc... She is eating but not as much as my mom thinks she should.  They have not switched her food.  She is using her litter box but she stays well hidden.  There are nooks for her to hide.  I did not move anything out as she seems to feel comfortable there.  They go in and speak to her gently and they saw her this Sunday.  She appears healthy but scared.  We have put feliaways in her room as well.

I have read this is not unusual.  Does anyone have any magical solution besides patience?  Patience is fine I just think it would help my parents to hear this is not unusual and just give her time.  Also how do they know if she is eating enough?

Any help, suggestions or support will help my parents I have no doubt.  I know when she comes out and see her big beautiful house without young children and two people who will lover her she will be in heaven but for now she is just scared.

Thanks,

Erin

Hey there! I'm sorry if I'm stepping out of place by giving advice since I'm new however I've had many experiences like this!

A few questions first, do they keep her in that room as in close the door etc.? How do people normally approach her or react to how she hides? Also did your parents have pets previous to her inside the house?

They just sit in the room and talk to her they often see her hiding and can't get to her so just talk softly and sweetly to her.  They don't reach for her.  They had a cat about 10 years ago but the house is immaculate (unlike mine) so I have to think any trace of their old cat is gone.  Her room has a door but I think they leave it cracked for her.  Thanks for asking.

Thank you for the quick reply and no problem at all!

It sounds like your parents are doing a wonderful job so far I'm super glad to hear that!

(sorry if I seem intruding/or act like I know something I don't! I'd hate to be an annoyance!)
It seems to me she might not feel confident that she owns her area? Or maybe her old home had accidentally encouraged a timid like behavior? My main advice is to say bring out the toys that lead her out into the open but in a gentle manner just to encourage her to be out and about! String toys or any kind of toy that encourages a chase would be amazing!

The main goal is to make her feel confident! 

As for transitioning from the room to the house it might be a bit tough to transition but my recommendation is cat areas or cat stuff outside of the room as well that she can identify with "hey thats mine! cool!" especially for litter-boxes!

Thanks, that is a good idea.  My dad even put a trail of treats up the stairs.  I think it drives my mom batty but I will suggest they move her toy right outside her door when they go to bed.   Of course I have a sister who keeps chiming in I hope she doesn't starve herself and die - UGH...sisters.

No problem I hope I can help! Ahaha your dad has the right idea. Yes that'd be perfect! Ah yes, unnecessary stress aha sorry about that oh gosh! I think that she might be eating just fine but if you guys are taking the amount of food she eats from her dish- say it's empty or eaten out of the next day to replace it - I'm sure she's getting enough to eat! However if she hasn't been eating at all i'd say consult a vet but it sounds like she has!  

Does the cat have a cat tower in her room? Or some pedestals she can stand on or observe a window somewhere? I'd also put treats to guide her up to those as well if she has them to give her a good perspective of her land! Just teach her that she owns your parents ahaha! 

Still best of luck! The shy kitties are always a bit harder! My parents old cat Chelsea was near the same way except she wouldn't leave her room but eventually with coaxing and many....MANY treats and toys she was able to step out and make the place her own! Good for your parents for being so adept!

Thanks Cynda!  My husband and I are moving in a couple months i hope my two won't hide out like this little one.

No problem at all! I'm super super glad I could help even if a bit! Feel free to keep me posted as well if you'd like.
And I'm sure they won't but best of luck anyway! I hope everything goes well in the move! 

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