New kitten

Hi, wondering if anyone can help please. I have always had rescue cats in the past, but got a kitten yesterday. (My last cat died of heart failure). So, I am new to kittens. Got him home, new bed, scratching post, toys etc... and he won't come out. I managed to feed him last night. I am trying to settle him into the house, and would have hoped he would be a little more confident by now.

Problems and advice I need please.

He hasn't been wormed, so I got the medication yesterday. I don't want to distress him anymore by forcing this on him, so am waiting.

He hasn't had any flea treatment. Due to his weight, vet can only administer (his weight is fine)

Would like to take him to vets to be checked out. However, I don't want to take him yet, as I don't want him to get stressed.

No jabs.

He only wants to hide. Yes, I am aware that this can be normal behaviour.

I have taken today off work to help him adjust.

I have sat at his level. Speak quietly to him. Have given him space. Not forcing him out. Is there anything else I can do? And at what point should I take him to the vets?

I also have a dog that is desperate to meet him. Obviously not at the moment. And he is being incredibly patient. I have had to lock him in the hallway (lots of praise for how well his is behaving). I put the dogs blanket in with the kittens bedding, so he can get used to the smell. Is there anything else I can do?

Sorry for the long post.

Any advice/help gratefully received.

Thank you

Look a few things...

1. The deworming I would just get a vet to do it honestly if you bought something from the store there is no guarantee it is safe or that it will work. I know it's stressful it always will be for any cat but it needs to be done.

2. As for what your doing it sounds like your doing all you can give the little one time. When I brought home Sera and her sister Tsuki I had placed them in the bathroom but they just hid in the corner terrified so I left them be for a while and sat in there later in the day. Tsuki (who was sick and passed a few months later) continued hiding while Sera approached on her own. Vincent I placed in my bedroom and he just slept on my arm (he was 11 weeks old at the time). The one common factor with both of them is on the first night I slept in the room with them (let Sera/Tsuki out into the front room). Sera/Tsuki hid for a bit more but they did come out within a day or two on their own and were ok. As for what I'm saying well give the little one time. It has to deal with the smell of a new environment, it's been separated from it's family (mother, siblings), the only home it ever knew, it has to deal with a new person, and a dog on top of all that of course it's scared. Just be patient.

Edit

Wanted to ask a few things.

1. How long have you had him?

2. How old is he?

Hi. Thank you. So as i thought, just time


Got him yesterday.

Just over 6 weeks.

We did take him to bed with us last night. But the other thing i forgot to mention, he is vocal. And when i say vocal, i mean hasnt stopped crying. I ended up having to put him in the kitchen, (so we could sleep? which is his area temporarily until he can be happy with the dog, and a little older. I know his upset, so hoping this will settle down.

Do you think make a vets appointment for asap, or wait till he is settled a bit more.

The guy that sold me the worming stuff really knew his stuff. For example, he said he wasnt able to sell us flea spary, and said that there was only one worming medicine we could use.

And should i take him out of his basket to encourage him to roam? Or just leave him in there?

Im really worried about this poor mite. He really isn't settling. Is this normal?

Yes, it's normal because he's way too young to be away from his mom and litter. Where did you get him?

I would set him up in a small area with a stuffed animal and a hot water bottle to snuggle in a nest. He's too small to asleep in bed with you and will likely have accidents. He could get hurt for now too.

How much and how how often are you feeding him?

In regards to where i got him, wont go into details, but better he is here with me. He was going to be dumped. He is closer to 7 weeks, and yes, 8 is better.

Brought him a lovely bed with soft cushions, and soft toys. Didnt put him in bed with us. Put his bed in our room, as he is way too small, and i wouldnt wish to hurt him in the slightest

In regards to food. We got him a good quality kitten food. He is barely eating. But he has food to hand

I suggest that you get kitten formula (powdered KMR by Pet Ag is best) and a kitten bottle, and try feeding him this way for now every 3-4 hours. He will also need kitten chow and kitten wet food.

He is probably scared to death right now. The more time you can spend with him the better for now. He will adjust with time and love.