My kitten is hiding in the bathroom and I am worried that it is too cold for her

yoojinjinny

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I just brought a kitten home (approximately 11 weeks old) and this is my first cat ever.

She was a very skittish kitty when I first brought her. She likes to be petted but it takes an effort to catch her since she runs away. Once we get a hold of her and start petting her, she was purring and relaxed.

Once I brought her home, I put her in the bathroom for her to settle down with her litter box (with the same litter she's been using), food (that she's been eating), water, a blanket and the carrier I used.

I left her in there for an hour and when I entered the bathroom, she was gone. After about 26 hours, I finally figured out where she could be hiding. I think she climbed up into is a very small space between the cabinet and the wall. It is impossible for me to reach for her.

I laid out some treats and kitty milk just so that she will eat and keep hydrated. It's been about 29 hours and she is yowling (based on my googling). She hasn't touched the food or the snack.

I kept the light off and door closed. 

I can be patient and wait for her to come out but I am just worried that the bathroom is too cold for her. Despite it being summer, my apartment is cool and the bathroom is even colder(tile etc.)

There is a blanket, a towel and her carrier with a pad laid out. Every time I make a noise, she stops yowling.

Should I be worried about anything? I am not sure if she is drinking anything or if she is too cold.
 

govtlawyer

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Yes you should be worried.  It sounds like she may be trapped.  Pull the cabinet away from the wall if you have to.  Once you get her out, you must make sure your home is kitty-proof, to the extent that it is possible.  You can't find every single nook and cranny she may get into, but as she becomes bolder and more comfortable with you, she will find them.  You'll need to keep electrical cords out of reach, to the extent that it is possible, etc.

If she isn't trapped, then she will come out on her own, and in time become more comfortable with you and a bit bolder.  In the meantime, make sure she isn't physically trapped.
 
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yoojinjinny

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I am a bit worried that she is trapped even though I do think that she can come out if she wanted to.. the cabinet is built in and I cannot move it. My guess is that she is in that little space between the cabinet door and the wall. Should I call animal rescue etc. to pull the kitten out? This picture was taken before I brought the cat home and right now there are food and water right in front of the cabinet as well as towels etc. I just dont want to turn the light on to take a new picture in case that frightens her more. She is still yowling.

 
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yoojinjinny

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And you are right that I couldnt find all the nooks and crannies. I had NO idea that the space was open for a kitten to access. 
 

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There is a hollow between the inset of wood and the kick plate. You try to reach in there for her, but your arms probably aren't long enough. The only other option is to saw a hole in the inside of the cabinet wall and reach in to her.

She found a way in, so she may not be trapped. You could just leave the light on and see if she gets out during the night. I don't think she will get too cold in there. Talk to her and encourage her to come out.

Keep us posted on what happens. 
 
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yoojinjinny

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I am hoping that she is not trapped but is voluntarily staying in there! I don't hear her scratching or anything.

Is leaving the light on a better option for the kitten? I should keep the door shut though right?

It has only been 30 hours since the kitten got home so I am not so convinced that she is in fact trapped and is unable to get out despite her willingness. I will give her more time.. In the meantime, I hope she comes out to drink water or milk.

After she comes out, does anybody have a suggestion on what I can do to fill the hole so she can't go in? I dont want her to try going in there again and get trapped once she gets larger.

Thanks for all the suggestions. 
 

DreamerRose

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Yes, I'd leave the light on. Even cats can't see in total darkness. As for closing the hole, try stuffing with newspaper and taping it over with duct tape. It won't be very attractive, but you can take it down when she gets comfortable being outside.

As for the door - I don't know. It's a matter of whether or not you think she might get stepped on or hide somewhere else.
 
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yoojinjinny

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Thank you so much DreamerRose!

I will keep the light on over night. I think where she is hiding is dark enough that I can keep the bathroom light on.

I thought that keeping the door closed might give her more privacy that she needs. 

I will probably do something like a newspaper and duck tape. I was going to keep the bathroom door closed at all times since it has a lot of cosmetics and soap etc out inevitably but just in case she slips in and hides very quickly.

I will keep you updated on what happens to her tomorrow! If she won't come out with no sign of food or water consumption, I might take more action.

Thanks!!
 

govtlawyer

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You need to take a stand.  Either you think she is trapped, or you don't
 

govtlawyer

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YES, take a picture.  If she's trapped, she'll get over it.  Stick your hand in there with a phone and use the flash and take a photo.
 
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yoojinjinny

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As an update, if anybody were curious,

I asked my friend over to help me get the kitten out because the amount that she was eating/drinking, if she were even eating or drinking, was too small. I didn't notice it at all.

I saw furs on the floor etc so I was convinced that she knew how to get out.

When we took off the plywood on the very front of the cabinet to get an access of her and reached in for her, she didn't resist much and came out of her hiding.

She came out relatively easy and although we are not sure if she were in there voluntarily or not, she is eating, drinking and using the litter fine.

She likes to be petted (she kneads and purrs) but she also loves to hide. Which I think is confusing for her. She cries out hoping for me to come pet her but she doesn't want to come out of her hiding, which is fine! We are making it work.

I have already cat proofed my house, so there are no space for her to crawl in and be stuck. I gave her a couple boxes and she can hide under my small bookshelf and dining table but nowhere that is too dangerous for her. 

Thanks for all your advice and I am glad that she is out and healthy!
 

DreamerRose

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I'm so glad she's out, too. I wondered all day about her. She must like the security of a hiding place. One of those covered cat beds would be perfect for her. Do take a picture so we can all see her.
 

govtlawyer

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Very glad other that.  As long as she has a safe place to hide, she'll be fine.  Try not to force yourself on her.  We love to pet and stroke our pets.  However, not all pets are as comfortable with it as we think they are, or ought to be.  Give her some space and allow her her freedom.  She will warm up to you after she associates you with warmth and food.  Eventually she will become bolder.  Enjoy her.  She will be lots of fun.
 
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yoojinjinny

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She is an adorable little girl who still loves to hide under my shelf or my dining table. My friend and I kitty proofed the house and so far, she hasnt found any other dangerous spots!

She LOVES to be petted and she kneads and purrs when I pet her. But she doesnt like to be seen, so she hides most of the day and comes out at night and meows until I pet her and give her an attention.

She is still getting used to my house and being around me but she is doing great! 

Thanks everyone for your concerns and advice!
 

hellomisskitty

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Ohhhh...she is so beautiful!!! Have you picked out a name for her?
Sounds like she is gradually getting used to her new home...thank you for your patience with her[emoji]10084[/emoji]️
I don't know if this will help but you could try a Feliway diffuser to help her feel a little calmer:


Keep us posted on how you and your little one are doing!
 

govtlawyer

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She's a cutey.  I'm sure she'll be a wonderful pet. Have fun.  Enjoy.
 

DreamerRose

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She's a sweet, beautiful kitty! Give her time and she will follow you everywhere. It's going to take a while for her to be comfortable in a new place.
 
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