I lost my new cat... in my room.

So yesterday I took in a cat from someone who could no longer keep him (the other cats used to fight with him). His name was Midnight but I renamed him Makko.


Naturally he was a little timid around my female cat. He had only been around other males, so I had hoped he would be more compatible with Amira since she was female. They both are older kittens, Amira is 7 months and Makko is 8-9 months. She is spayed so no worries. Unfortunately, with him being so nervous, I put him in my room to settle down but he disappeared. I couldn't find him anywhere! I checked under the bed, in my closet, under my dresser, between the wall and bed frame, etc. Literally everywhere. My room is not large so I assumed I would find him eventually. I have a litter box, feeder, water dispenser in my room because that's where I keep my cat most of the time anyways. Well I slept overnight, the WHOLE day has passed and tonight I moved some things and looked thoroughly again. Still no Makko.

What should I do to coax him out? I don't think he's left the room. He's been an inside cat his whole life, I don't leave my room door open at all (since I have roommates), and I don't leave my closet open either. I am literally stumped. He has to be in here but where??

Any advice?

Sierra use to sleep in the drawers of my dresser. The drawers were not left open. She had to have climbed up behind the drawers, inside the dresser. Cats can get into places you'd never even think to look. Makko is terrified, brand new home, brand new person. Give him some time and space, let him feel secure. Just have a litter box, food and water out, when the litter box gets used, or the food is eaten, you'll know he's safe.

Thank you for getting him out of a bad situation.

KSKatt said:

Sierra use to sleep in the drawers of my dresser. The drawers were not left open. She had to have climbed up behind the drawers, inside the dresser. Cats can get into places you'd never even think to look. Makko is terrified, brand new home, brand new person. Give him some time and space, let him feel secure. Just have a litter box, food and water out, when the litter box gets used, or the food is eaten, you'll know he's safe.
Thank you for getting him out of a bad situation.

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Thanks for the response, I'm just concerned because I can't physically see if he's okay. I'm a bit overly protective when it comes to my pets. Maybe in a few days he'll start coming out?

I rescue and have socialized a few ferals, you must have patience. I know just what you mean about worrying and wanting to be able to see, but he has had a rough life and now it's turned upside down. He just doesn't know his life is going to be way better now!

Did he interact much with his old family? Was he very social to begin with?

KSKatt said:

I rescue and have socialized a few ferals, you must have patience. I know just what you mean about worrying and wanting to be able to see, but he has had a rough life and now it's turned upside down. He just doesn't know his life is going to be way better now!
Did he interact much with his old family? Was he very social to begin with?

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His old owner said he was very sweet but since he is a male, the other males in the home used to fight with him a lot. His owner was very saddened to see him go but it was tearing him up inside to see him become so traumatized by the other cats. His owner looked like he really cared, even shed a few tears as he gave him to me.

Having good relations with humans already is a big step in the right direction.

Soft music, always speak in a soft voice, slow movements, the less threatening you are the better. How much time do you spend in your room? Has Amira spent much time in your room sense Makko arrived?

I know I ask a lot of questions, it's just easier to help if I can understand the specifics. Right now I'd better get to bed! When I check in tomorrow, I hope to see good news.

Oh, try not to stress, animals pick up on our emotions big time. If you "feel" worried, he'll wonder what's wrong and, maybe, not feel as safe.

Could he have got out of the room without your knowledge?
Do you have a recliner chair in your room? He might be under the the chair in the recess area and nooks and crannies.

They are very good in hiding and squeezing in and keeping very still. Search slowly by moving things slowly and not in a ransacking manner which will scare him further. The other way is close your bedroom door, turn off the lights and use a low power torchlight and look. In the dark, his eyes will glow when the light shines on his eyes.

kskatt I am unfortunately sick with some kind of cold, or sickness, I'm not sure but it's causing me to lose my voice now and then. So because of that I am spending more time in my room. Yes, Amira has access to this room. She saw him the first day and went completely crazy (in a good way), she was so excited to see another cat that she tried showing off how fast she was, running through her tunnel, looking at him every now and then to make sure he was looking. When he didn't come down from the bed she approached him slowly, non aggressively, but he hid in between the pillows. Not understanding why he was so scared (Amira has never been around aggressive animals in her life) she tried pawing at him. However this did not work so eventually she got bored and walked away to take a nap in her tunnel. (That's her favorite napping spot.)

*UPDATE*

I was getting dressed and opened a drawer and there he was! Makko was curled up in the corner of the drawer. I petted him and talked to him for awhile and he is indeed very affectionate, just very scared of Amira. I don't think he's realized that she is a female and won't attempt to hurt him. He has met my chihuahuas (who ADORE cats) they greeted him very warmly, licking his face and ears. He likes them and even nuzzled Ginger. However every time he sees Amira he attempts to hide. I think this is because at his old home every cat there was an un-neutered male and attempted to hurt him in one way or another. He's curious about her, I can tell, because when Amira was taking a nap on the bed he leaped on very quietly and watched her for a moment. He attempted to sniff her but she happen to open her eyes at the same time and he instantly leaped off and hid. Amira looked a little bewildered but went back to sleep. This might take a while before he realizes that Amira does not want to hurt him.

TabbyTom said:

Could he have got out of the room without your knowledge?
Do you have a recliner chair in your room? He might be under the the chair in the recess area and nooks and crannies.

They are very good in hiding and squeezing in and keeping very still. Search slowly by moving things slowly and not in a ransacking manner which will scare him further. The other way is close your bedroom door, turn off the lights and use a low power torchlight and look. In the dark, his eyes will glow when the light shines on his eyes.

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No I found him, he was in my dresser drawer! He had me so worried but I'm trying to let him adjust slowly.

Lea98 said:

No I found him, he was in my dresser drawer! He had me so worried but I'm trying to let him adjust slowly.

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Aha! Is like my Sierra!

If the only cats he has ever known hurt him, it will take a long time tp lose that fear. There are techniques like moving food bowls closer through time, but I would just let him take his own time at this point. Let him completely adjust. What is excellent is to pet, cuddle and love on Amira where you know he can see you. Maybe he can learn she's nice through you.

I do not understand anyone with, multiple, intact male cats. The fighting, spraying, etc, it's just not a pleasant image. Not healthy or pleasant for the cats either. Do you know this person well?

KSKatt said:

Aha! Is like my Sierra!
If the only cats he has ever known hurt him, it will take a long time tp lose that fear. There are techniques like moving food bowls closer through time, but I would just let him take his own time at this point. Let him completely adjust. What is excellent is to pet, cuddle and love on Amira where you know he can see you. Maybe he can learn she's nice through you.
I do not understand anyone with, multiple, intact male cats. The fighting, spraying, etc, it's just not a pleasant image. Not healthy or pleasant for the cats either. Do you know this person well?

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No, I don't know the man. I was on Craigslist, looking for electricians but then I got bored and found myself on the "pet" section and I saw his post.

I agree that there is no need to have multiple unaltered males and females. In my area there is a organization called PetPals that spays and neuters both dogs and cats for under $50. I got Amira spayed there plus shots for only $30. That's why I don't understand how people don't get their pets this vital operation.

Lea98 said:

No, I don't know the man. I was on Craigslist, looking for electricians but then I got bored and found myself on the "pet" section and I saw his post.

I agree that there is no need to have multiple unaltered males and females. In my area there is a organization called PetPals that spays and neuters both dogs and cats for under $50. I got Amira spayed there plus shots for only $30. That's why I don't understand how people don't get their pets this vital operation.

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He has females in there too?!? Did you go to his house? If so, what did you see? He may need to be turned in as a hoarder. Hoarders are nice people that get in over their heads. He may be able to care for those he has now, but what happens after another few litters? No vet care, poor food, unsanitary conditions. Cats WILL get sick and injured and not receive care. Please tell someone at PetPals about him, they will know if he is in trouble.

I'm so glad you got Makko, advertising on craigslist is very dangerous!

KSKatt said:

He has females in there too?!? Did you go to his house? If so, what did you see? He may need to be turned in as a hoarder. Hoarders are nice people that get in over their heads. He may be able to care for those he has now, but what happens after another few litters? No vet care, poor food, unsanitary conditions. Cats WILL get sick and injured and not receive care. Please tell someone at PetPals about him, they will know if he is in trouble.
I'm so glad you got Makko, advertising on craigslist is very dangerous!

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No I didn't go to his house, I've seen too many alarming stories to go meet a stranger at their house. I met him at a public place, brought someone with me. He mentioned that Makko (aka Midnight at the time) got along with females, so I just assumed he had to have females in his home in order to make that statement. He said it was just "the other males" that weren't too fond of him. Of course, I asked if Makko was neutered and he responded no. So I simply asked "if you don't mind me asking are the other males neutered?" And again he said no, not yet. So I'm not sure how many cats he has or if he's planning to get them taken care of but all I know is Makko is on his way to getting neutered as soon as he trusts me. I don't want to traumatize him as I am still unknown to him. Taking him to the vet would probably be too stressful for him now, poor kitty.

KSKatt said:

 
He has females in there too?!? Did you go to his house? If so, what did you see? He may need to be turned in as a hoarder. Hoarders are nice people that get in over their heads. He may be able to care for those he has now, but what happens after another few litters? No vet care, poor food, unsanitary conditions. Cats WILL get sick and injured and not receive care. Please tell someone at PetPals about him, they will know if he is in trouble.

I'm so glad you got Makko, advertising on craigslist is very dangerous!

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It may not be a hoarding situation.

My mom ended up with a lot of cats because FIP got into her household via a shelter cat.  At first she was just waiting for the rest to die, but then a couple of half-starved homeless cats were found during the winter.  It was leave them to starve alone and cold, or give them food and warmth and love for a few years.  One cat had kittens right before her spay appointment, my parents could not give away the kittens due to FIP and you can guess what happened.  My parents were spaying and neutering as fast as they had the money, the cats did have routine vet care because of the FIP, but there was always just that one cat they were too slow to spay, and the choice was keep the kittens or euthanasia of perfectly healthy but infected kittens.  Giving away FIP carriers was not an option to my parents.

When they finally got that *last* cat, the numbers dwindled down fast.  They had a lot for a while, but the cats had food, water and vet care.  Totally opposite of a hoarder situation.

arouetta said:

It may not be a hoarding situation.

My mom ended up with a lot of cats because FIP got into her household via a shelter cat.  At first she was just waiting for the rest to die, but then a couple of half-starved homeless cats were found during the winter.  It was leave them to starve alone and cold, or give them food and warmth and love for a few years.  One cat had kittens right before her spay appointment, my parents could not give away the kittens due to FIP and you can guess what happened.  My parents were spaying and neutering as fast as they had the money, the cats did have routine vet care because of the FIP, but there was always just that one cat they were too slow to spay, and the choice was keep the kittens or euthanasia of perfectly healthy but infected kittens.  Giving away FIP carriers was not an option to my parents.

When they finally got that *last* cat, the numbers dwindled down fast.  They had a lot for a while, but the cats had food, water and vet care.  Totally opposite of a hoarder situation.

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I pray that he didn't give me an infected cat. I hear FIP is always fatal. [emoji]128567[/emoji]

Lea98 said:

No I found him, he was in my dresser drawer! He had me so worried but I'm trying to let him adjust slowly.

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Glad that he's found and is safe. Proably he was comfortable there too. You could try sacrificing that drawer for him and let him sleep there. My boy use to sleep in my wardrobe :lol3:

arouetta said:

 
It may not be a hoarding situation.

My mom ended up with a lot of cats because FIP got into her household via a shelter cat.  At first she was just waiting for the rest to die, but then a couple of half-starved homeless cats were found during the winter.  It was leave them to starve alone and cold, or give them food and warmth and love for a few years.  One cat had kittens right before her spay appointment, my parents could not give away the kittens due to FIP and you can guess what happened.  My parents were spaying and neutering as fast as they had the money, the cats did have routine vet care because of the FIP, but there was always just that one cat they were too slow to spay, and the choice was keep the kittens or euthanasia of perfectly healthy but infected kittens.  Giving away FIP carriers was not an option to my parents.

When they finally got that *last* cat, the numbers dwindled down fast.  They had a lot for a while, but the cats had food, water and vet care.  Totally opposite of a hoarder situation.

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I have 14 cats, all came to me, strays and ferals. I live way out in the country, for one, for two they are all spay/neutered. I feel horrible for your mom, waiting for cats to die, in mass. I can't even imagine. Your parents were also spay/neutering as fast as they could.

I hope you are not saying a suspicious situation should be ignored, just in case. With the additional info, it sounds like he does have plans, and maybe just a few cats. Perhaps the girls are spayed. We don't know. SatSun, if there is any way you can contact this guy, please tell him about the group and the reduced prices. Give him the chance to save money, and get the neuters done sooner. Just an "Oh, by the way, do you know about PetPals, they have great prices, I've used them. Good way to save $$." Simply passing on info. Maybe a "btw, advertising on craigslist is really dangerous. And why.

KSKatt said:

I have 14 cats, all came to me, strays and ferals. I live way out in the country, for one, for two they are all spay/neutered. I feel horrible for your mom, waiting for cats to die, in mass. I can't even imagine. Your parents were also spay/neutering as fast as they could.
I hope you are not saying a suspicious situation should be ignored, just in case. With the additional info, it sounds like he does have plans, and maybe just a few cats. Perhaps the girls are spayed. We don't know. SatSun, if there is any way you can contact this guy, please tell him about the group and the reduced prices. Give him the chance to save money, and get the neuters done sooner. Just an "Oh, by the way, do you know about PetPals, they have great prices, I've used them. Good way to save $$." Simply passing on info. Maybe a "btw, advertising on craigslist is really dangerous. And why.

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I'll make sure to spread the word![emoji]9786[/emoji] I really do think PetPals is one of the best nonprofit organizations. They spayed Amira, my dog Ginger, and neutered my other chihuahua Nigel. All on different occasions and each time did a wonderful job. Ear cleaning and nail trims are a free bonus while your pet is waking up from the anesthesia. They even offer shots. I recommend them to anyone with pets in this area.

Sorry I called you SatSun, that is a very different thread. Doing too many things at the same time, I do not multi task well!

KSKatt said:

Sorry I called you SatSun, that is a very different thread. Doing too many things at the same time, I do not multi task well!:doh3:

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I noticed that but I knew you were talking to me. I was like "who is SatSun??" Lol[emoji]128514[/emoji][emoji]128514[/emoji]