I'm depressed (just got my bengal)

helloevo · Jun 23, 2006

So I just got my bengal today, came back around 2 pm pacific, and he's been hiding under my bed alll day, he won't come out to eat, he won't drink, I'm not really sure what to do. Here's some pics of him

Going to the car from the airport

He was really scared, and stayed in this position for about 30 minutes while I pet him

He finally moved so I put him on my lap, that's the finger I cut while trying to get his cage open

Finally started to move, I was trying to hold him in place so that he doesn't go to my dad (who was driving)

He's in this drawer you see under my bed

You can kinda see his little head here

So what do I do? The last time he ate or drank was 7 am, it's no 5:30 pm, He won't get out or anything, I'm not exactly sure what I should do.

AbbysMom · Jun 23, 2006

The poor baby is scared. He's been in a plane, and now is in a strange home. I would leave food out for him, and let him be by himself to get more comfortable with his new surroundings.

You should probably post in the Behavior forum where more members will see it and be able to help.

He is a cutie

halfpint · Jun 23, 2006

Hi, I/m noy sure what to tell you about what's going on, I never had the experience but I'm sure someone will be along to help you out, I would really think that's unusual though he's probably scared, but he sure is sweet looking, Hnag in there I'm sure help is on the way,

lookingglass · Jun 23, 2006

Calm down. Drink some tea.

Now that you've done that here's some advice: He's going to be okay. From his perspective you've just kidnapped him. Put some water and some food out, walk away, and shut the door. Let him get used to the smell and sounds of his new home.

Tomorrow, go into the room and talk quietly to him. Tell him he's a good boy. Bring in some interactive toys. Try to get him to play. If he isn't having any of that shut the door again.

It's going to take some time. He's going to be fine. You are a good cat mommy.

By the way he is beautiful!

beckiboo · Jun 23, 2006

It is pretty normal for a young cat to be terrified in a new home. Put the food and water under the bed by the kitty. And put a litterbox nearby, too. Close the door, and either keep it quiet in the room or play some classical music.

Do not get anxious and pull him out. If you do he will learn that you are scary. Give him at least 24 hours, maybe 48 hours to relax. Then try laying on your back on the floor, holding some stinky kitty food or KFC chicken to lure him to you. Let him come to you, rather than you going to him.

In a week, if your kitty is still hiding in terror, you have a problem. For him to be hiding day one is just a scared kitty from too much stimulation today.

Also, the travel carrier should be available for him to hide in if he wants to. Maybe that blankie will smell like home and be a comfort to him!

helloevo · Jun 23, 2006

Originally Posted by AbbysMom

The poor baby is scared. He's been in a plane, and now is in a strange home. I would leave food out for him, and let him be by himself to get more comfortable with his new surroundings.

You should probably post in the Behavior forum where more members will see it and be able to help.

He is a cutie

Thanks, I put some food and water in the drawer, the thing is I can't really leave because my room isn't a part of my house, so I'd have nowhere to go

It was the saddest thing though, he was ACTUALLY crying, full on tears. Should I just copy and paste this thread to the behavior forum?

sandtigress · Jun 23, 2006

My Billy hid under the bed for two days when I first brought him home - its totally normal. Leave some food and water and his litter box for him, and just get out of the room. I had to sleep on the couch the first night Billy was home so he could have my bed.

I'm sure his usual Bengal self will have him exploring in no time, but let him come to you, don't pressure him and don't pet him until he wants you to. A lot of members also recommend you play soft music in the room, and go in and just speak, like you could reading a book quietly outloud. Don't look at him, try to pet him, etc. until he is completely comfortable with you. And then be quiet and gentle. He'll come around in no time! Good luck!

helloevo · Jun 23, 2006

Originally Posted by Beckiboo

It is pretty normal for a young cat to be terrified in a new home. Put the food and water under the bed by the kitty. And put a litterbox nearby, too. Close the door, and either keep it quiet in the room or play some classical music.

Do not get anxious and pull him out. If you do he will learn that you are scary. Give him at least 24 hours, maybe 48 hours to relax. Then try laying on your back on the floor, holding some stinky kitty food or KFC chicken to lure him to you. Let him come to you, rather than you going to him.

In a week, if your kitty is still hiding in terror, you have a problem. For him to be hiding day one is just a scared kitty from too much stimulation today.

Also, the travel carrier should be available for him to hide in if he wants to. Maybe that blankie will smell like home and be a comfort to him!

Yeah he was behind the couch, and I tried to pull him out a couple times but that wasn't working, so I'm just leaving him alone now to see what happens. I'll try to get a litter box under there too

AbbysMom · Jun 23, 2006

Originally Posted by HelloEvo

Thanks, I put some food and water in the drawer, the thing is I can't really leave because my room isn't a part of my house, so I'd have nowhere to go

It was the saddest thing though, he was ACTUALLY crying, full on tears. Should I just copy and paste this thread to the behavior forum?

Abby gives me tears once in a while. I think it is allergies, but she always does at at a time that makes me feel guilty.

Yes, you can copy, but without the pics...

snowleop · Jun 23, 2006

Awww... I knew you'd have to go through a difficult adjustment period. Keep in mind he's been taken from the only home he ever knew, away from his mom and his brothers and sisters, and even worse, he was on a plane! I've never known a cat who wasn't terrified of riding on a plane.

He needs time to build up a trusting relationship with you and realize that you are going to be a great mommy to him. I really think he will be much better in the next 48 hours.

Keep us posted on how he's doing.

helloevo · Jun 23, 2006

Originally Posted by SnowLeop

Awww... I knew you'd have to go through a difficult adjustment period. Keep in mind he's been taken from the only home he ever knew, away from his mom and his brothers and sisters, and even worse, he was on a plane! I've never known a cat who wasn't terrified of riding on a plane.

He needs time to build up a trusting relationship with you and realize that you are going to be a great mommy to him. I really think he will be much better in the next 48 hours.

Keep us posted on how he's doing.

I'm a daddy

I turned off the tv, and I'm just letting him chill there for a while until hopefully he's comfortable. I'm hoping he doesn't go potty in the drawer, not that I care about the clothes in there (that's the "unused items drawer") but because I don't want him to make a habit of going to the bathroom anywhere other than the litter box

snowleop · Jun 23, 2006

Originally Posted by HelloEvo

I'm a daddy

I turned off the tv, and I'm just letting him chill there for a while until hopefully he's comfortable. I'm hoping he doesn't go potty in the drawer, not that I care about the clothes in there (that's the "unused items drawer") but because I don't want him to make a habit of going to the bathroom anywhere other than the litter box

Oh, I'm sorry! I don't know why I assumed you were female.

I feel really horrible for you about your kitten but please know, most cats are awful about transitions. I moved by cats from San Francisco to Atlanta and they were freaked out for about a week. Since Felix is a kitten, he'll make a faster adjustment than that, though.

It's too bad you can't get him a brother or sister kitten. Did you read KittyKook's thread about the scared kitten she found in the middle of the road? He seemed to make a complete transition from scaredy-cat to social cat when she brought her daughter's kitten over to interact with him.

In any case, the waiting game is really hard, I know. Try and relax. He will come around.

helloevo · Jun 23, 2006

Originally Posted by SnowLeop

Oh, I'm sorry! I don't know why I assumed you were female.

I feel really horrible for you about your kitten but please know, most cats are awful about transitions. I moved by cats from San Francisco to Atlanta and they were freaked out for about a week. Since Felix is a kitten, he'll make a faster adjustment than that, though.

It's too bad you can't get him a brother or sister kitten. Did you read KittyKook's thread about the scared kitten she found in the middle of the road? He seemed to make a complete transition from scaredy-cat to social cat when she brought her daughter's kitten over to interact with him.

In any case, the waiting game is really hard, I know. Try and relax. He will come around.

Yeah, I'm gonna go to blockbuster and rent the first two seasons of entourage, that should make everything easier. I just saw it for the first time the other day and thought it was an awesome show, so I think it'll help

menagerie mama · Jun 23, 2006

Poor little guy, he looks so scared! He'll come around. If you do put him on your lap, put a soft shirt or something around him, curl your arms around him and let him hide his head if he wants. He'll feel safer like that. My two ferals were the same way, and doing it that way made them feel safer. Just use a soft low voice when talking to him and stroke his head gently. Maybe a little chicken or turkey as a bribe wouldn't hurt either. Good luck, and keep us posted!

sarahp · Jun 23, 2006

We took in a kitty a while ago, and the first 2 days we had her were horrible. She hid from us, and hissed when we came near, also wouldn't touch her food and was generally very unhappy.

I was so upset that she was so unhappy, but she was just getting used to the place. On the second day she started exploring, by the third day she came to us and found favourite spots, and by the fourth day she was completely settled.

And our home was only 15 minutes in a cat carrier from her old home, so it wasn't as stressful as what your kitty has been through. Just let him be - he'll come out when he's ready.

Can you imagine what it must have been like for him going on a PLANE?? He's probably worried you'll make him go back on another one

lookingglass · Jun 23, 2006

I as well assumed that you were female! I am sorry. If the stress gets too much for the little guy try some At Ease. You can get it at Petsmart near the grooming items.

Also I love the second pic. He has a look on his face like he is plotting his escape!

helloevo · Jun 23, 2006

How cold should it be in my room? I have the A/C on and it's a little chilly, should I turn it off for a bit?

snowleop · Jun 23, 2006

Well, cats generally like it warmer than we do but if he has some things to snuggle in, he's probably okay.

helloevo · Jun 23, 2006

Originally Posted by SnowLeop

Well, cats generally like it warmer than we do but if he has some things to snuggle in, he's probably okay.

I'm about to leave my house for a while, should I turn the lights off or leave them on?

valanhb · Jun 23, 2006

Leave the room darkened, but not completely dark. As long as there is a little light in the room - enough for him to see by - he'll actually be more comfortable than if it were bright. He knows by instinct that he has the advantage in the dark, and he'll feel a little safer.

I'm depressed (just got my bengal)

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