0
Answers Home
» Behavior & Training
» Fears & Phobias
Adopted 8 month old kitten was social in the morning then hid under the bed the rest of the day. What is wrong?
We adopted the kitten 3 days ago. 1st day we put her in a room to get adjusted. I slept in that room and she became social, was able to pet her, move around without her being spooked, and she even slept in my arm.
The next day we left her in the room with visits to her every once in awhile when she started meowing at the door. We let her out in the evening where she was skittish at first but warmed up and she laid by us while we petted her, she seemed content.
The next morning I was greeted by the kitten jumping on the bed and wanting attention. Then she would jump down, go into the hallway and start meowing like she was looking for someone, this happened several times. I had her laying next to me, purring, I got up to start the day and expected her to follow but I did not see her. An hr later I looked under the bed and saw her near the wall kind of in a closed stance. I tried to coax her out with no luck. We put her back in the room from day before where she is melancholy. Help!
Asked by
Member 784684
on Dec 29th 2008
Tagged
in Fears & Phobias
Status
- Cast your vote for which answer you think is best!
Answers
Well, you only adopted her three days ago! It will take some time for her to adjust to her new home, so until then, make sure to set up a solid routine to your day so she can predict when things are going to happen. Leave for work at the same time each day, feed her at the same time, etc. She will feel more comfortable this way and will adjust to her new home more quickly. And instead of forcing her out of under the bed, I would suggest that you just leave her alone. Forcing unwanted attention onto your cat only calls for heartbreak. She will come out on her own terms and will be happiest if you just let her have some quiet time to herself. Sometimes cats just don't feel like being social. Like people, they have emotions and feelings. You know some days when you just don't feel like being in a crowd? Well, that is probably how your kitten is feeling when she hides under the bed, therefore, it would be best to leave her alone during those times.
Member 409208
answered on 12/29/08.
Helpful? 
/
0
I would just like to add that if your kitten has not yet been to the vet's, it might be a good idea to take her. When a cat has been as social as you write yours has been and suddenly changes her behavior, there might be health issues. Hiding is a way of self-protection and the underlying cause might be a health concern.
Izadore (Izzie)
answered on 12/30/08.
Helpful? /
0
When I brought Atrus home, he also hid under the bed quite a lot. It felt like forever, but it was maybe only a few days and then sporadically for another week or two. If I couldn't find him, I would check that he was under there and then leave him be. After a while, he never went under the bed again.
Three days is an incredibly short amount of time. I wouldn't expect much from your kitten as far as seeming "at home" for at least two weeks.
Atrus
answered on 12/30/08.
Helpful? /
0
Cats can be very moody animals. Sometimes they're sweet and affectionate and sometimes they just want to be left alone.
Oscar is loving, sweet and social... on his own terms. I accept his affection and attention when he wants to give it and give him space when he wants it.
I've found that the more I respect Oscar's space, the more social he wants to be. If you force attention on a cat, they will head for hills every time.
Oscar J. Cat
answered on 12/30/08.
Helpful? /
0
i was taking care of a cat and he did the same thing and maybe the kitten missed her mommy but scratch her head or rub her belly and she will grab trust and she wont look or do that anymore trust me
Member 782019
answered on 12/30/08.
Helpful? /
0
