As she gets quicker about snagging the treat, toss it so that she must inch out of her shelter a little. If she is food motivated, toss a kibble or cat treat into her hiding spot where she can easily reach it. You may be thinking, “My cat is afraid of me! She’s not going to play!” But there are little games that you can play with your new cat from a distance. Many cats will pick a “favorite” person that they allow to pet them first, but over time, your cat will usually become comfortable with the whole family.Įngage in play. If she approaches, calmly see if she is interested in being petted. ![]() Let her explore the couch or chair and just hang out with you. The first few times your new cat hops up onto furniture near you, don’t reach out to pet her. She will feel more comfortable being close to you if she knows she can get away if she begins to feel uncomfortable. If she rubs against your finger, it’s a sign that she might welcome some gentle scratching under her chin or along the sides of her cheek.” If your new kitty ducks away, don’t push the issue. If she approaches, calmly extend your forefinger to see if she sniffs it. “Instead, let the cat be the one who initiates contact. Wait a couple days before trying this though, as initially many cats are so stressed by a move that they won’t eat in front of an audience. You can sit in the room while your cat is eating so that she associates you with tasty food. Over time you can get more animated, moving around the room more, going in and out, and starting to make eye contact with your new kitty and move closer to her hiding spot. Getting to observe these activities lets your cat know that you are not a threat, and that you coming into her room doesn’t mean she’s going to be bothered. You can also work on your laptop or do some crafting or household chores. ![]() Stay on the opposite side of the room at first, if possible, and read aloud or talk on the phone (light conversations only-no yelling at the FedEx driver for losing your package!). Get your new cat accustomed to your voice, smell, and mannerisms simply by spending time near where she likes to hide. Your first cat may guard key resources, such as food or the litter box, so it is important to have at least two of everything so that the new cat can get to whatever she needs even if the other cat isn’t keen on sharing. A looming dog, whether friendly or not, can be scary for a cat and may cause the cat to hunker down and stay put in her hiding spot.Īnd resident cats don’t always give the warmest welcome. Any dogs and other cats that you have are probably very interested in the newcomer, and this attention can be overwhelming. Many cats may wait until evening to explore because the darkness makes them comfortable, but always make sure your kitty has a path back to her “safe zone.” When giving her access to a new room, just leave the door open and let her check it out when she wants to. Usually, it is best to limit a new cat to a large dog crate or a single room at first so she can learn where her food, water, and litter box are, then gradually expand her territory. “The aroma will entice her to leave her hiding space.”Īllow your new kitty to explore the house at her own pace. “Leave tasty food and treats nearby for the new kitty,” says Dr. Make the world outside her hiding spot more attractive. This is a lot for a cat to take in! Expect that it will take at least several days, possibly several weeks, before your cat is comfortable strolling through the house. ![]() New home, new people, new pets (if you have others already). Perry, DVM, PhD, Behavior Resident at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. ![]() “The new kitty is frightened and needs time to feel secure enough in her new home to come out from hiding,” says Pamela J. It will take time, but you can help your cat along.īe patient. We understand that if your new cat spends most of her time hiding from you, you might be worried that she isn’t going to bond with you. With a little time, patience, and gentle interaction, your new kitty will leave her favorite hiding spot and soon be everywhere you are!Ĭats can be elusive, especially when they are nervous and don’t want to be found.
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