Srocks365
12010
1110
27
I had two fantastic cats that passed away about 4 months ago and finally felt like it was time to adopt some new cats. Kids were so excited. We found two cats that are good friends with each other and adopted them both to keep them together. They seemed friendly when we met them and they liked pets. Since coming home with us, they’ve hidden under the couch and only come out at night. They aren’t eating and I don’t think they are drinking much if at all. I’m starting to worry about their health. It has only been a few days and I know cats can be like this (mine weren’t before so this is new for me). I guess we’ll keep waiting and hoping that 1)they drink and eat and 2) choose to be with us. I want a lap cat so bad. Next day edit: they woke me up at 3am this morning for pets!!!! They jumped in the bed and meowed until they had plenty of pets and then hopped down. They are hiding again this morning but why great progress! Thanks everyone for the kind comments and great advice!
Canigetbannedagain2
Kind soft words, make a little noise so they know your there and not get starte, lots of treats/wet food, new toys like a laser pointer or a feather on a stick and most importantly, time.
FuzzyMedic
Feliway may help. Even if it just helps them become a little more calm. Take your time with them. Be consistent, be soothing, and they should come around in time. My last pair of rescues took six weeks to feel settled. Patience is your best friend here. Good luck, OP!
Whatswrongwiththispicture
I adopted a feral cat the shelter caught, neutered and was going to release. He did the same thing initially. Now he follows me around the house like a dog and sleeps next to me every night. As soon as I sit down to watch TV or read a book he’s immediately in my lap. I just gave him space and let him gain trust in me
gameguy77280
Give them time, just be around where you know they are let them get used to the different noises and scents...especially yours
JHStrong
Hi OP! I'm a veterinarian who kind-of specializes in cats. I work on anything that doesn't have hooves and cats are my favorite. To keep things brief it doesn't sound abnormal to me what you're describing. The most important thing to do is make sure they have access to food, water, and a litter box, and not force them to do anything they are not comfortable with. As frightening as it sounds it can take 3 to 6 months for cats to acclimate to a new environment. I don't comment on Imgur often so...
JHStrong
I hope this finds you and You find it helpful. Catnip toys and Feliway diffusers can help some cats. When a cat is under stress I don't get worried about them not eating until the 5th or 6th day, assuming there are no other signs of sickness. This is a handout I will give my clients when they bring me an adopted animal for the first checkup. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=10657983 Thank you for giving these two kitties a home! I'm sure they will come around in time.
eppykaze
New homes can be a traumatic experience for animals. As they get comfortable they should start to eat and drink more. As for being social enough to be a lap cat, well roll the dice.
HandsomePenguin
Please do yourself a favor and do some research into introducing pets to a new home. I mean better late than never.
Srocks365
No worries- we did tons of research before bringing them home.
Badsequence
@OP wherever they like to currently hide put a blanket in there for them with food and water also put in a shirt from each family member 1/2
Badsequence
near the hiding spot make sure the shirt has been worn and not recently washed this will allow the cats to get used to ur smells while 2/3
Badsequence
they feel safe along with equating your smells to comfort and food. It woks wonders I've had many rescue cats I use this method with all.
MisterCrowbar
If you have a single small room you can keep the cats in, move them to there (with food litter etc) and don't let them out for a few days. it's a smaller territory for them to get used to. I've had my guy two weeks and he's okay in the rest of the house now, but still sees that first room as his safe place.
FrogDeKermit
Try doing the one room as a time thing. Start with food water and litter in one room. Make sure it's not noisy and then a few days later let them explore another room. Maybe just open another door. They will get used to you guys. Wet food works wonders too
mormacil
And keep the food, litter and water as much apart as possible.
FrogDeKermit
Yes
n0d2ablindh0rs3
Pretend they aren’t there. They will come investigate eventually.
Iblamemyparentstoo
They'll come to you when they're ready, my cat Oscar was given to me because he hid under the bed all the time. Now they don't recognize him he's always out wanting pets and scritches, very sociable.
PenguinNamedWobbles
Give them wet food and add water too it. This will make sure they get enough fluids.
TheMouseOfMadness
My rescue sisters were like that the first week or so. What eventually drew them out was a toy with a feather on the end of a wire. Lured them out from under the couch so they slowly learned we weren't a threat. Months later one constantly demands snuggles, loudly, and the other is a little weirdo that demands attention but then hides under things and gets angry you don't join her. But even she'll occasionally let me pet on her for a few minutes. Be patient, and maybe try different food?
CrazedDrifter
Give them a safe space at let them go at their pace. It takes time. A friend has a rescue that is just getting comfortable after like a year
radumpies
As everyone else before me mentioned, it takes a little time and it is completely normal. It's amazing you worry and keep that up, because it means you care. Congratulations on the new furry friends and godspeed my dude.
feren
I know it's difficult, @OP. You've made a financial and emotional investment. But please, please do not give up on these two little souls. They need your family's patience (difficult with kids, I get it) and kindness. They're small, terrified. They're unsure of the people around them and the landscape of the house. You must NOT force this. Please, follow through on the commitment you made when you signed the papers for them. Family joy can be had, but not forced.
annonymouse211
The whole place smells like Other Cats right now. They will feel like they're literally in a lion's den for a while. I suggest they get left alone, and put out a wide range of food: 2 bowls of different dry food, 2 bowls of different textures wet food, and 2 bowls cooked and shredded small chicken breast. 2 litter boxes also. 2 water bowls, or 2 fountains if you can. Make sure they know they have their own stuff.
Ilikeflufflyanimalpics
You could try Feliway spray or plug ins too.
PubMed12927120suckssobad
You are one smart cookie. I'd add Make sure they know they have their own safe space. And I'd say 3 litter boxes
SerenePrincess013
It could also be the noise from the kids. As much as rescues & shelters brag about animals that are "good with kids", very few of them respond as happy-go-lucky when they're away from the kids they see at the shelter. Age plays a huge factor. Rescues, especially the adults, don't bounce back when in new places with lots of sound. It's why they're so much harder to adopt out.
BoominGranny
My rescue was a bounce back- she couldn’t adjust to a house full of kids and a dog. She fits in perfectly In our quiet house
LinkGoesHIYAAA
This 100%, and give them a closet or other enclosed space, and knock to announce yourself before entering. It sounds silly, but it DOES work. Also talk to them. A lot. They’ll start to associate you with food and the fear will slowly reduce. Also, fishing rod toys are a great ice breaker. It’s stimulating, but from a distance. Avoid bigger noisy toys that are battery powered. Keep it simple with hair ties and a pack of toy mice.
iusedtodream
It takes time. Give them a month to understand this is permanent home. Another month to roam and start feeling comfortable. And all the time they need to get to know you. It'll be okay.
dagagirl
Your house smells like your other cats. Cats are very territorial. Also if there are other animals they smell them too. Start slowly: find a SMALL space for them to be in the house. Opening the whole hose is bad idea. One room, let them get used to it and put their smell. Then open another room and so on. Another important thing: do not keep the food available all day. Put the food when you are there and then take it out. I know this sounds bad, but there is a reason for that. Cats associate /1
dagagirl
food with hunting and as a good thing. If they associate YOUR SMELL with food, they will start being less shy. But this only works if you stick by the routine. Once they come out, don't try to pet them right away. Always stay at floor level. Our height is intimidating for them. Staying at floor level and sending "kisses" (very slow blinks) offers security for them . All these comes from years of having and rescuing cats, and because of a guy named JACKSON GALAXY, the cat daddy.
ParallelParkingInABurka
Everybody has already given good advice, I'll just add to check out @adrianontherocks - she has a link in her profile to all her "cat behavior" posts that will come in super helpful for this & any future problems and questions!
BeeWoman
We can't demand affection from an animal. You've taken in creatures with their own will and personality, and they don't owe you love. Give it time. If it comes, it comes. Good luck!
myotherusernameismorebetter
We had a similar issue when we adopted our cat. He hid in the basement for a month. We was coming out at night to eat and use the litter box but we would catch glimpses of him before he disappeared. We tried everything! And I finally broke down and gave Feliway Plug-in Pheromone calming a try. It worked! We were shocked! I highly recommend. We ended up using it for 2 months and he has been amazing ever since. This was over a year ago. Friends are still baffled by the turnaround.
myotherusernameismorebetter
Here is a link for it in petsmart but google it to find it anywhere else. It’s a glade plug-in type thing that’s used a cat pheromone to let the cat know your space is safe. They also have a multi cat option too. https://www.petsmart.com/featured-brands/feliway/feliway-optimum-enhanced-calming-plug-in-diffuser-and-refill-48ml-starter-kit-66237.html?cgid=5000205&fmethod=Browse
HandiCaptain
This is normal. Just make sure they have access to food, water, and litter at all times so they can do their thing when nobody is around. >
HandiCaptain
> it can take a cat 3-4 weeks to become comfortable enough in their new environment to venture out from their safe place. Any longer than >
HandiCaptain
> that and I'd be concerned. But don't try to force them out, let them come to you when they feel ready.
JohnMillswantstoupvote
Don’t give up on them! We honestly had the biggest lap cat lose out on three homes at my old shelter because he took a little time to adjust. They’ll come out
Geraik
Let them be. Cats can go about ten to fourteen days without food, according to my vet. My cat needed 12 days to trust the food I offered (you can imagine the panic. What can help to get used to your voices: let your kids sit down on the floor in the same room and have them read books to the cats.
BernieKl
Trust takes time. Leave food and water out near a place they can feel safe (away from noise, and foot traffic). Make sure they can get to the litter box. Cats are social creatures, they will come to you when they are ready. Don't try to reach for them or pick them up until they are climbing on you. Playing with them helps bond. Just be patient/
JiffyGee
It takes time. I got a cat from a shelter and she was pretty social. Got her home. She hid. For three months. Just left out food and water and she ate and drank and used the litter box but I never really saw her. She warmed up a little but never really liked people in her “bubble”. She did try and defend me from our German Shepard that we got from a rescue when she thought the dog was going to hurt me (we were playing chase. I’d chase her then she’d chase me. Izzy, the cat, didn’t know it was…
JiffyGee
All fun and games and slid into the room all poofed, tail up and ready to cut a bitch. When she saw I was laughing and smiling she flicked her tail, gave me a shitty look and then left the room).
Chattafaukup
Leave em alone. They will adjust. Let then come to you.
Vacationdad
When I got my cat she ignored me for an entire month. That was 8 years ago and the little brat is my shadow at all times.
MatthewBecker
Yep my want from hiding to sleeping on my face
Maaatth
Would lots of slow blinks also show them they are welcome?
xj4low
They may smell your old cats and are hiding. They won't starve and will come out when they want. I took in a stray many years ago. She slept for 2 days only getting up to eat and go potty. Growing up outside, I don't think she ever had a chance to feel safe and sleep.
MentalUproar
You can sort of half-way this. Pull up the skirt of the bed and set down your hand at the edge. Talk to the kitty and let them know you are there. Above all, resist the urge the reach in after them. That is their safe space.
clevername13notfound
100% correct. You can test the waters but you can't force it. Leave food out for them at night, multiple varieties, let them get to it at their own pace. They'll warm up to you with time.
FrijolesTheGreat
I agree with this as well. We had one that hid for a few weeks when she had the chance. Took a lot of patience for her to relax, she came around and 2 years later she’s the sweetest little ball of fur. She’s outgoing now, everything is on her terms. Never rush a kitty.
Magus25
100% cats hate sudden change. My little bud didn't start acting like himself for a week, and I live alone. A new home with many people to deal with is a bit much. Also, if possible, slowly open up the environment to them. I gave my bud a few rooms to start and then gave him a full open door policy.
DarthPiette
Exactly this. Let them come to you on their terms. It will take time, but it absolutely will be worth it. Give them a secluded space for their food and water.
JustLettingPeopleBeWrong
Thirded. Our feral spent the first 2 days hiding behind furniture and defensively shitting. The two weeks after that, she wouldn't leave the bathroom she had taken over. These days? Full of headbutts, and will bite you if you don't fuss her enough. Ferals just need time.
effarydi
2nd this. In fact, based on experience, actively wanting a cat not to bother you is one of the best ways to attract them to bother you. Also feed wet food if you're worried about hydration.
brassmule
Adding water to wet food should be the norm. Half a can of water for a full can of food, mix it into the food.
reverendbonobo
As someone who used to have a major cat allergy, I can confirm. The harder you try to ignore them, the more they want to get all over you.
Idonotkillpeoplethatismyleastfavoritethingtodo
wetting dry food also works if you can't afford wet food.
LordGrimstoned
You can't just wet the drugs without drying the wets first. Don't confuse them 💜
FluroShoes
Wet the drys, you say?
Stabmatic
Please, sir. My drys.
Shloobs
MAN9000
My sister's adopted cat is taking a year to adapt to her new environment even though she was familiar with my sister before.
DaveSamsonite
@OP congrats!
JonWallace1985
3 years: If those slaves don’t fill my bowl in the next thirty seconds, there will be hell to pay.
GoodGuyGonzo
[deleted]
[deleted]
PleaseRespectMyAsshole
We started referring to it as "Resting Cat Face" in our house. One of our cats looks like she is constantly judging you.
snowy129
...aren't they?
PleaseRespectMyAsshole
Probably.
or0b0ur0s
I am so lucky. I adopted one from the backyard last Friday, and since Saturday he runs to me whenever I open the door, has a hard time leaving my side to eat, just wants to cuddle & play all day. I can't let him meet my first cat for another week until the vet can check him for all the things. I hate having to keep him isolated, he's so awesome. He obviously lost people, but he has no tag & no chip, so...
happywalker
congratulations on your adoption :-)
or0b0ur0s
Thank you!
xXxX66SICKXxXx
While generally true I have a stray that just strutted right the fuck into my house last year and immediately became a lap cat and sleeps in my daughters room almost every night… even likes water like will follow you right into the shower. Fat Charles is the shit!
Shloobs
We have a little lady named Roxanne who did the same! Meanwhile I’ve had my cat Gary for a decade now and he only fully started coming out of his shell about 3 years ago. Such a gamble, but worth it!
Twinklepot
This is great! Thanks.
CutChemist
That’s really well articulated and even says this isn’t true for all, just a general rule of thumb
meowingintensifies
Could you please make this into a post so I can favorite this for future reference?
Shloobs
It’s hidden, but I think you should be able to favorite this! /a/mflfszn
meowingintensifies
Thank you! <3
Clearairturbulence42
Holy crap this and about 3 years! Ours are brother and sister, have been together since birth and with us for the last 2.5 years, and they're still opening up. It's been a joyful journey, and every cat is different. Enjoy!