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New Cat, very scared

TwoGallants · 2015-03-30 16:14:06

We got a new cat yesterday. He's four years old, we got him from a local shelter. Right now, as I type, he is sitting under the sofa and not coming out! In fact, apart from for like 10 minutes yesterday he basically hid from us all day. Is this normal, or does my cat have psychological problems?!! THanks.

30-03-2015 5:14pm

#1

TwoGallants

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We got a new cat yesterday. He's four years old, we got him from a local shelter. Right now, as I type, he is sitting under the sofa and not coming out! In fact, apart from for like 10 minutes yesterday he basically hid from us all day. Is this normal, or does my cat have psychological problems?!! THanks.

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Comments

#2 30-03-2015 5:18pm

morgana

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That is very normal. He came from a stressful situation in a shelter. Just leave him be, provide him with food and litter tray access. Don't pay him any attention for now, wait for him to come out. Once he feels a little safer in your presence, you can tempt him with food, Also have a look at recent threads here, posters were in a similar situation to yourself!

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#3 30-03-2015 5:26pm

VonVix

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He hasn't figured out it's his new home yet. He could be at the vet for all he knows. Given some time he'll loosen up and his personality will start to show.

[Dog Training + Behaviour Nerd]

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#4 30-03-2015 5:34pm

Pumpkinseeds

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Posts: 8442

Hi, that is very normal behaviour, he's in a strange place with strangers.:) The best thing you could do is give him a 'safe room', with his litter box, food and water in that room. Keep him in that safe room for a week, or until he's feeling curious enough to explore the rest of the house. You go in and sit quietly with him and try to get him used to you in a friendly and gentle way. Playing with toys can help a lot. Don't let him out of the house or he'll probably run away.

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