New shelter kitty hides under bed refuses to come out
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stevepaul6
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 1:38 am
New shelter kitty hides under bed refuses to come out
adopted two young cats one male 6 months and one female 8 months, the female is great uses her box, very social. The male cat was great at the shelter but now refuses to leave under the bed? Any suggestions?
Re: New shelter kitty hides under bed refuses to come out
When did you adopt them, and have they been examined by your vet? It's important that they are examined by your vet immediately after adoption, to rule out health issues they may have suffered while at a shelter (like upper respiratory infections, infectious disease, parasites, etc)
Get them to your vet immediately for an exam, dewormed, tested for FELV/FIV, and vaccinated if the shelter hasn't already done so.
Were they altered before leaving the shelter? Sometimes, if just recently spayed or neutered, they need time and rest to heal.
If you've only had them a few days, you have to expect one or both will be fearful of the new environment. Encourage them to come out with offering food, treats, toys etc. Sit nearby, at their level (on the floor or even laying on the floor) and talk to them in a soft tone and calm manner, do so consistently, several times a day. Each time, hold your hand out, but don't expect miracles, and don't expect to be able to pick him up, cuddle, etc just yet, just be consistent and soon they will be curious. You have to earn their trust, not the other way around.
Get them to your vet immediately for an exam, dewormed, tested for FELV/FIV, and vaccinated if the shelter hasn't already done so.
Were they altered before leaving the shelter? Sometimes, if just recently spayed or neutered, they need time and rest to heal.
If you've only had them a few days, you have to expect one or both will be fearful of the new environment. Encourage them to come out with offering food, treats, toys etc. Sit nearby, at their level (on the floor or even laying on the floor) and talk to them in a soft tone and calm manner, do so consistently, several times a day. Each time, hold your hand out, but don't expect miracles, and don't expect to be able to pick him up, cuddle, etc just yet, just be consistent and soon they will be curious. You have to earn their trust, not the other way around.
..........Traci