Need Emergency Help - New Cat

[Rekka]

we just got a new cat. he will not ocme out from underneath beds, shelfs, he hides anywhere no sunlight goes. he has been doing this since we bought him from the humane society 2 days ago. i was wondering if there is anything I can do to get him out from doing this.?

[Traci]

Relax, this is normal behavior, he needs time to adjust to his new environment, be prepared for a week or two until he's completely comfortable and decides to venture out to explore. Keep his food and water dishes and litterbox nearby, and ensure that he eats/drinks sufficiently.

If you haven't had him examined by your vet, now is the time to do so. Any cat adopted from a shelter, humane society or through a private party should always receive an immediate health exam by your own vet.

[Auntie Debbie]

In addition to Traci's suggestion, you should try to spend some quality time with him periodically so he can get used to the sound of your voice and presence. He can remain under the bed, but he will begin to get used to you being there. Please make sure you monitor his food and water intake. Even if you don't actually see him eat, make sure the food and water level is going down so he isn't under the bed starving himself.
I am posting some links below that may provide some further helpful advice. Good luck with your new kitty and I hope he'll be feeling at home very soon!

http://www.paws.org/work/factsheet/catf ... whome.html

http://www.littleshelter.com/library/ne ... stment.htm

http://www.allpets.com/petcyclopedia/ca ... sp?id=1570

http://www.kittenrescue.org/welcomehome.htm

http://www.metrokc.gov/lars/animal/Educ ... /cat24.htm

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/fearful_cat.htm

http://www.paws.org/work/factsheet/catf ... ulcat.html

http://www.meowfoundation.com/ourcats/s ... intro.html

http://www.santacruzspca.org/behaviorha ... ndgent.pdf

I do not mean to imply that your new kitty is a "fearful" cat....just thought I'd post these links because they do offer tips on dealing with shy or fearful cats which is the stage your kitty is in right now.

[Rekka]

Its really annoying me. because, I try to get him out to eat. and he just runs back underneath the bed. its kind of depressing. and im scarred for him. that somthing might happen to him. I have tried alot of stuff. but none of it seems to be working. I dont know what to do anymore.

[Auntie Debbie]

Two days isn'tiefrhimtodtto a whole new life and environment. You don't say how old he is or anything about his history. Please be patient, it could take a couple of weeks before he is trusting. Just please make sure he is eating and using the litterbox, even if you are not there to see him. If it appears he is not eating or using the box, please take him out from under the bed and take him to your vet for a good check up. He should have had one by your own vet anyway. Please read over the links I posted and be patient with him. You could also try enticing him out with treats, reassuring, calm voice and possibly some interactive toys, like cat dancer.
Good luck and let us know how things are going, ok?

[Rekka]

thank you all for the great help, if he isnt eatting. is there any ways I can get him to eat? by maybe putting him in the bathroom with food/litterbox and shutting the door during work?

[Auntie Debbie]

He should remain in one room so he can feel safe there. Basically, if he's going to eat, he will eat in which ever room he is in. If he really isn't eating or drinking please have him seen by your vet. He may be dehydrating and fluid therapy will help rehydrate him. Just leave the food and water by wherever he is hiding and hopefully he will periodically come out and eat and drink.
I hope everything will be okay with him soon!