How can I help my new kitten feel more at home?

Question

I just adopted a new baby kitten today, he was injured and used to live on a farm. before i got him home he was very content to be held. I took him to the vet and they say he is doing fine, but as soon as i got him home he hid under the sofa.. he won't come out and occasionally will cry but he won't let me get him out. The vet thinks he is 6-8 weeks old. Is there anything I can do to help him feel more at home and maybe venture out from under the sofa?

Answer 1

Take a small saucer of tuna fish water and put it on the floor in the middle of the room. Lay down next to it and be quiet and still. when the kitten comes out to drink it, just slowly and gently stroke the cat. If it is in strange souroundings it will be scared until it gets adjusted. When it will come out, get a damp wash cloth and gently stroke the kitten's fur with it going in the correct direction. The kitten will imprint on you as the momma kitty because you are grooming it the way momma did.  

Answer 2

He just needs time. You should always start a cat out in a small room with food, water and litterbox (like a large bathroom or guest room). Make sure you can go in there are just spend time with him (you don't have to try to pet him, just sit and chat quietly or read) often. Get him used to you and the noise of the household before letting him out of that room. When HE is ready to go explore more, just give him a little more room (in my case, we closed all the bedroom doors - except the one she was in) and slowly expanded his area. This may take a few weeks, but you'll have a happier and more well-adjusted cat in the end.

Imagine yourself not being around anyone else ever, then being put in the middle of a busy mall with no idea of where you were or where to go - you'd be scared and full of anxiety. Please try this, it works for older cats and kittens.

Answer 3

Just leave him alone. Hes scared. Put food and water out for him he will come out eventually.

Answer 4

My two kittens did the whole hiding-under-anything-that-looks-safe thing when I brought them home and again when we moved house. I just lay down on the floor next to the bed with some cat food pellets and slowly held my hand out to them under the bed, also I put a dish of water under there so they could stay there as long as they wanted. Once they were feeling safe under the bed, they were happy to cautiously venture out at their own pace. (it did take a few days though!!)

good luck, hope it works for you

Answer 5

When I first got my cat, I kept him in one room at first. Sat with him and let him explore around. You do not want your cat to be too overwhelmed by the experience. Once he has experienced everything, introduce the next room, and so on. Cats are naurally inquisitive, and will let you know when they want to play. I have 4 cats and only two of them use the cat beds I have for them, but I would supply fleecey bedding for them. Some cats do, some cats don't.

I think it is brilliant that you're inquiring how best to look after you kitty, it is really nice to see someone wanting make a warm and loving environment for a cat.

Oh, and kitten food helps them grow up nice and strong so if you can, give him that along with the occasional treat ;-)

Best of luck, he/she is a lucky cat.

Answer 6

Might sound silly but my first thought is to get a big old blanket,wrap it around something like a hot water bottle and maybe a wind up alarm clock(mimics the mothers heart beat).  Put this close to where the kitten is but also out in the open.  Leave kitty alone for awhile.  Once the kitten feels safer it will start venturing out.  Good luck.

Answer 7

When I first got my cat one year ago, she sniffed around her new surroundings for a while and then almost immediately found out that under my bed felt safe.  And that's where she stayed for an entire day.  Since she wasn't in harm's way or hurting anything, I just let her stay there for as long as she felt comfortable, but every hour or so, I'd lie down on the floor next to the bed and peek under there to say hello and talk very sweetly to her.  Eventually, she came out on her own, but very cautiously.  When I saw her walking out of the bedroom, I didn't approach her because I didn't want to scare her.  I just talked sweetly to her and let her come to me, and then I petted her and talked to her some more.  It took a little time for her to feel comfortable and safe, but she eventually did.  It just takes some patience on your part, but before you know it, your cat will come to think of you as family.

As for the litter box issue, most cats have a natural instinct to bury their deeds, so once they know where the litter box is, they'll most likely use it.  Just show him where it is and place him in it and move his paws around so that he knows he can dig there.  If you notice him trying to use other places, pick him up and place him in the litter box to finish his business (if you can catch him in time).  If he actually leaves a mess someplace other than the litter box, pick or wipe it up with a paper towel and then place the paper towel in the litter box.  He'll tend to want to use the place that has the scent of his f***s or urine.  One of the wonderful things about cats is that they usually require so little instruction in litter box usage and they very quickly understand what they're supposed to do.  

Just an aside note -- I hope you're planning to take him to the vet for an exam (and any necessary shots).  It's always a good idea to have a new pet checked out to make sure it's not bringing any unwanted parasites or germs into your home.  

Good luck with your new baby!  I hope it's a very long and happy relationship!