My poor cat, i want to help her but dont know how!

Question

i am really feeling sorry for my poor cat, i got her on wednesday night and she still hasnt come out from behind the sofa, she hasnt eaten a thing and hasnt had a wee or poo, how long will this go on for? if i do bring her out she just dashes straight back there, i feel like i should be doing more for her. i think she is suffering from a broken heart!!

Answer 1

Set up a bedroom/bathroom with all the necessities (litter box, food, water, etc.) and an open cat carrier with a blanket inside *it'll be comfort zone for her*.

Then, bring her out from behind the sofa, and place her into the room that is set up for her. Close the door.

It's less stressful for her to adjust to one room at first, than the entire house and all the noise that comes with it.

Play a radio with soothing music in the room. Spend time in there daily, just reading a book, talking to her, petting her, etc.

Once she learns to trust you and her surroundings, you can introduce her to the rest of the house.

Answer 2

Put the food and the litter box right near the sofa.  Are you sure she isn't coming out when you're asleep?

It's hard for a cat to move into a new place, and hiding is pretty normal.  You need to make it as easy as possible by putting what she needs nearby until she's ready to come out.  But if she hasn't been eating or using the box, she's probably dehydrated.  But she may also need to see the vet if she's starving herself.  

Answer 3

Don't worry about a thing! My cat did the same thing when i got her, which was around 2 weeks ago. When you take her out quickly block any possible hiding spots. This way she has no where to hide. I know why your concerned. I was too. She'll get over it though. I promise. Good luck. Make sure though that you introduce her to the little box and food. Best of luck!

Answer 4

She is just scared... she probably comes out while you are gone or sleeping.

put some treats behind the couch for her... (a teaspoon of tuna or cat food)

put a sand box at the end of the couch so she can use it but then scurry back under the couch.

make sure she feels safe... (don't let little kids look for her or scare her) and you need to talk to her and reassure her.

she will eventually come out... if you can catch her then I would put her in the bathroom with sand box and food... and a bed.

then go in there and just talk to her  w/ door closed.  until she feels ok and comes to you. ... if you can pet her do that but not if she feels scared.

you are going to have to be patient with her.  

Answer 5

Take her out and show her where the liter box is.  Cat's are very smart, usually once you show them 1 time, they will remember.  Put her food and water where she can see them and she will come out when she is ready.  It will be fine in a couple of days.

Answer 6

You should probably bring her into your room and pet her a lot so she feels safe. Show her where her food is and give her warm milk. Keep petting her and get her to realize that she is safe where she is.

Answer 7

awwww poor kitty.  Just put her food bowl near hear and walk away and let the kitty decided when it wants to come out.

Answer 8

Get yourself a box and cut an opening in it, let her hide there and put some food close by, She will come out at night to eat. Don't be to worried for her. She is actually a little on the wild side and will take about a month to adjust, you must try and handle her as much as possible, when you are alone with her. GOOD LUCK.

Answer 9

She 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 her (you don't have to try to pet her, just sit and chat quietly or read) often.  Get her used to you and the noise of the household before letting her out of that room.  When SHE is ready to go explore more, just give her a little more room (in my case, we closed all the bedroom doors - except the one she was in) and slowly expanded her 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 10

Put out everything she needs and go somewhere else. Let her figure out things herself and don't watch her. If that means getting out of the house and going to the movies, then go do it.

And I disagree with being in the room with them. They need their time and space to adjust. Would you like it if some giant was starring at you when you just wanted to be left alone? Eventually they adjust and want to explore and will want to come check you out, but it needs to be in their time, not yours.

Having adopted many cats in the past, this has always worked.