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Cats/new stray kitten

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Expert: - 1/20/2010


Question
i wrote to you recently about a new stray i received. your answer was wonderful thank you..but I've got another problem, he has decided to hide somewhere in my apartment and i cant find him anywhere...I've looked high and low. he hasn't eaten today and hasn't used his litter box. He was starting to get comfortable enuf to come out during the day and eat and use his box but now i don't know where he is...I'm in a small 1 bdrm. apartment so there aren't a lot of places to hide but i cant find him..and believe me I have looked inside places i thought he could never get into and still no kitten..I am on the second floor and there was no way he could have gotten out either..any ideas?? Help!?  thanks

Answer
Hi Patti,

Believe it or not kittens can get into spots that you think they can't. They like small dark spaces. He maybe up underneath the bed, behind a bureau, under the fridge, behind the stove, in a heat duct or underneath a chair,(recliner).
Get something very smelly food wise like a can of tuna. Put it where you usually have his food. Turn down the lights in the apartment and sit quietly in a chair,(in a corner), in the room. He will come out. Watch where he is coming from. You might have to do this for a few times before he gets used to you again. Talk to him softly. Move the food closer to you. Don't leave the food out. You want him to associate food and you. Good things come from you. He will settle down with you. It just will take a little time. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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