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Cats/MY KITTEN HAS BEEN HIDING FROM ME FOR 2 WEEKS

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Expert: - 5/26/2007


Question
i got a grey rescue kitten 2 weeks ago and he has been hiding at the back of
the cupboards where we can't get to him. he was terrified when he arrived
and i haven't seen him since he hid from us. i have not even had the chance
to hold him yet so he doesn't even know me! he will only come out for food
and use the litter tray in the early hours of the morning when we are asleep.
he is clearly very scared and i don't know how to lure him oout or if he ever
will let us see him again!  

Answer
Hi Natalie,

It sounds like your little one is petrified of everything that is going on. He feels the cupboard is his safe spot. You will need to do some extra work to calm him down and socialize him. I would first get a product called Feliway. It acts as a kitty tranquilizer to calm him down. Next, you need to be up at the wee hours and just sit in a chair in the room. He needs to get used to your presence first. You then need to start moving the food closer to you. You will know when to do this. It will be when he doesn't jump at the site of you. Talk to him quietly. Get some pieces of cooked chicken and toss them near him calling his name. You want him to come close to you. You can then start to pet him. No sudden movements. Praise him and reward him when he allows this. When you go to pick him up be warned, some rescues just don't like it. If he struggles let him go. Don't hold onto him longer than he wants. He will either like it or not. I have one rescue that hates to be picked up but comes and lays in my lap for hours. She made it clear that she wants the closeness but on her terms. It will take a little while but he will come to you and won't be scared. 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.

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