Expert: Tina - 6/8/2007

Question
Hello. Well, I just got a cat. She is so adorable! But she keeps hiding. And everytime I hold her she runs away to her hidding spot which is under the couch or behind the washer/dryer. I'm worried that my parents might take her away becuase she isnt doing anything. We took her to the vet today and they said she was sick and dehyrated. But she wont drink. Im really worried. I want to hang out with her but she keeps running away. I dont want to return her!

Answer
HI Lena,

It is normal for a new cat to be frightened in a new home - it takes a few weeks for them to settle in! Everything is new to her, you are a stranger to her and your house and all the smells and sounds are strange. Cats don't like changes and moving in with new people is a big change! Here is a guide to helping your new cat feel at home. Please read this and show it to your parents, too. Talk to them about her, I am sure they won't make you return your kitty because she is scared - especially if they understand that is normal.

To encourage her to eat and drink, try to find out what food she was given at the shelter where you adopted her. Also give her canned food which contains lots of water.

http://catnet.stanford.edu/articles/careguide.html

I am concerned about what the vet said about your cat being sick. Did they say what was wrong, does she just have a cold (that is pretty common in cats that have been in a shelter, but with good care she will get healthy quickly.