new kitten advice please

[Toomuchjiggleinmywiggle]

So we today have taken in a 10 week old kitten that has been in a car sanctuary for the last 2 weeks. Prior to that he was living wild with his mum and brothers and sisters and they stumbled into the in laws garden who have then kept them safe etc.
He is currently hiding under the sofa and doesn't want to come out. Doin just leave him there until he comes out on his own? He has had a wee in his tray and he has been in his covered bed as well but now under the sofa. He's got the smallest miaow and I feel like a clueless new mum again as I have never had a cat before! Help please!

[lazybones77]

He'll come out eventually. Our kitten hid and hissed at us for the first 2 days. We just left him to it and tried approaching him on the third day. Now (6 months old) he's one of the family and loves cuddles. The poor thing is just wary of his new environment.

[ragged]

Just keep chatting to him. He needs to get used to you & the new place. Cats hate entirely new places. His stomach will lure him out eventually, I wouldn't force him out unless he's in danger..

Feral cats have trust issues but he's so young he should come around fast.

[Skullyton]

he'll come out when he's ready :)

just leave him be, make sure he's eating/drinking and using the tray.

my 18mo girl spent her first week with us mostly under the table looking at us around the chair legs, then she became velcro kitty who slept on my shoulders.

We just added to the family and have a 13wo nutcase who has been climbing everything and chasing her around since the moment he got here.. completely different character!

[Wolfiefan]

I started by shutting ours in a quiet room. It's a lot for them to take in. Be calm, gentle and quiet. He will soon come round.

[bertsdinner]

I would leave him and just let him come out when he is ready. My old female cat was like this as a kitten, she was born in a shed and was almost 2 months old when they were found. She was quite feral, hiding away from me, but did come out eventually.
She used to climb into the gas fire, into the actual workings inside, until she got too big.
I had her 19 years, she was always a bit feral (timid and liked to hide), but a lovely, affectionate cat.

[Pipestheghost]

Yes, he will come out when he's ready, my friend has a behind the sofa dwelling cat who will only come out when there are no visitors. She's 8 and I've never seen her

[FinestGrundyTurkey]

Fwiw, my latest acquisition spent his first couple of weeks in my bedroom & shower room (shut into the latter overnight) just to keep him away from the adult cats

When released in the mornings he was utterly delighted to see me & is 100% bonded with me now

So if you've got an equivalent place for your new baby, try that

[Toomuchjiggleinmywiggle]

Thanks everyone. Once the noisy 3 year old was in bed he came out much more , tempted with food and some string toys! Back to hiding under the sofa this morning but coming out bit by bit!

[lazybones77]

Glad to hear it. He'll be much more comfortable as time goes on. Soon he'll be ruling the roost.