Adopted a cat - what to expect?

[VQ1970]

I’ve adopted my step daughters cat, he’s about 8 years old and has been used to living outside in the garage. She’s moved and can’t take him with her so he’s come to live with me. He does know me so I’m not a complete stranger.

I brought him home last night and he spent all of the evening hiding but did come down the side of the sofa to be petted. I slept on the sofa and he was more inquisitive during the night including sleeping on my husbands armchair for a while and on the sofa with me, tucked into the back of my knees. He’s hiding again now but I can hear him purring.

He hasn’t eaten apart from a few treats I’ve given him this morning and he hasn’t been to the toilet. I’ve got a cat litter tray which I put him in last night and he sniffed it during the night so he knows it’s there. He’s sniffed his food but hasn’t eaten it.

I think he’s a bit wary of my husband who is in a wheelchair, hence him being more nosy after husband had gone to bed last night.

He’s also not used to being inside with all the general noises that go with that, such as the telly, phones ringing etc.

He’s purring a lot and will let me stroke him down the side of the sofa.

Is all of this normal?

[OfDragonsDeep]

Sounds normal to me. I would make sure he’s got some little spaces he can go to hide up if he wants and mine also liked getting up high. They liked to sleep on top of the fridge freezer

I’d just go about my normal day and he’ll get used to his new setting in time. I wouldn’t do anything noisy like hoovering for a little while.

He’ll eat when he’s ready, cats can go ages without eating so I wouldn’t worry about that. Put the food in a quiet corner & he’ll come to it.

Good luck!

[VQ1970]

Thank you he keeps going into the corner of the lounge so I’ve put a soft blanket in there for him to snuggle up on.

He’s currently stretched out between the sofa and cabinet, purring away!

[IsTheRainEverComingBack]

Yes that’s fine. Get a couple of feliway plug ins and stick them round the house, it really helps cats feel more relaxed.

[Aprilislonggone]

Not sure you quite know the rules op ...
Pics or we don't even believe you have a dcat!!

[Dollymixture22]

Lucky kitty - sounds like he has landed on his feet with you. He will be a little unsettled initially but it sounds like you are making all the right adjustments to help him settle in.

He also might just like corners! My kitten sleep s in oddest places - and has recently taken to sleeping behind the tv.

Good luck, I am sure he will be running the house in no time!!

[VQ1970]

Sorry, I should have remembered the pic!

Thanks all for the advice x

[Starleaf]

He's beautiful op. I'm in the process of adopting a 16mth girl from Blue Cross.
I lost my 22 year old rescue cat last year.
Sounds as though your doing all the right things to help him settle. Just remember to keep him inside for the first 2-3 weeks before letting him explore outside.

[Aprilislonggone]

Wow what a handsome boy!!