How long (roughly) will it take for my new kitten to come 'round?

[StephenKatz]

We adopted a 3 month old kitten from the rescue shelter yesterday. We're very excited, never owned a cat before we've always had rescue dogs! It's been two years since our darling dog died so we felt it was time for a new pet!

She's very shy. I was expecting her to be that way, I know it must be overwhelming going to a new place, especially as we have two noisy kids (4 and 6). But it's still a culture shock for me. Every dog we have had has been pathetically grateful and affectionate from the start

Is there anything I can do to make this easier for her? I've lined the cat transporter box with a comfy blanket so she has a safe protected area, and she's in the kitchen which is a bit quieter. She was up and exploring in the night (she's eaten and used her litter tray) but when I went to check on her she ran back into her cat box! How long roughly can I expect her to hide in there? I don't want to force her out or make her more afraid, but I'm also worried I'm missing the boat to socialise her?

When did you get her?

Sorry just read the first sentence again !!

We got two cats (separately) over the last year. One was jumping and exploring Andy sitting on our laps the first day, the other one took more like two weeks to even want to emerge from their 'safe' room. Basically, it's a 'how long is a piece of string' question, it will entirely depend on the cat's personality.
Give them a safe, secure space where they can hide and observe (which it sounds like you have already done). Spend some time in the room talking to them, but let them approach you as and when they are ready.
Be patient! It's a great thrill when a nervy cat finally trusts you enough to let you scratch their head!

I think a couple of days in the kitchen would be normal tbh.
Your house now has lots of new smells and noises for her to get used to.

I would have a small bowl of chicken/ham in the fridge and when someone goes in the kitchen, bend down and gently offer her some of the meat from your hand. Once she's used to you, then start letting someone else do it so she can see that the people are friendly and 'good'.

Leave the kitchen door open so she can explore if she wants to though. What's her name? What colour is she?

Impossible to comment without a picture 😀

It very much depends on the cat to be honest.
I can see how this can seem odd to a dog owner. Dogs are very giving with their affection. With cats you need to earn their trust first.

How rude of me, terribly sorry Picture attached - her name is Moo (might explain why she appears to hate me!!)

Some great ideas thank you - I know I'm being more impatient than the children!

Sit in the room and quietly chat to her. When she sticks her nose out of her bed just ignore her. Let her come to you when she is ready.

Oh she's beautiful

Aww - cute - give her at least another 3 days

When we first got our kittens, they were so freaked out that they would hiss and spit at anything going remotely near them (only tiny too, as their mother was dead). I was thinking we'd made a mistake (!)

Silly me, as now they are the most affectionate and friendly cats ever. Both of them will sit on a convenient lap (doesn't matter whose)

One of mine hid under the kitchen units for a week. I left her too it and she came out in her own time.

Make sure the kids leave her alone when she's hiding - no trying to get hands on and drag her out from behind things. Put food and water down somewhere she can get to it without having to be too exposed, same for the litter tray. Coming out at night us quite normal, my moggy did the same.

Give it a few days and she'll be a lot better.

You have to ignore them to cause them to want to show any interest in you. Cat Law 101.

Just live your life and let them see how you move about, where you like to sit etc. They'll come find you when they are ready. Perhaps if you are fiddling with your favourite toy on a string as well.

Oh she is gorgeous.

On top of other advice don't forget that a offering a taste of smoked salmon as you pass might well bribe her into realising that you are actually very cool. Has worked with all of mine

If you can find some time on your own, sit down near her and just read/play on your iPad (basically don't move much, just be there). Basically ignore her but be near. She may get curious and come and say hello... especially if you have some nice smelling chicken. On the other hand, she's a cat and may well ignore you, but at least you'll be come familiar to her!

She's very cute!!

She's a lovely girl although she looks a bit frightened.

I'd go for physically leaving her alone - no stroking or attempts to cuddle etc - but giving her whole loads of conversation with lots of mention of her name. (Not too in her face, either.)

But using her tray and eating during the night? Sounds as if she's not too bad at all, deep down, and just needs some adjustment time.