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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Made a rookie mistake and new rescue kitten spending his first day under the sofa

48 replies

bentneckwine1 · 13/04/2019 20:28

I have a large crate to keep the kitten in so my existing cat and kitten can be kept apart to begin with.

I opened the carrier in the living room and my kitten ran under the sofas and is still there 8 hours later.

I am worried as he hasn't eaten anything since the shelter last fed him.

I have tried putting the food bowl close by but still not touched it.

Any advice would be appreciated

Made a rookie mistake and new rescue kitten spending his first day under the sofa
OP posts:
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6
Original poster
bentneckwine1 · 13/04/2019 20:30

I should have opened the carrier into the crate i realise now

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ScreamingValenta · 13/04/2019 20:35

It took my 9 month old cat three days to come out of hiding when I brought him home. He eventually came out overnight - the next day we saw some food had gone and he'd used the litter tray. I was worried in case he made himself ill, but he was fine. Give him time and plenty of space.

Beamur · 13/04/2019 20:37

I don't think it's unusual for them to hide for a day or two. Can you keep your other cat out for now?

Fluffycloudland77 · 13/04/2019 20:38

It’s normal behaviour. How old is he?

MsMarvellous · 13/04/2019 20:39

One of my two Rescues hid under the sofa for 2.5 days when we got him. Just give him time and space.

Original poster
bentneckwine1 · 13/04/2019 20:42

Thanks for that screamingvalenta.

When i have rescued previous pets i had been visiting the shelter every weekend so they knew my scent and voice.

The rescue came on Wednesday for the home visit then i met and homed Benny today which means everything is new for him

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Original poster
bentneckwine1 · 13/04/2019 20:45

I have kept the other cat in the rest of the house been planning on scent swapping if we ever get Benny out from from underthe sofa.

He is about 4 months - was born in someone garden but they couldn't catch them straight away so went to shelter around 8 weeks they think

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MissPollyHadADolly19 · 13/04/2019 20:51

Totally normal. Don't try to get him out as he will be more fearful.
I had this with my first foster kitten except we have recliners and he had wedged himself right into the mechanism! It scared the life out of me just incase I reclined it without thinking and crushed him - thankfully not though! He came out on his own accord after about 2 days Smile

boringlyboring · 13/04/2019 20:52

Ahh, he’ll just be a scaredy cat for a while. In a couple of days he’ll be climbing on your head.

Is the living room safe for him to be shut in there on his own overnight?

SomeLikeItTepid · 13/04/2019 20:53

Completely normal behaviour from your new kitten. He/she may well stay put for a few days ( get ready to clear up toilet or scared puking mishaps ) is your older cat likely to be aggressive towards them? It might be better to encourage settled older cat to stay with you in your room tonight if so.

Original poster
bentneckwine1 · 13/04/2019 20:56

No recliner chairs thankfully!

My niece is going to sleep in the living room with him so that i can be with my other cat.

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Original poster
bentneckwine1 · 13/04/2019 21:06

My cat has never lived with an other cat.

However he shared the house/beds/food dishes with a dog - they were like a half dog half cat hybrid.

So the lady at shelter said that it shows he can share his house.

The dog died of old age in Feb and my cat went off his food and destructive behaviour which is why we got the kitten for company

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Original poster
bentneckwine1 · 13/04/2019 21:10

Existing cat as a kitten and adult with the dog who he misses

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boringlyboring · 13/04/2019 21:15

Aw, how sad he lost his buddy.

Once kitten is more comfortable, put food/treats for both of them either side of the door, and they will hopefully start to get used to each other. That’s how 2 of mine became best friends, they would play ‘tag’ under the door.

viques · 13/04/2019 21:16

The cat I catsat last summer found so many places to hide in my house I gave up looking for her in the end! I knew she couldn't get out so it was just a case of waiting, and waiting. Took about a week. Turned out she is the only cat in the universe who is take it or leave it with dreamies.

viques · 13/04/2019 21:19

Gorgeous cat btw, I have a weakness for tabbies.

Ginger is cute too though Smile

viques · 13/04/2019 21:23

ps, I think your niece sleeping in with him is a mistake, let him have the room to himself to explore and build confidence ..Make sure there is a litter treat, food and water there so he can have a sneaky wee,and refreshment.

Original poster
bentneckwine1 · 13/04/2019 21:28

Thanks for all the advice. I will keep you posted

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Poppins2016 · 13/04/2019 21:52

@viques None of my 3 cats seem to like Dreamies... I think they're overrated!

OP, I cant add anything that hasn't been said already, but you have a gorgeous cat! I hope he likes his new friend.

Poppins2016 · 13/04/2019 21:53

*can't (!)

Toddlerteaplease · 13/04/2019 22:29

Took the late Fatty 8 days to come out from under the kitchen unit. She eventually cane out after dark one evening. And completely took over the household from that moment. Her sister was very disappointed she's come out!

Toddlerteaplease · 13/04/2019 22:30

I agree. Let him have the room to himself. He'll come out quicker if he feels safe.

Original poster
bentneckwine1 · 14/04/2019 11:14

My neice is like a modern day dr dolittle.

Benny was out playing with her most of the night including on my dining table!

He has eaten and used the litter tray so I am more relaxed.

Thanks again for your advice

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Poppins2016 · 14/04/2019 11:35

How lovely! Hopefully he'll come out of his shell (or should I say sofa?!) a little more today...

Have you named your kitten yet? He's very sweet!

ScreamingValenta · 14/04/2019 11:37

So pleased he's out and about now, OP.

He'll soon be running up and down your curtains all day! Grin

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