Hi all, have not posted for a long time but need some reassurance from experienced cat people! We brought a lovely 1.5yr old tom home today from a local rescue. He'd been a stray until about 2 months ago but he's been neutered and of course all the health things you'd expect. Was described as a big laid back softie, so I suppose I wasn't expecting him to be so nervous. We brought him home in a carrier but I think the car journey stressed him. Had a safe room set up with all his needs catered for. He got out of the carrier, went straight to the litter tray but got out quickly and tried to hide (ignoring the cat tree with hiding place, of course!). I thought best to leave him to explore the room safely and in his own time so left the room. Peeped in a while later and could not see him but heard soot falling out of the chimney - and of course puss was up there! He came down quickly thankfully, though dirty and terrified obviously, and has worked his way behind a cushion on the couch and stayed there. At what point do I worry? Or do I just keep going in and out and checking him quietly and make sure he is taking food and water? Poor puss. I hate to think of him being stressed! Can I leave him alone tonight if he continues to be this stressed?