4 Weeks ago we adopted a 3 year old cat who had been in a hoarding situation. We've got two other cats who aren't best pleased he's here but mostly just stay out of his way.
He's very affectionate towards me and my husband but absolutely terrified of my (very gentle and cat savvy) 4 year old. 4 year old mostly ignores him as he's so used to being around cats, but he is a typical noisy small child.
This poor cat spends his entire day hiding until my son is in bed, and has recently taken to hiding upstairs. We tried to bring him down twice today as he hadn't eaten or used the litter tray but he was so scared and ran back up.
He came down this evening and was more nervous than usual, flinching each time my husband stood up or opened the door (but sitting on his lap whenever he was still!) And I've just discovered that at some point he's pooped all over our bed.
I just don't know what to do, I know it's early days but I feel awful he's so scared all the time and especially because I'm pretty sure it's my child he's afraid of.
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The litter tray
How to help very nervous rescue cat
Kittypack · 08/04/2023 22:42
Darren2704 · 14/04/2024 15:41
So we've just adopted a rescue kitty. He's 8 months old and has been In the rescue centre for 5 of those. He was found in a garden at 3 months. We were told he was very shy and nervous. We took him home and left him in the spare room with some food, biscuits, water, a bed and a litter tray. He just cowers in the litter tray and hisses and spits every time we go near him. We've tried gently speaking and giving him head rubs but nothing. He doesn't eat or drink during the day. Only through the night. He's now started hiding behind the litter tray in the most awkward positions. But still won't venture out. Has no interest in treats or showing any Interest in playing or basically doing anything. And advice?
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