How long did it take for your new cat to come out of hiding?

[Cherryblossom1985]

We got a rescue cat on Thursday night.

She had been in the shelter since early January. Around 14 months old. I think she was found living outside with her 2 kittens.

I brought her home on Thursday night and she went straight under the kick board at the sink.

I knew to expect this as we took MILs cat (who knew us) when she died and she hid for 2 days.

Yesterday, she spent most of the day sitting on the window sill looking out the window. Progress I thought, but I spooked her working outside and she's been under the sink all day. Only coming out to eat when we're out.

This is day 4 and no further forward.
Any advice?

It all depends. Does she come when you put her food down or shake the biscuit tub? Does she respond when you call her name?

We kept ours in for an extra week after she came running to us in response to calling her. She ran because every time she came she got a treat, just like a dog.

So pleased to se the update. She looks very comfortable there. congratulations to her for finding her forever family, and congratulations to you for the lovely rewards you will enjoy because of your concern and patience.

When you do decide to let her out do it one morning before she has been fed - take any biscuits away the night before so she is really hungry. Open the door, go and sit outside for a while with her so she knows where you are and can keep an eye out for you. After a few minutes go in and put her food in her dish so she associated coming inside with good things.