Bit of reassurance for my new rescue cat

[dentsdubonheur]

Hi everyone - I brought home a rescue cat on Wednesday, so we're going into day 3 of her being home. She's called Harlequin, or Quinn for short, and she's a two-year-old tortie.
I chose her because when I went into the room she was in (to actually look at another cat), she was so friendly - loved coming over for a stroke and a belly rub - that she totally won me over.
Now I've brought her home and she has spent all waking hours hiding in an underbed storage drawer and only coming out at night (I know because I have a little cat camera in her room and it alerts me). Yesterday evening I did manage to spot her sat on the windowsill when I came in, but she looked absolutely terrified of me - all tensed up and crouching in a ball. 😥
I guess I'm just after reassurance that this scaredy cat period will pass - I've read loads of websites and Reddit threads saying this is normal and that sometimes they hide for weeks or even months, but just want to hear your positive stories of cats that came out of their shell.
I live on my own and aged 41 and single I am fully leaning into my 'spinster cat lady' aesthetic 😆 so was really looking forward to having a snuggle bug to keep me company.

Not sure if anyone is interested still, but Quinn is doing so well - she's come out of her shell so much and is quite a character.

She absolutely loves snuggling up to me on the sofa (the dream is real 😊), comes when I call her and has also become quite playful.

She loves playing with a ping pong ball, she's already chewed through one of my phone charging cables and she also loves her little bouncey feather stick toy!

The next trial will be letting her out into the great outdoors in a couple of weeks, but I'm hoping that as we're quite well bonded, she won't stray too far before she comes home.

Loving my cat lady life - new pics attached!

so lovely that she's come round, mine also loves to hold paws

Yep. Love an update.

Fabulous!

When you first let her out, do it half an hour or so before a mealtime so she has a reason not to stay out too long.

Oh and get a cat flap

Fantastic news. I'm a couple of years older than you, but a fellow cat spinster. I have a torbie (tortoiseshell tabby cross apparently) and a dilute tortie in my clowder and they are both the most attention seeking cats. They grab at me if I don't stroke them a sufficient amount 😁

May I recommend cat springs from Amazon if Quinn enjoys playing. They're lightweight so cats can use their claws to hook them and throw them around. They've been very popular with various residents of The Litter Tray.

Oh how lovely. And thank goodness she was so close and you got her back.

She's absolutely gorgeous.

You'll have your hands full once she's 100% comfortable 😁

Hi fellow Litter Tray people!

No idea if anyone is still interested, but as we approach the end of the year, I just thought I'd update you on Quinn. The last time I posted, I was gearing up for letting her outdoors. That all went great and after getting a cat flap installed (sooooo expensive, but worth it), she now very happily comes and goes as she pleases. I still get the cat mum fear if she disappears for a few hours, but so far so good!

Honestly, the joy I feel when I hear the cat flap go, or her little mew from somewhere in my house and she comes running! 🤗

I leave my bedroom door slightly ajar and she will sleep on my pillow next to me overnight, or curl up in the spooning space in front of me with her little head resting on my arm.

It's just a lovely feeling to be so bonded to her now, and to have come so far from the timid little thing she was when I first brought her home! 😃😻

It's so lovely to hear this. It's incredibly rewarding when they overcome their fears and realise they have a new home. It sounds like you have a very strong bond.

She is absolutely gorgeous!

Now that's the type of thread I love!! Well done Quinn (an absolute stunner) and well done you!

Aww how wonderful! I’m so pleased she’s come out of her shell and you have an awesome little kitty friend!

This is amazing! How perfect.

I’m all geared up for an adoption after Christmas. Your post has made me very excited.

She is gorgeous x

My most recent rescue was terrified for weeks; shaking and growling and all sorts. He now rules the house with an iron paw! Give it time. She’s beautiful, thank you for offering her a home.

Edit: That’ll teach me not to read the full thread Great news!

Lovely update OP.

I'm laughing so much at her expression. in that photo.

She's absolutely gorgeous 😻

That side eye look 😂 where shes on the grey bed.

I am very much still interested. How lovely she is. Happy for you both!

Well from that look on her face, it is quite clear who's the boss in your house!

🐾❤️

My rescue five years on. He spent two whole weeks on top of the wardrobe!

She's gorgeous! I love the picture where you can see her ginger side and her dark side! Perfect name for her too!