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The litter tray

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How long did hiding cat?

5 replies

Rocketman2 · 25/01/2025 11:59

we adopted our gorgeous boy a week ago from a rescue centre. He’d been in the centre, along with sooo many other cats, since October. Before that he was rescued from a home where the cats were multiplying and left to fend for themselves. Awful conditions.

When we brought him home, he instantly hid which we were expecting. He comes out at night and uses his litter tray and eats. He is still under the sideboard during the day however if we lie next to it, he will take food from our hands and likes to be stroked.

My question is, how long could it be before he comes out to us? We’ve made a trail of food but he eats it when we aren’t around. He adores fuss if we reach into him but won’t come out. It’s been a week now

OP posts:
helpfulperson · 25/01/2025 12:05

Mine was a fortnight. Then one day I looked round and he was sitting on a chair. He still had days of hiding away for about 6 months.

Sounds like you are doing fine.

Kittkats · 25/01/2025 12:08

It took my 2 ex-feral cats 2 months. After 3 months they were the most affectionate, loyal cats ever.

Allergictoironing · 25/01/2025 12:29

About 1 month for one, about 3 months for her brother (ferals). And about 2 months for the most recent one (2 years being a stray).

Took me about 6 months for the feral girl to let me touch her, same for the stray cat but in his case that was only during meal times; I can occasionally stroke him if he's in the mood now after 2 years. 2 years before I could touch the feral boy, who became a total cuddle monster soon after.

RosesAndHellebores · 25/01/2025 12:32

It takes time and benign neglect works. Mybrescues have been here fir nearly two years and the very anxious one who hid for months and months now comes for cuddles.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 25/01/2025 22:23

Our boy rampaged around the house on the first night he was here, then “hid” on top of the bookcase, being a hissy snake for about three days. He would eat at night and use the litter tray. He was pretty funny really because the bookcase is next to where I sit, and he wasn’t at all hidden - I think he just felt safe being up high. Nine months on he’s a lovely cuddly boy and a wee star.

He turned two last week and has come a long way since his stray kitten living in a lady’s shed days.

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