We got a new cat from an adoption centre on Saturday, four years old, a bit shy and quiet but apparently happy with people once she gets used to them. Brought her home and she went to hide under the sofa, which is fine. She came out for a little explore, booped our noses, climbed on us a bit, then went back to her hiding place. But as soon as she ventured into the kitchen, she darted straight behind the washing machine and has pretty much stayed there. She was on her own in the house for an hour when I had to go to the shops on Saturday night and husband had unexpectedly gone out, despite his insistence on getting the cat that day and that he was going to be the best adopter in the world. That's another long story. So when I came home and parked up outside the house, I could see her through the window, mooching around in the living room which was great! As soon as I went in she went back behind the washing machine and has only since been out in the night to get food. I can't tell if she's used the litter tray, but worryingly the area around the washer smells a bit as if she's had a wee there.
When we had our previous cat, he would often go there too, along with other cats who would sometimes get in, so there's something very attractive to cats behind there. So now husband is massively anxious and is ranting and raving, including blaming me for 'losing' her the other night when he was out all night. He wants to pull the washer out tonight and force her out. I think give it at least another day and see if she emerges on her own. Any advice??? I only agreed to getting this cat to alleviate husband's anxiety, and now he's ten times worse and I could just walk out. He did his best to ruin our son's 18th with his bawling and shouting and I feel mentally and physically exhausted. Help.