New Kitty and my bed (kittens, eating, food, furniture)

[KittyLady11]

I just got a new 4 month old kitten... When I got him home the first thing I did was put him in his litter box he laid in it for awhile and was purring like mad. Then just as I thought he was gunna hang out he zipped under my bed. Now I realize cat's like to hang out underbeds especially when introduced to a new home, which is fine with me. But I am worried he will just be one of those cats that whenever I am around he isn't.. Any suggestions on how to prevent this? I think I might lower my bed so it sits on the floor so he can't he isn't impossible to get too... Right now not even treats will drag him out.

[myrc60]

give him time they are scared when introduced to new surroundings. give him time and when he comes out don't rush him and scare him all over again.

[linicx]

Cats like the underside of a bed because the box spring has a soft cover on the bottom. It is good for shredding. Introduce kitten to littler box, water and kitten chow. I had one that didn't come out for two months but I could see the food, water and litter box were used. Get some soft small toys -- they can carry in mouth or bat around. If you get him accustomed to you trimming his nails you will both be happier. He won't like to begin with, but ten years from now it will take less than a minute to trim all four feet. I did my cat for 16 years.

If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, neuter him and keep him inside, then leash train him. He can go out with you and you don't have to worry about fighting or strange cats; pick him up. Inside cats don't have fleas, ticks, rabies, etc.. Change the box regularly. Cats don't like dirty boxes; they will leave you a present. Clean boxes don' smell. It is very important that he gets his baby shots, booster shoots and annual shots so he doesn't get sick. Cats that cannot smell do not eat. A cat with a cold will starve to death because they can't find food. They don't eat what they cannot smell.

Purina Kitten Chow is a good place to start. Soft food is a treat. If you want him to have milk it is queen's milk, not the cow's milk which gives diarrhea. You and kitten will learn together; cats are patient teachers. It is fun to watch kittens with an empty PAPER sack, never plastic, and a piece of yarn.

[myrc60]

How are you two doing today? If he won't come out from under the bed yet, make sure he can see his food and water from where he sits. When he comes out, don't rush him, let him explore and when he is ready he will come to you. If you can arrange it, let him see you fill his food bowl.

We roll up a little 4x4 square of paper and the kittens just go nuts for it. It's small enough they can carry it around in the mouth. We have about a dozen laying around the house and they get launched and chased after all day long! Loads of fun! Cheapest cat toy we've ever had and it remains one of their favorites even as they've grown older.

[linicx]

You won't see cat until cat is ready. Do make sure you do not lock cat in closet. Put your head under the bed and baby talk the kitten, sing little songs to kitten. Don't torment the cat by using a broom, soft dust mop or vacuum to try to force it out from under the bed. You could put a small soft toy as a companion. As long as you can determine the kitten is eating, drinking and using the liter box, he is just fine. Be sure to provide clean water and fresh litter.

[Rene S]

Give him some time and I'm sure he'll soon be zooming around your home. ITA with others in saying to not force him out. You could try dragging a toy along the edge of the bed to catch his interest in playing.

[Ohiogirl81]

Cats need places to hide, where they feel secure. If you take your mattress off the bed frame, make sure he has other hiding places - up high, under or behind furniture, etc.

Sit on the floor when he's under the bed, and talk to him. He'll come out to see what's going on. You just have to be patient and adjust to his schedule, not him to yours.

[catsmom21]

Give him time to get used to you and his new home. Let him be. Play with him when he comes out, but don't force yourself on him. He'll settle in in his own time.

Think of it from his point of view. He's suddenly lost all he has ever known in his short life, for no reason he can understand. You'd be scared, too!

Good advice from Ohiogirl and ReneS about sitting near the bed and talking to him, and inviting play, so he can get used to you.

Feed him a good canned (wet food) diet all his life to keep him healthy.

Congratulations to you both!