New kitten - help!
Discussion
Hi,
We have a new kitten (12 weeks old) - he has come from an RSPCA center as he was abandoned as a newborn kitten.
He arrived yesterday and we followed all the advice we'd read online - leave him in one room to let him get used to the surroundings etc and let him venture further at his own pace. He is very nervous and doesn't lie in his basket, he prefers being hidden behind some coats or down the side of a shoe cupboard.. I think that's normal for a new kitten though? He eats like a machine though which is good and is happy to play or let you stroke him in the utility room.
We've let him into the main house a few times and he finds a hiding spot but you can coax him out with some toys etc but is very nervous when not in his home/utility room!
Should we be letting him out into the house? He is much more relaxed when we are with him in the utility room but i assume this is just nerves that will go away with time?
Sorry for the basic questions - I think we're doing the right things but appreciate any advice!
We have a new kitten (12 weeks old) - he has come from an RSPCA center as he was abandoned as a newborn kitten.
He arrived yesterday and we followed all the advice we'd read online - leave him in one room to let him get used to the surroundings etc and let him venture further at his own pace. He is very nervous and doesn't lie in his basket, he prefers being hidden behind some coats or down the side of a shoe cupboard.. I think that's normal for a new kitten though? He eats like a machine though which is good and is happy to play or let you stroke him in the utility room.
We've let him into the main house a few times and he finds a hiding spot but you can coax him out with some toys etc but is very nervous when not in his home/utility room!
Should we be letting him out into the house? He is much more relaxed when we are with him in the utility room but i assume this is just nerves that will go away with time?
Sorry for the basic questions - I think we're doing the right things but appreciate any advice!
we had a really nervous kitten/cat, i found just sitting on the floor and letting the cat come towards a treat and strokes, not approaching from above when handling really helped, she never was friendly towards anyone but us though would run as soon as anyone else came in to the house, i think some are just nervous,
We have a couple of rescue kits and its best to let them go at their pace. If he wants to go into the house then let him. He’ll slowly find spaces where he feels safe and know the best places to find you when company is needed. Just be very patient. You can’t force cats to do anything!
Others have already given great advice - I’d add - make sure you have blocked off areas you do not want him to go.
Back of fridge, cooker etc
You’d be amazed what tiny gaps a scared kitten can hide in (& a cat for that matter!!)
Perhaps get a big crate & put him in it in the lounge so he can get used to noises in there before you let him put?
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