Re-homed cat - gone into hiding

[clockworks]

We bought a 2 year-old female cat (Ragdoll) yesterday from a breeder who is giving up because they both have cancer. She had her last litter 3 months ago, and the kittens are in the process of being sold. We were in the breeder's house for about 30 minutes, and the cat seemed friendly enough. Good home environment, all the cats were obviously well cared for.

The cat went into the carrier with no problems, and was subdued on the 30 minute drive home - no crying or clawing.
As soon as the carrier door was opened in our dining room, the cat dashed out and tried in vain to hide under the fish tank cabinet. Having decided that the gap was too small, it ran into the lounge and hid under the sofa. No sign of it since, and it doesn't appear to have touched the food or water left by the sofa, or used the litter tray on the other side of the room.

Despite several attempts, we just can't see the cat. It's a big corner sofa with end recliners, so it's probably hiding up in the reclining parts, off the ground.


I've not had a cat for 25 years, and I don't remember having this problem before. A couple of our cats came to us as adults, but they were owned by my mum, so were used to me and the missus. This is the first time that we've had an adult cat that didn't know us.

Basically wondering how long we should leave it to come out on its own?

[p4cks]

It'll take time for the cat to get used to its new environment, but over time it will happen. Just be patient

[Scrump]

Have had similar behaviour with rehomed cats.
I have left some food and water nearby and kept things quiet, they eventually come out.
My experience is that they will run back under cover again until they are used to you and the surroundings. One cat kept hiding under the sofa, my wife and I sat quietly on the sofa in the evening and after a day or two the cat crept out and gradually came closer to us.
Good Luck

[Kinky]

That's all absolutely normal.

Having gone through this numerous times, just leave them be and they'll absolutely fine. 2 days was the longest it taken one of ours to 'appear'.

[hyphen]

Rather than normal food, perhaps spoil it with rich food/treats for initial period?

[twohoursfromlondon]

My cat was initially very timid and regularly went and hid under the bed, or in a wardrobe. Once yours gets used to its environment it should hopefully gain more confidence.

[dudleybloke]

I rehomed a 5yr old cat about 3 months ago and he found some amazing hiding spots for the first day or two, I found that I could easily tempt him out with a bit of ham.

[Simpo Two]

I've had my rescue cat for 5 years. No such problems fortunately, but there have been times I've searched the house from top to bottom looking for her to no avail - then 2 mins later it materialises in the hallway. I don't know how she does it or where she was.

I think yours just needs peace and quiet and time to adapt. It will get hungry eventually. Try leaving some Sheba in a corner where it can eat and feel safe.

[Big Red Cat]

Simpo Two said:

I've had my rescue cat for 5 years. No such problems fortunately, but there have been times I've searched the house from top to bottom looking for her to no avail - then 2 mins later it materialises in the hallway. I don't know how she does it or where she was.

I think yours just needs peace and quiet and time to adapt. It will get hungry eventually. Try leaving some Sheba in a corner where it can eat and feel safe.

So true, all cats have a cloaking device that they can activate when it causes their servants the most bother

To the OP, just give the cat some time. I rehomed a former stud cat after he had been neutered. He stayed in one room for two weeks refusing to leave even when I put my other cats out of his way. Then he just decided that was enough & came out like he had never lived anywhere else.

[Twig62]

It's not uncommon behaviour given the circumstances. Just give her all the time she needs to get used to her new surroundings.

[Simpo Two]

Big Red Cat said:

So true, all cats have a cloaking device that they can activate when it causes their servants the most bother e.

Hence the adage 'A cat can hide in a completely empty room'

[Ouroboros]

just for future better to leave carrier in room a few hours, get used to smells etc, can be over whelming.

[clockworks]

Thanks for the reassurance that it's normal behaviour.
I was going to leave her in the carrier for a while, but my lady friend let her out before I could say anything.

Good news is, I just popped into the kitchen to grab a drink, and when I went back into the lounge the cat had emerged from her hideyhole. She disappeared again sharpish., but at least we know that she's OK.

I'll leave a little tinned salmon out for her when I go to bed.

[bmwmike]

Took our rescue cats a good few months to pluck up the courage to sit with us. Iirc it was weeks until they left their room. Now they wont leave us alone

[Ouroboros]

At least found a safe place, which is important to have.

Cat are very sensitive animals, they are both prey and predator. Lots of understanding their behaviour, took me my second cart to get my head around it.

[clockworks]

TV is on, low volume, and I just heard her munching some dried food, so she's getting there

[Ouroboros]

clockworks said:

TV is on, low volume, and I just heard her munching some dried food, so she's getting there

Toys as well, will help.

My 1st cat was like yours, I was watching TV, next thing I know she jumped up on my chest.

[Kinky]

Don't forget some water (not milk) and a litter tray too

[clockworks]

Bowl of water is next to the food, litter tray across the room

[Mark V GTD]

This is a very heart warming thread. :-)