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Cat Forum / General Topics / August 2004Henry is hiding under the sofa!
We got our new cat Henry, 7 years old, from a rescue centre the other day. I have been brought up with cats and I know that it's common for newcomers to dash for the nearest dark corner, or perhaps hide under the nearest bed or cupboard, until they feel safe enough to explore. Henry has gone straight under the sofa and hasn't emerged - except for 2 occasions when I managed to tempt him out with sardines! (he went straight back under once he'd eaten!). It's only been 2 days now, but I'm wondering when I should consider more drastic measures. I don't want to force him out, I think he'll come when he's ready. But my concern is that it's painful or uncomfortable for him. The gap between sofa and floor is no more than 2 or 3 inches and the times he emerged for sardines, he was visibly struggling and 'yelped' the second time he emerged because it was so uncomfortable. So I'm wondering how long should I leave Henry alone before I take action? Apart from this he seems quite happy to be stroked and talked to, he's not scared of humans but is apprehensive about his new surroundings and doesnt seem to like big open spaces. -- Owen > We got our new cat Henry, 7 years old, from a rescue centre the other > day. [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > -- > Owen Trust me, he'll come out when he feels like it. He is a bit freaked out now with his new digs, but soon enough will own your house. Good of you to take in an older fellow.  SignatureStocksRus? > We got our new cat Henry, 7 years old, from a rescue centre the other day. > [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > scared of humans but is apprehensive about his new surroundings and doesnt > seem to like big open spaces. I volunteer at a rescue shelter, and this is a common question. Don't worry too much at this stage, it's perfectly normal. My cat Missy hid for several days under a cupboard in the kitchen until she realised there was FOOD on the other side of the room..! He'll come out when he's ready, just make sure you are there for him when he does, give him lots of love and affection and he'll repay you a thousand fold. Ivor When I brought Isis home from the animal shelter she stayed put behind a chair in my den for two full days. I stopped by from time to time and talked to her. Then, on day #3, she marched straight out into my living room with her tail high into the air and proceeded to take over my whole house. Everyone is right here. When Henry is ready in two days or more, he'll decide it's time to take command. You will then be demoted from "owner" to "guest". Mike in Illinois > We got our new cat Henry, 7 years old, from a rescue centre the other day. > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > -- > Owen Mine went back under the coach for 4 days the thing is, on day 3 i took him to the vet tp have him neuteured. Poor Kitty. 9 weeks old he was i haven't seen him much othere than hear him meow from under there from time to time IS it normal? > When I brought Isis home from the animal shelter she stayed put behind a > chair in my den for two full days. I stopped by from time to time and talked [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > > -- > > Owen > We got our new cat Henry, 7 years old, from a rescue centre the other day. > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > -- > Owen All my rescues/fosters go into a large dog crate which I keep in the living room. This way they are part of the traffic pattern, can see and engage with the other cats but have the comfort of the enclosure, which I keep covered with a sheet on 3 sides. After a week to 10 days, I let them come out. Works a charm. LT Thank you everyone for your replies. Henry is coming out at night, when nobody's around. He's used his litter tray (in a different room), and eaten food left for him (in different room also). I guess he's familiarising himself with the place but I will have to be patient. I just worry for his health being stuck under there! Owen > We got our new cat Henry, 7 years old, from a rescue centre the other day. > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > he emerged because it was so uncomfortable. So I'm wondering how long > should I leave Henry alone before I take action? From other posts you've made it sounds like he is just getting used to his new surroundings and is coming along. Maybe you could put some books or something under the couch legs so it will be higher off the floor? My cat Corky was rescued; he went under the sofa as well. I pulled it out a bit from the wall so he could breathe. I had food and knew he was eating, and using the litterbox, the food would be gone in the morning and the box used. Finally after a WEEK I placed a board across the one end, then manoeved him out and closed off the other end. He was petrified but eventually settled down. But he slunk from one corner to another for days. He must have been very badly treated as he was the 'bite you first before you get me' type, and for about ten years he was quite mean with anyone except myself. He hated men and feet (I imagine a guy kicked him). He toned down when he got to be about 15 or so, he was mature when I got him and I had him 20 years. but looking back, I think he would have hid under the sofa for weeks. Pull yours out a bit so he can sit behind, and maybe after a week try closing him out like I did. > We got our new cat Henry, 7 years old, from a rescue centre the other day. > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > -- > Owen |
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