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Sunday 9 October 2022

New, young cat is terrified. Owner asks, "What can I do?"

On social media a new cat owner has just adopted a young cat and is concerned as she hides away and does not move. She is in the bathroom where she was placed. Below is the picture provided.

It is a very classic, common situation as strange surroundings and sounds concern cats. They love familiarity, routines and rhythms. My response below is also typical, but it is always useful to spread the word. The keyword for the human is PATIENCE. Everything should proceed at the kitten's pace and things should never be forced by the human.

New, frightened kitten concerns her owner as she won't move
New, frightened kitten concerns her owner as she won't move. Image: u/UnluckyTie6534

My response on social media is as follows (what would yours be?):

You'll need a lot of patience. Give her all the time she needs to feel more at home. Perhaps provide her with a hiding place which is better than the one in the picture ✔️😎. And provide her with a really good food treat. With respect, the dry cat food you have provided looks to be poor/average quality. Provide high quality wet cat food. You'll get to know what treats she likes but slightly warmed up prawns might do it. Placed a little away from her may encourage her to move.

And try and play with her when she feels confident enough to venture forth as when a human plays with their cat, they lose themselves in play and allow the human to be close and interact but never force interactions. She'll choose. One day she'll jump on your lap and look at you in a way that melts your heart. She will come around at her own speed. Well done and it was good of you to ask.

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