Adopting a cat - Locking it in a bathroom?!?

[jam217]

Our current cat also hid in our spare bedroom for about three months. He didn't eat for about three days, then the vet recommended Fancy Feast roasted chicken. That did the trick. The first couple of weeks were very rough and he was downright nasty -- bitting and growling. I also wondered if we did the right thing by bringing him home.

We ended up largely ignoring him and letting him come to us. That seemed to do the trick. He is now completely adjusted and has now taken over my bed.

It just takes time which is hard at first. You want a cozy, cuddly cat, but unfortunately, like people, some of them come with baggage and it takes time for them to adjust.

 

[Laura]

See, heres part of my issue....
You said:
They are nocturnal and will come out when they know everyone is asleep. He didn't! He stuck himself on top of the fridge in an area thats about 4 inches tall. I mean, ok, its going to take him some time to adjust, thats fine really, but it just makes me nervous that he was up there all night, never got down, and no one was around or bothering him. I would have thought that he would have taken that time to be curious, and look around, like you said, but he didn't. I am worried that we and the kids will get attached to this cat, but I'm also concerned about him - its not fair for him, especially seeing how much hes been through already. .

Just FYI--cats are actually not nocturnal, they are crepuscular. That means they're awake in the morning and the evening, and like to sleep at night and during the day.

I am glad to see that your reports are getting better. Some adult cats respond well to changes, some don't. It's a crapshoot as to which kind of kitty you get. Just keep on taking it slow with him. I'm sure he'll come around.