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

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Just a quick question...

My family just adopted a 2 year old cat from the SPCA, and were having some problems. First of all, when DH got him home (I had a Drs appt, so I was there for the adoption, but not for the homecomming - I got there about an hour later), he had broken out of the cardboard box in the car. DH got him in the house, but he scratched the heck out of DH, and got away from him inside. DH couldn't find him, and had to run out real quick, so quickly put out litter and food, and went.

Anyway, I get home, and DH still hadn't found the cat!!! Long story short, it took us over 4 hours to find this cat - and we don't have a huge house!!! This cat is totally freeking out - has hidden in our wine cabinet, which took me about 20 minutes to get him out of, and then on top of our fridge, which is in a cabinet (obviously not a closed cabinet, but there is woodwork above it) and that took about an hour to get him out, and we almost broke the fridge! The little guy just had surgery about 10 days ago, so I really don't want to pull him and hurt him, KWIM.

So we call the SPCA this morning, and they were first of all, very nasty to DH, and told him that we were told that the cat has to stay locked in a bathroom for 7 days to adjust!! Has anyone ever heard of this?!? I've had plenty of cats, and not once have I ever heard of this. They say that we signed a contract that we have to keep the cat for at least 7 days - if we return it before then, they will take him, but we've lost our $$, and we will never be alowed to adopt again.

We are just so upset about this - the cat was very nice in the SPCA, but came from an abused home, and is obviously not the right cat for us with two small kids - something the adoption lady should have mentioned, I feel. My kids keep asking where their new cat is, and why they can't play or even see it. I went into the bathroom to spend some time with him. He has parked himself inbetween the sink and the wall - about a 6 inch wide space, and all he did was shake after I take him out, and hasn't even eaten anything yet. Anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to give up on the cat this quickly, but I just really have a feeling that hes not going to work out, and I don't want to make things worse for him by keeping him for 7 days, KWIM.

Also, has anyone ever heard of locking the cat in a bathroom for 7 days? Were not even allowed to put him in a bedroom - thats to big - it has to be a small bathroom for 7 days or until we take him to the vet with nothing but food, water and his litter box. Of course we have "visitation rights" but, to me, thats just nuts! Plus its a very small bathroom - only one person can fit at a time, and I can't allow the kids in there alone.

 

[npmommie]

Yes that is absolutely good advice and common advice,
put the kitty in the bathroom with litter pan and food and water, so she has time to adjust then you slowly integrate her into the home, it works really it does.
good luck!

 

[laurie31]

I had heard three days not seven, but yes, we did this with our cat and it does work. The cat doesn't see it as "solitary confinment." It gives him a chance to feel safe in his new environment.

Hang in there - the kitty's just FREAKED from being in a new place, especially if he was abused before. There is still hope that he will (in maybe a month) be the kind of pet you want for your kids.

The lady at the shelter shouldn't have been so snippy, though. And yikes on the never being allowed to adopt! I do know people that had to return a dog because he kept biting their toddler. They were very experienced dog owners and were so sad but they couldn't risk their child. The shelter they used was very understanding and they got a different dog which is a happy part of their family now.

 

[Kath2003]

YES you are supposed to put the cat in a quiet, safe environment with its basic needs to give it time to settle into its new home! The bathroom is recommended because it's usually the safest place for a new cat (they can't knock ornaments over, scratch furnishings etc.) and because it's the easiest to clean if they don't find the litter tray immediately (or have toilet-troubles because of anxiety).

That is exactly what you need to do with the cat. Visit regularly, but keep them in the same room.

 

[MomofKatie]

Not necessarily a small bathroom, but we have kept our new cats in a closed room for a few days to a week when they came to our house for the first time. Cats need time to adjust to new surroundings. Too much space can make them like you saw your kitty- terrified and looking for a small space to hole up in. Put the litterbox and food/water bowls in there, as well as a nice soft place for it to sleep. Go in and spend time with the kitty- not picking it up or even petting it at first, just sitting with it so it gets used to you.

Give it a week before you give up on the cat. He/she will come around. If the cat was friendly at the shelter, it most likely will be once it gets used to it's new home. Just let the kids know that they might need to be a little patient and let Kitty settle in first.

 

[RN4Babies]

Even non-abused cats can freak out in new surroundings. We had a three year old cat (we got her when she was three months old) with us when we moved. We got her out of her carrier after everything was moved in to the new house, I put her into her litter box immediately so she'd know where it was....and then we didn't see her for five days. I left a couple of bowls of food and water out for her in different spots in the house, and I don'[t think she touched them for the first 24 hours. I had heard of the bathroom method, but didn't think it would be necessary because she knew and loved us. I was wrong.

Try the bathroom method. If you don't have at least 1 1/2 bathrooms, tell the kids to let you know when they need to get in there. If you have an extra bathroom, put the cat in one and make it off limits to everyone while the cat adjusts. And invest in a cat carrier, if you don't already have one. Those cardboard boxes are a joke.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Thanks for the replys everyone.

We truely have never heard of locking a cat in a bathroom for 7 days to help it adjust - I really don't understand how doing that would help it adjust, but we really have no choice but to try it! Hes in there right now - squashed up between the wall and the sink..... I think part of our problem is the fact that we just assumed that we were going to come home with this great cat, be able to let him go throughout the house like a normal cat - like we've done with any other cat we've ever gotte, and all would be fine and happy..... thats not happening!! I want to give it the 7 days, and hopefully he will come around by then. Unfourtinatly we told DD that we would be getting a new kitten today (we didn't think they would have such a problem at the SPCA), so she keeps asking when we will go get it.......

Anyway, thanks for all the replys - at least I know this bathroom thing isn't totally nuts!


ETA - I have a real carrier, and told the woman that since I had to go home before we took the cat home (we didn't have the cash on us, and they won't take credit card or even a check) that I would get it, and she said, oh, don't bother, hes fine in this!! Yeah right - he ripped that sucker appart in less than a minute!! I swear, I've never seen a stronger cat in my life!!!! Hahaha

 

[Kath2003]

Thanks for the replys everyone.

We truely have never heard of locking a cat in a bathroom for 7 days to help it adjust - I really don't understand how doing that would help it adjust, but we really have no choice but to try it!

They're scared. It lets them know nothing bad is going to happen and gives them a place that's 'theirs'. Give him time; it's scary to be hauled somewhere when you're a kitty! Poor baby

 

[Ephany]

When we adopted our kitten, he ended up in the walls. Yeah, that was a great experience trying to convince him to come out. 7 years later he's firmly attached to whoever's sitting on the couch and is constantly begging to be petted; he's rather an affection seeker. I don't remember it taking even a week for him to adjust, he just needed a chance to calm down and get used to us and his new situation. Good luck!

 

[Sleepy]

Cats are curious creatures, but easily scare. I have never put a cat in a bathroom and have never heard that advice. Cats are good at finding a place that makes them feel secure......why do you think it took so many hours to find him? They are nocturnal and will come out when they know everyone is asleep. As long as food is eaten and litter is used you have nothing to worry about.

ETA: Cats like to hide. A bathroom does not really offer them many objects to hide behind. Perhaps if you want to use the bathroom tactic, try putting a box or something in there. Sort of place the box on its side with the open end facing the wall. As long as they are in one open room and people keep walking in there, the cat isn't going to feel very secure. Just my 2 cents.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

They're scared. It lets them know nothing bad is going to happen and gives them a place that's 'theirs'. Give him time; it's scary to be hauled somewhere when you're a kitty! Poor baby

That is exactly what we are doing, thanks.

We are trying to adjust to this as well. As I said, we had never heard of this bathroom tactic - between DH and myself, we have had maybe 6-8 cats in our lives, and not once have we ever had one react like this. And before you ask, yes, some were kittens, so since they haven't been anywhere to long, theres not much adjusting to be done once they get to your house, but some of them have been older, and still haven't acted this.... extreem. But as I said, we are trying to adjust, and trying to make everything as easy for him as well. So thanks.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Cats are curious creatures, but easily scare. I have never put a cat in a bathroom and have never heard that advice. Cats are good at finding a place that makes them feel secure......why do you think it took so many hours to find him? They are nocturnal and will come out when they know everyone is asleep. As long as food is eaten and litter is used you have nothing to worry about.

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. Anyway, as I said, were going to give him the 7 days, and really hope that he comes out of this - we just want to love him!!! Hes such a cute guy - big fat face, all grey, and really pretty green eyes.


ETA - Food has not been eaten yet, though had has used the litter box once. The SPCA said that he probably wont eat for 24 hours or so.... hopefully he will eat and drink soon.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yes, locking up a cat to adjust is normal. We have locked cats in a bathroom to retrain for potty problems.

There are so many cats to adopt and it is a shame they did not match you up better.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Yes, locking up a cat to adjust is normal. We have locked cats in a bathroom to retrain for potty problems.

There are so many cats to adopt and it is a shame they did not match you up better.

Well, we got the cat from PetSmart, not the actual SPCA, so there were only like 10 cats there (it is the SPCA, but they have small "offices" in local pet shops). Maybe we should have "shopped around" but we really thought this was a great cat! And hopefully since he was so friendly in the place, he will adjust here, and be a good cat for us. Of course in the mean time, DD wants another kitten!!! Daddy almost did a spit take when she said that!

 

[Laz]

After a couple of days, bring a small toy with you when you visit in the bathroom with the cat. Also try bringing some cat treats. Show the cat he/she can depend on you and have fun with you.

PS. Have your husband's cat scracthes check out. Cat Scratch Fever can occur.

 

[Sleepy]

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. Anyway, as I said, were going to give him the 7 days, and really hope that he comes out of this - we just want to love him!!! Hes such a cute guy - big fat face, all grey, and really pretty green eyes.


ETA - Food has not been eaten yet, though had has used the litter box once. The SPCA said that he probably wont eat for 24 hours or so.... hopefully he will eat and drink soon.

That is correct about the eating. He may not eat for a few days. The reason he was up on the fridge is because cats like to be up high because they think you can't reach them up there and also it gives them a birds eye of what is coming. That 4 inches to him was his secure zone. My cat's favorite place is on top of the fridge. I don't think I have had a cat that did not like the fridge. Maybe he thinks you guys can't see him. Trust me, he will be fine. You just need to be patient and let him adjust on his own terms.

 

[torinsmom]

I would not lock it in the bathroom, unless it a bathroom that is rarely used. All the going in and out will probably freak it out! If you have an extra bedroom or a laundry room, that would be better, IMHO. I would also close the doors to all other rooms in the house and open the door to the room he is in after he has been isolated for a few days. That way he can explore a new area, but not the whole house.

Do you still have other cats? That can add a whole nother element to the adjustment.

Good luck with the new kitty. DOn't worry, he will come around.

Marsha

 

[MN Vikings Fan]

In Feb. we adopted a lovely adult female cat from the humane society. The person who had fostered her for awhile said she would probably hide under a bed for the first two weeks because of her fearful, untrusting nature. She was a stray but obviously had been someone's cat as she was spayed, declawed, and very plump when she was found wandering the streets. No one claimed her so she was put up for adoption. No one told us to put her in the bathroom, but I could tell she wanted nothing to do with us in the majority of our house so I locked her in a spare bedroom. I put her cat kennel, her humane society bed, her litter pan, and her dishes in the room. I let her out after five days. Big mistake! She ran as fast as she could to the basement (away from all humans and other pets in the house) and hid under the biggest table she could find for the next day. We had to pull her out and my husband got scratched (with her hind feet). I think he's still afraid of her. We locked her in "her" bedroom for the next two months! I would go in and visit with her in "her" bedroom and talk to her and bring some of our other pets (two dogs and one really elderly cat) in to meet her and spend a little time with her. If she was in "her" bedroom, she reacted much better than if I tried to take her into a larger, more open room. She would snarl and hiss outside of her room due to her fear and distrust. Little by little, she made progress. It's been three months now since we adopted her and she's fitting in extremely well. She still heads back to "her" bedroom at times when she's afraid, when visitors come in the house, when the dogs or other cat want to play, but for the most part she's finally adapted and has a different composure from what she hadfor the first two months of living with us. Now the only time she snarls at us is when we try to brush her long fur. She doesn't like any type of brushing. It must bring back bad memories?? It has required a lot of patience and love, but I'm glad we gave her space and time and didn't return her because we seriously thought about it for a few weeks. She's a lovely but still somewhat fearful cat who is learning to trust again. I don't think you should give up on yours yet! Give her lots and lots of security and time to adapt.

 

[taylor3297]

My current cat spent two weeks underneath our dresser in our bedroom when we first got her. She was three months old and we adopted her from a no kill animal shelter. Since we worked during the day and at the time we didn't have kids, she did come out while we were gone to eat and use the litter box. Well she is going to be 9 years old this year and she is the greatest cat. Just be patient and the cat will come around.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

I would not lock it in the bathroom, unless it a bathroom that is rarely used. All the going in and out will probably freak it out! If you have an extra bedroom or a laundry room, that would be better, IMHO. I would also close the doors to all other rooms in the house and open the door to the room he is in after he has been isolated for a few days. That way he can explore a new area, but not the whole house.

Do you still have other cats? That can add a whole nother element to the adjustment.

Good luck with the new kitty. DOn't worry, he will come around.

Marsha

Hes in the bathroom that only the kids use, and right now, there not using it. Hes in there alone, no one is going in and out other than me to just say a quick "HI!" and thats it. We have one of those strings on a stick (yeah $7 for that!!! ) so I'll bring it in next time and see what he thinks.
I have to say, though, the bathroom is disgusting now!! Hes freeking out, so hes shedding a lot, and its all over the place! Nothing a mop and broom can't clean up, but its less the pleasant to go in there and visit him! HAHAHA I can't wait till he "adjusts" and can just chill in the living room with us!