Understanding Your Pet's Early Behavior
When you first bring a pet home, it is common for them to feel unfamiliar and scared because they do not yet know their owner well. This initial period can be challenging as pets adjust to their new environment and build trust with their caregivers.
It's important to be patient and gentle during this time. Offering a calm presence, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement can help your pet gradually feel safe and comfortable. Understanding this natural adjustment fase fosters a stronger bond between you and your pet.
New Cat Owner Seeks Advice on Shy Kitten
A female netizen posted online asking for help after recently adopting a kitten who seems scared and hides under the bed as soon as she brings it home. This behavior has caused her considerable distress, so she reached out to experienced cat owners for guidance, saying, "I really hope to get along well with her but don't want her to feel uneasy. I seek advice from cat experts on how to handle this."
On the Dcard platform, she explained that this is her first time raising a cat and she has little experience. She found the kitten last week in a warehouse, and since bringing it home, the kitten has mostly hidden under the bed. There has been some progress, as the kitten now occasionally eats from her hand or plays with toys there, but it still spends most of its time under the bed and gets startled if she moves too abruptly when getting on or off the bed.
She shared her frustration, noting that she used to practice piano in her room but can no longer do so. Her family suggested blocking off the space under the bed, worried that if the kitten grows up hiding there, it might become untrusting and distant from her. However, after researching online, she found that kittens generally feel safer if they have somewhere to hide. She feels conflicted because she wants to bond with the kitten but also wants her to feel secure, so she asked netizens for advice on how to solve this dilemma.
Suggestions from the Community
Many netizens agreed with blocking off the space under the bed but recommended providing alternative hiding spots such as cardboard boxes. One person advised, "You can block off the bed, but also place a few cardboard boxes where the kitten can still see you. This way, the kitten can secretly observe you and be reassured that you are not a danger."
Other advice included:
- "Under the bed, under the sofa, and under cabinets should be blocked off when you first get a cat. These places are hard to keep clean, difficult to access if the cat needs medical care, and could be dangerous."
- "Block off the bed, but at the same time provide a safe hiding place where the kitten doesn't have to be in direct contact with you but can still observe you."
Patience and Time Are Key
Some netizens emphasized the importance of giving the kitten time to adjust:
- "You've only been together for a week — give her more time to adapt."
- "It usually takes about one week to one month for kittens to feel comfortable enough to come out. Cats behave like this, but very sensitive cats might remain shy permanently."
- "Give the kitten time to observe the new environment. She will come out on her own eventually, so don't rush it."
- "It just takes time."
Why Does My New Kitten Hide Under the Bed as Soon as I Get Home?
I just adopted a kitten, but whenever I come home, it immediately hides under the bed. Why does it do that?
Bringing a new kitten into your home is an exciting experience, but it can also come with some puzzling behaviors. One common question new pet owners have is why their kitten hides under the bed or in other secluded spots right after they arrive.
Kittens are naturally cautious and can feel overwhelmed by new environments and unfamiliar people or sounds. Hiding is a defensive behavior that helps them feel safe while they adjust to their surroundings. It's their way of creating a safe space where they won't feel threatened.
Here are some reasons why your kitten might be hiding:
- Fear of unfamiliar environment: Everything is new and strange to your kitten, so it seeks shelter where it feels protected.
- Adjustment period: It takes time to get used to a new home, new smells, and new routines.
- Shyness or timidity: Some kittens are naturally more reserved and need extra time to build trust.
- Stress relief: Quiet and enclosed spaces help reduce stress and anxiety.
To help your kitten feel more comfortable, try giving it a quiet, cozy space with bedding, toys, and food nearby. Speak softly and move slowly when approaching. Gradually encourage your kitten to explore by offering treats and gentle play, but never force it to come out.
With patience and love, your kitten will soon feel safe and start to trust you, eventually coming out to explore and bond more openly.
How to Help a Newly Adopted Kitten Who Hides Under the Bed
You just welcomed a new kitten into your home, but as soon as you arrive, it hides under the bed. This is a common behavior for kittens adjusting to a new environment. Here's a detailed guide to help your kitten feel safe and comfortable.
Why Does the Kitten Hide?
- Fear and stress: New surroundings, unfamiliar people, and strange smells can be overwhelming.
- Instinctive behavior: Hiding is a natural defense mechanism to stay safe.
- Need for quiet and solitude: Kittens may want to rest away from noise and activity.
Detailed Solutions to Help Your Kitten Come Out
- Create a safe space: Set up a cozy area with a bed, blanket, toys, and a litter box close by so your kitten has a designated retreat.
- Give time and patience: Avoid forcing the kitten out. Let it explore at its own pace while ensuring a calm atmosphere.
- Use gentle encouragement: Sit quietly near the bed, talk softly, and offer tasty treats to build trust.
- Maintain a routine: Feed and play with your kitten at consistent times to create a sense of security.
- Limit loud noises and sudden movements: Keep the environment calm to reduce anxiety.
- Provide interactive play: Use toys like feather wands to engage your kitten and encourage it to come out of hiding.
- Use pheromone diffusers: These can help soothe and calm your kitten's nerves.
- Consult a veterinarian: If the hiding persists excessively, check for underlying health or behavioral issues.
With love, patience, and a little effort, your shy kitten will soon feel at home and happily explore your living space.
