Babysitting a cat. I have questions

Ricochet J · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:10

Hi

I'm looking after the gf's cat for two weeks. Its the first time he's been to my flat. He knows me and does play with me when I'm at the gf's house.

Since coming to my house on Friday he's hid under the bed. He only comes out for food. I'm letting him be.

Will he come out in his own time? Shall I encourage him to come out? Is this normal for a cat in a new place?

Thank you

stulid · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:11

A cat should be exploring a new place, its what they do.

arc@css · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:12

He's getting used to the new surroundings. Perfectly normal, I've seen cats do this before. He'll come out when he's good and ready. The main thing is that he's eating.

Give it a couple more days, I reckon he'll be on the prowl by then.

JBuk · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:12

you need to show it who's boss by inserting your finger up its bum

Whitestar · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:12

Yep, that is perfectly normal behaviour.
When he is comfortable in his surroundings you will see more of him.

icedbullet · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:13

Yes this is normal behaviour. He will take time to adjust to your house, new scents etc. You could try to lure him out by handfeeding him treats once he comes out of hiding enough he will see that there is no danger in his new surroundings. This may take a few days.

Ricochet J · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:13

He's literally hid under the bed since Friday! :eek:

Delvis · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:14

Whitestar said:
Yep, that is perfectly normal behaviour.

I'm sorry, but inserting your fingers up a cats bum is NOT normal behaviour

franneh12 · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:14

have you taken bedding and toys from his home to familiarise with ? it might help comfort the cat

mlbtheshow · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:14

Whack it.

Cats dont understand the English, so a good hard belt works wonders.

Otherwise, im sure he will come out in his own time... our kitten hid for ages under the sofa, looking all squashed. In the end he came out so I whacked him, I mean he hasnt been there since.

Morlock · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:15

Perhaps your bed smells of your girlfriend, so that is why he has chosen that spot.

Beans on toast Dave · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:15

wheel the bin into the house pop him in there, in a few days he will be happy to see you!

Ricochet J · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:15

franneh12 said:
have you taken bedding and toys from his home to familiarise with ? it might help comfort the cat

I've given him his favourite toy and stuff. He's not having any of it!

I've hand fed him treats which I'm assuming he likes from the sounds of his purr.

franneh12 · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:17

Ricochet J said:
I've given him his favourite toy and stuff. He's not having any of it!

I've hand fed him treats which I'm assuming he likes from the sounds of his purr.

another thing , is a piece of his owners clothing for him to snuggle into to be reassured a familiar smell

mlbtheshow · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:20

Morlock said:
Perhaps your bed smells of your girlfriend, so that is why he has chosen that spot.

True, OP change your sheets

*Moangroan* · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:23

So if you been feeding it and its spent since friday under yer bed........I wonder where its been taking a dump??? oh hang on I know....lol

Ricochet J · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:25

*Moangroan* said:
So if you been feeding it and its spent since friday under yer bed........I wonder where its been taking a dump??? oh hang on I know....lol

It's come out for a few poo's.

doofer · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:31

Would it not have been a lot easier for her to leave the cat where it lives and you go around twice a day or whatever the cat needs to feed it, let it out, clean it's litter tray etc. If you live miles away from your girlfriend and the cat gets out, you are looking for a new girlfriend unless you find an identical cat before she gets back, makes no sense babysitting a cat the way you are doing it.

nuttyprot · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:36

I have 3 cats love them to bits. When a cat is introduced don't disturb them. When you are out it will explore.

If you have anything of your gf with her scent on it (dirty washing ect) if so put it with the cat help relax it, as It will be stressed. Don't force the cat to come out or you will just stress it more. But do spend time with it let it know everything is ok.

Is the cat eating and drinking at all? If not get some cat treats for it whiskers crunches are really good and some cat milk just to make sure it gets something.

Don't try and pick the cat up and try not to stand above it kneeling down will make it feel less threatened. Basically as long as the cat is eating and drinking it will be fine just give it time.

kiteloopy · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:56

JBuk said:
you need to show it who's boss by inserting your finger up its bum

made me proper LOL.