New Cat in the house

[corylus]

Just adopted a new cat 10 months after our last cat was put to sleep. (NB we've had about 20 cats over the last 40 years and know about them) This one was needed because we are infested with mice coming in from fields.

The cat is 6 year old, female, from a good home and has been well kept, house move necessitated re-homing puss.

She's been holed up in the understairs cupboard since last night, (IN THE FURTHEST CORNER!) I've put food and water in there but just wondering how long she'll stay in there? Should I leave her alone or try to get her out?

She was a bit taken aback by our dogs but they are quite used to cats and won't harm her.

Any ideas will be appreciated!

[bensmum]

Give her time and let her come out when she wants. If she's not used to dogs she won't know that they won't harm her. Is there any way you can keep them away while she gets used to you and just introduce them gradually. Cats will normally settle down quickly once they are confident in their surroundings as you will know as you've had several so I'm sure she'll be fine soon. She'll be the boss very soon! :D

[4candles]

Patience is all you need. One of our new introductions spent two days under a cupboard, but she soon became 'Top Cat'!

[corylus]

All our cats have always been 'top dogs' in the house, a raised paw with extended claws can stop a full grown Labrador dead!

Puss has managed to eat a whole bowl full of Whiskas recently in her solitary confinement so she's obviously not suffering too much! Thanks for your comments time will tell won't it?

[beckersjay]

One of our current cats lived at the back of our kitchen cupboard for at least two weeks. She then ventured nearer the front and watched us closely for a couple of days before finally venturing out. She is now a full member of the family and as affectionate and sociable a cat as you could wish for.

[beckersjay]

I should add that she too had come from a loving home so no history of bad treatment by humans - just a bit confused and frightened I guess.

[boxtops]

corylus - make sure she has a litter tray nearby, so she doesn't feel she has to go far to have a wee or poo (particularly as she's now eating). She'll be fine - just give her some time.

[corylus]

Thanks all of you, I've got food, water and a litter tray in the understairs cupboard for puss. NB The reason we got her is because this cupboard (cleared and emptied a few weeks ago) is where the mice congregate after they've come in from the fields. It'll be a big shock to them to find a big cat installed in there!

[boxtops]

Hi corylus - can I just add - not a good idea to have the litter tray in the cupboard near to the food and water. can you put the tray outside a little way off? Cats don't like to eat near where they poo.....

[boxtops]

^ (but I'm sure you know that)

[corylus]

It's quite a big cupboard!

[boxtops]

Ah, OK then :-)

[corylus]

Thanks everybody for your reasssurance, I'm sure puss will regain her assertiveness soon and take over the dogs and us.