Hello, A week ago, I adopted a cat called ‘Taffy’, and I am really concerned about her behavior. Most of the time she is under the bed, but at night she could come and sit with us for a couple of minutes and then go back. She just comes out from under the bed when I come to give her food. I have been advised to prevent her from going under the bed and keep her in a reachable place. Unfortunately, I have been trying to block her way but, everytime, she manages to find her way under it. Thanks!

Updated On February 28th, 2021

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 3 months old | 9.92 lbs

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

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Offer her a carboard box or a cat condo with a hiding place in it. It may entice her from under the bed. That she is coming out to sit with you is a good sign and I think, as she settles in to her new home, she will come out more and more. If you can entice her from under the bed and then limit her access to that room it may force her to seek a new hiding place of your choosing, but don't make a big deal out of it or it may make her want to hide more. Take your time and be patient, it may take some time for her to acclimate and get braver. She may be timid by nature. Move her food out of that room if it is practical to do so so that she needs to come out to eat. Even if no one is awake when she comes out to eat, it will still give her a chance to explore while everything is calm. Provide her with plenty of toys and see if she likes treats, you can use these to entice her out and reward her for getting braver. Make sure she has plenty of places to hide around the house, places to scratch and perch to look out the window. I had a very timid cat that hide for weeks when we moved but she eventually came out of her shell and ended up being even more playful and social that she had ever been before so it can be done. Good luck with your new friend!

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