Hi all, I adopted a 16-week-old kitten two days ago, and she’s super scared in her new home. She’s pretty nervous around me but gets cozy when I pick her up. Usually, she’ll stay with me until I move her.
The first day, she didn’t eat or drink unless I had her on my lap with food nearby. She also hasn’t used the litter box on her own; I have to place her near it several times a day. This is the same type she used at the shelter, so she knows what it is. Once in, she does use it.
Last night, I woke up to her playing and eating (maybe she feels safer at night while I’m asleep). But this morning, I found she’d pooped under the bed, so I cleaned it up right away.
What can I do? I know she’s just a kitten, but I don’t want this to become a habit. How can I get her to feel comfortable enough to use the litter box herself and maybe not be so scared around me? I’d really appreciate any advice!
Try setting up a second litter box closer to where she hangs out, maybe near the bed. Since she’s scared, don’t push her too much. Spend some time on the floor at her level, so she gets used to you without feeling trapped. You could also try using toys or treats to help her feel more comfortable. Just give it some time, and she’ll get used to her new surroundings.
@Logan
Thanks for the tips! I do have a second litter box, and I’m thinking of keeping her in the bathroom while I’m at work today since I can come home during lunch to check on her. It’s a big enough space, and maybe it’ll help her figure out where the box is. When I’m on the floor, she’ll sometimes come out from under the bed, but if I’m sitting up, she won’t approach me. She only plays with her toys if she thinks I’m not around, haha.
Maybe try keeping her in a smaller room with the litter box for now, like the bathroom. It’ll make it easier for her to find and use the box, and it’ll be easier to clean up if there’s an accident. I had to do this with my own kitten when she got confused about where to go in a new place. Enzyme spray can be a lifesaver for any spots she decides are ‘ok’ to go in!
@Whit
Thanks! Any specific enzyme spray you’d recommend? Only my bedroom has carpet, so that’s good, but of course, that’s where she went! Figures, right?
Wynn said: @Whit
Thanks! Any specific enzyme spray you’d recommend? Only my bedroom has carpet, so that’s good, but of course, that’s where she went! Figures, right?
Nature’s Miracle is great! I picked it up at my local store, and some sprays even come with a blacklight, which helps you spot any spots you might miss. Cats can be pretty stubborn about going back to where they’ve gone before if they can still smell it, so enzyme sprays really help.
Wynn said: @Whit
Oh wow, I didn’t know about the blacklight! Thanks so much for the suggestion.
No problem! Just keep an eye on her habits; sometimes they do it because they’re scared or marking. Mine has a few favorite ‘corners’ she claimed back then, haha.
Is she staying in one room most of the time? It might help to give her treats or even a bit of meat while you walk around with her. If you have an old blanket or clothing with your scent, leave that out for her. Make sure her food and water aren’t right next to the litter box, and consider blocking off under the bed if she keeps hiding or going there. Also, are you using the same food and litter as at the shelter? Sometimes, a change can make them uneasy.
@Hartley
Thanks for your advice! We’re in a one-bedroom apartment with a larger bathroom and a living room. I started her off in the bathroom, and once she seemed okay, I let her explore the other areas. The blanket trick seems to help if she’s comfortable enough to come to me. I didn’t realize food and water should be separate, but I do have two water spots set up—one in the living room and another near her food. Is that okay? Her food and litter are the same as at the shelter.
@Wynn
It sounds like she just needs time to adjust. Technically, food and water can be together, but some cats prefer them separated since in the wild, they hunt away from their water. Maybe offer her a little wet food to encourage her to eat.
@Hartley
That makes sense! I moved them slightly apart, and she does seem to prefer the second water spot more. I’ll keep an eye on it. Hopefully, she’ll get more comfortable soon.
Wynn said: @Hartley
That makes sense! I moved them slightly apart, and she does seem to prefer the second water spot more. I’ll keep an eye on it. Hopefully, she’ll get more comfortable soon.
And maybe try using a glass water bowl—some cats like being able to see through it!