Some kitties take time. Don't push the issue - it can create more fear. Your kitty will have to explore gradually. If all else fails, try the tuna route to coax kitty out, then seclude him to a quiet area where he can acclimate on his own. Be around a lot so he becomes familiar with you.

When my kitties had to move one of them hid for two weeks. First she was under the bed, then she moved to under the sofa. The other kitty was just fine from day one. Now, they both are perfectly at ease.

I commented over on the ask. My cats are awesome and it took one of them three days and the other one over two weeks to decide I was safe.

I also discovered that Doodlebug loves loves LOVES those furry toy mice with the leather tail. Had I known that, I probably could have gotten her out of hiding much sooner.

Even though they were scaredy cats when I got them, they have become great companions. They still distrust other humans (and I can't blame them for that).

Yeah, trying to force the issue will just make it worse. Cats are not good with change, especially changes in environment. My own cat, who spends pretty much every possible second purring in my lap, will hide for days any time I move. Don't do anything to convince your cat that not only has the environment changed, but that it's actively hostile -- which means just leaving the kitty alone for a bit.

Obviously you're going to have to do something to get him to the vet, but I wouldn't push the issue until that day.

Yes, he needs time. When he starts to venture out a little more, make sure there's a big cardboard box with a cat-sized hole for him to hide in, or one of those padded cat igloo things that's just 'his' space and where he can feel safe.

thanks all! He is lovely (mostly black, fluffy, shiny, bright green eyes), and we had a brief interlude on Monday evening before he discovered the human-proof hiding place, when he fell asleep on my lap and then mr alto's. He even did some purring when I tickled the side of his face. Apart from that he hasn't wanted any contact with us at all.

alto, the only time my little Lucy has ever fallen asleep on my lap is the day I brought her and her mother, Bailey, home from the RSPCA. I think she was just so stressed out and exhausted that she let sleep overcome her. Then both cats did the hidey-hole thing for a few days until they realised that they were safe.

Four and a half years on, Lucy still won't sit on my lap, and if I stroke her she bends her back down and away from my touch. Sometimes she even flinches. But she lets me know when she wants attention, by flopping onto her back. Then I rub her tummy and sing "She's a tummy girl" to the tune of "Barbie Girl". Oh God, I have become the nutty catwoman ...

I aspire to nutty cat woman status, ej - what other behaviour should I be adopting? I did grow up in a house with a cat, though we got him as a kitten so the adjustment process was different.

Alto, our feral cat wasn't seen for the first year. It was 18 months to pet him. Now he is a big suck who wants to be cuddled all the time.

Our black cat followed me home. He likes to be close to me and he loves tummy rubs but he hates any kind of holding/cuddling/hugging type stuff.

Just give him time and like water he will find his level.

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