Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Build Trust
• Method 2 of 3: Get the cat out of the hiding place if you are short on time
• Method 3 of 3: Secure your cat shelter

It takes time for cats to get used to their new environment, so at first the animal will constantly hide until it acclimates. Let the cat settle into the new home at its own pace, which can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. To get her used to your presence, sit next to her hiding place and talk to her. If you need her to come out of her hiding place at a specific time, for example to take her to the vet's appointment, try luring her out with treats and toys, or spray with Feliway (cat stress reliever spray). When you bring your cat into the house, put it in the same room so that it acclimatizes faster. Secure the space for your cat to avoid getting stuck in dangerous nooks.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Build Trust

1. 1 Give your cat time to get used to the new home. The best way to create a comfortable environment and lure her out of hiding is to let her get used to her new environment. Most cats take a couple of weeks to acclimate, but it can also take one or two months. During this period, try not to force the cat to leave its shelter.
   • Don't chase or grab your cat, especially at first.
   • Be patient. If your cat doesn't respond to your tricks, leave him alone and try again later.
2. 2 Sit next to her hideout and talk to her. While the cat is settling into a new home for her, it is important to make her get used to your presence. If she is hiding, sit next to her hiding place and talk to her gently. This will help her get used to your scent and voice.
   • Try to sit next to her for about 20 minutes several times a day.
3. 3 Touch her nose with your fingertip. If she comes out of cover, reach out with your fingertip outstretched. Let the cat come close to you and sniff you on its own. When this happens, gently place your fingertip on her nose to say hello.
   • Cats greet each other by touching their noses, and to mimic this gesture, use the tip of your finger.
4. 4 Offer your cat a treat. Sit quietly next to her hiding place and offer her a treat, such as a lean piece of chicken or a cat treat from a pet store. If she comes out to grab a treat, reward her with another bite.
5. 5 Avoid eye contact or make loud noise. The cat will be a little tense during the acclimatization period. Talk to her in a soft and calm tone, and try not to make too much noise. Do not make direct eye contact with the animal, as the cat will interpret this as a hostile signal.
   • By reducing the number of sources of stress, you will help your cat get comfortable enough to get out of hiding.

Method 2 of 3: Get the cat out of the hiding place if you are short on time

1. 1 Allow enough time to place the cat in the carrier. You will most likely need at least 20-30 minutes to lure the cat out of the hiding place and calm it down long enough for it to climb into the carrier. If possible, set aside time in your schedule in advance so that you don't have to fight the animal and force it into the carrier.
   • Leave the carrier in the same room and place food inside so that the cat will feel positive about it.
2. 2 Offer treats and toys. If you need to take the cat to the veterinarian's appointment or for another reason urgently get it out of the shelter, try to lure it out with the help of special treats or a piece of canned tuna. You can also use a toy, such as a feather on a string, to help the cat forget about her fear or shyness.
   • Play with her for 10-15 minutes. If you need to place your cat in a carrier, try putting a treat there, and also do not force it inside unless absolutely necessary.
3. 3 Try spraying Feliway. Feliway spray contains synthetic pheromones that help calm your cat. Spray it around the cat's hiding place to encourage it to climb outside. The action of the agent will relax the animal and make him want to study the smell.
   • Do not spray Feliway directly in front of the cat. This can scare her, completely discouraging the desire to leave the shelter.
   • Once the cat is relaxed, chances are she wants to rub against you and will demand petting. Show gentle attention to her after spraying the Feliway instead of rushing to shove her carrier.

Method 3 of 3: Secure your cat shelter

1. 1 Keep your cat in the same room when you bring it home. It will be more difficult for a cat to acclimate if it has the opportunity to freely explore the whole house. Better to keep it in a bedroom or small, quiet room for at least the first two weeks.
   • The room should be impassable and with a closing door. Try to keep your cat away from other people or animals while it is getting used to it.
2. 2 Close access to dangerous shelters. Staying in the same room will reduce the likelihood of it getting stuck in dangerous hiding places, but still take the time to keep the animal's room safe. Make sure that the ventilation shafts are securely covered with grates and that there is no fireplace in the room, and that the cat cannot overturn furniture or other objects.
   • Try to close all drawers, keep your cat out of household appliances such as the washer or dryer, and lock the cabinet door if you don't want your cat to get in.
3. 3 Let your cat out of the room at night as soon as it has acclimatized. Once the cat is comfortable and familiar with its room, you can start introducing it to the rest of the house. Since cats are nocturnal, open the door to the room at night at first. If the cat returns to the room in the morning, close the door to avoid overworking the animal.
   • If you can't find your cat after letting her explore the house, get a new can of food or treats and give her some time to get out of the hiding place. If she has a favorite toy that makes a noise, shake the toy to get the cat's attention.
   • Be sure to secure all indoor areas before releasing your cat into the rest of the house. Close doors to restrict areas where the cat can walk and potentially hide. Install a screen (or at least a piece of plywood) on all fireplaces, make sure the washer and dryer doors are closed, and check that all grilles on the vents are tight.