Just got a New Kitten yesterday. He is always running away from me, and hiding.

United States
October 18, 2007 10:56pm CST
My kitten keeps running and hiding from me, is this normal, im guessing he needs to warm up to us and his new surroundings, but is there anything i can do to make him feel more at home.
2 people like this
3 responses
• United States
19 Oct 07
everybody needs time to get used to a new environment, that includes kittens. try not to "chase" him, let him come to you. it make take a few days though. try lying on the floor in the room he is in and quietly talking to him, stretch you hand out on the floor towards him and just lay there wriggling your fingers and sounding calm and soothing. or you could sit there and play gently with one of those feather toys that they love to chase, he might decide that attacking the toy is more exciting than being scared of you is. try not to be overly loud or fast with your movements, if he is scared, you being loud and fast makes you terrifying. have patience..play with a toy, lay and talk to him, maybe toy with a strong smelling treat...eventually he will come and investigate. when he does dont grab him, wait till he touches you and then SLOWLY try petting him...he probably doesnt realize that being petted feels good yet, thats something you have to show him too. goodluck im sure you two will be the best of friends soon!
• United States
19 Oct 07
Thanks that laying down advice you gave me works really well, hes starting to warn up and eveing purring when he gets next to me, thanks cindermysoul i greatly appricate it.
• United States
19 Oct 07
oh thats fantastic!! im glad its working for you!
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
19 Oct 07
He is absolutely frightened, which is totally understandable...I suppose he will come out in his own time when he feels safe...Its a totally different world for him...He will be ok in his own time..
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
19 Oct 07
It sounds as if he's not used to being around people or being handled. A shame really. Let him find his own comfort without crowding him. Hang around when you feed him and give him some small gentle strokes and speak softly to him. Cats can be very reponsive vocally. Don't handle him too much but let it be a gradual thing. He may just turn out to be the sort of cat who is not affectionate but he will still be fun. Try playing with him with some string or similar. He will play happily with you. They can't help but play and it's something you can do with him. Good luck.