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Yesterday I obtained a new cat. She is ten months old and very precious.
In my house, she has opted to hide either in my closet, under my bed, or under my couch the entire time. I cannot be sure she has eaten or drunk anything, though she did use the litterbox well. I am always keeping food and water available to her.
Can you advise me on how to handle this situation? Or even offer reassurance? I feel very concerned for her.
If she's unfamiliar with you food is the main way to win trust and affection. Maybe make kibble available at all times and offer tastier food when you are present. Physical height can be a big factor in cat relationships, I have a very skittish cat and he gets scared of me when I'm standing up or walking briskly but will happily sit on my lap or let me pet him if I kneel.
I'd try feeding her some sort of gourmet canned food in a small room while you just lie on the floor and mess around on your phone or something. Look at her but don't stare and don't react if she comes close. Let her check you out and sniff you when you're on her level and not moving very much. When she gets comfortable hold your hand out and let her sniff it before petting her.
Ten months old is kind of a tricky age. Really little kittens you can just grab and pet and if you're persistent they'll ID you as their mom. That's probably not a good idea with her, it'll take a lot of patience.
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