Can't find my kitten anywhere in my flat

A
Amandinef Icon representing the flag French
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Hello everyone,

I'm coming to you because I'm absolutely beside myself with worry.

Yesterday morning I adopted a very timid four-month-old female kitten.

I live in a one-room studio flat of about 400 sq ft, so she had the run of the main room (living room/bedroom) from the moment she arrived. She spent the entire day huddled in her carrier, watching my every move.

At 11pm I decided to go to bed — she still hadn't budged. About an hour later I woke up with that horrible sensation of having touched something with my foot. Sure enough, when I turned the light on, I saw she'd left her carrier and done a poo on my bed. I cleaned it up and tried to find her... but she was nowhere to be seen. This morning I think I heard her miaow around 6am, and since then, nothing. Several times throughout the day I've turned the whole flat upside down — checked behind, underneath, and on top of every piece of furniture, including the 4-inch gaps behind the wardrobes and kitchen units. I can't find her anywhere.

It looks like she barely touched her dry food overnight, and I'm really worried because I just can't figure out where she could have gone. I didn't go out at all, and the few seconds when I opened the shutters I'm certain she didn't slip out. Rationally, she has to be in the flat — but I simply cannot find her. I'm at a complete loss. This is my first cat and I feel utterly helpless. I'm scared she might starve herself. Will she eventually come out of her hiding spot on her own?

Translated from French
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34 answers
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    • A
    Ax2le Icon representing the flag French
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    I went through exactly the same scare when I was living with my parents: I thought I’d lost my cat, but he was hiding… in a drawer with his cuddly toy 😂
    It’s amazing how cats manage to find the best hiding spots, even in tiny spaces: like here

    Translated from French
    C
    Chanell Icon representing the flag French
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    I also lost my cat on the 12th. He was right next to me, but he’s a skittish cat. I woke up this evening and I can't find him anywhere. I have no idea where he could be. He isn't responding when I call him, even though he usually comes to me. I just don't understand it.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    You can tell she’s shy, she’s hiding behind the pom-pom on the cat tree! 😁

    Everything’s fine, it just takes time with cats but once they’ve gained your trust, you’re sorted.

    @Blue I missed your message – with my big Persians, you could definitely say they’re like shadows, they’re always under my feet! 😁

    Translated from French
    A
    Amandinef Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone,

    Just checking in with an update: the little one is slowly starting to relax, even though she still stays hidden for most of the day. She comes out every evening to play and have a bit of a mad half hour (yesterday she was training for the Olympics in my hallway, zooming from one end to the other 😂). I’ve also managed to play with her a bit using a wand toy, but she still won’t let me get near her.

    I spoke to the vet on the phone this morning, and we’re putting her vaccinations on hold for now to give her time to socialise. Once she’s happy to let me touch her, we’ll resume her check-ups, as the risk of forcing her out was that it might set her back even more...

    We’re taking it one step at a time, but I’m doing everything I can to win her trust!

    And as a bonus, here’s a little photo I took yesterday on her cat tree 😊

    Translated from French
    A
    Amandinef Icon representing the flag French
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    Haha, thanks so much everyone for your advice, your humour, your kindness and for giving me such hope 😊
    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
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    @Amandinef

    Too true – when you’ve got one or more cats, you really have to adopt the 'slipper-shuffle', meaning you slide your feet along rather than lifting them to walk. It’s all to avoid crushing a little paw and the massive guilt that comes with it... Ulalie describes it as a graceful skater’s glide, but I’d say it’s more like convicts with heavy ball and chains on their feet. Don’t panic though, you get used to it very quickly...

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Of course she does! I’m certain she loves you already, but cats can be a bit tricky and such little drama queens. You’ll see, she’ll have you driven round the bend soon enough too – there’s no escaping it! 👌 When you’re looking at her, try blinking slowly a few times in a row. You’ll find that she responds; it’s a way cats show their love and it’s a sign of trust for them. They absolutely love it. I do it with mine all the time, it’s just so cute. Don’t hesitate to ask us anything if this is your first cat. It’s not always easy and we all make our fair share of mistakes. You can learn so much from people who have plenty of experience with cats. But I’m sure you’re going to be a wonderful 'mum' to your little sweetheart.
    Translated from French
    A
    Amandinef Icon representing the flag French
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    Your replies are making me laugh as well! To be honest, this is the first time I’ve ever had a cat, so I’ve never been in this sort of situation before... I feel a bit "frustrated" and mostly just really upset knowing that I’m scaring her. I only ever catch a glimpse of her when she thinks I’m not looking, even though I’m already bursting with affection for her. On top of that, I’m the type of person who tends to overthink things, so I end up imagining stuff like "she’s never going to love me" 🙃 But your messages are really giving me hope!
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    You’re spot on, Yuna! When you’ve got a kitten you don’t walk, you glide along like the skaters who won gold in Beijing! Very elegant as well... 😁
    Translated from French
    Yuna La Ficelle
    Yuna la ficelle Icon representing the flag French
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    😂

    You’re clearly being very cautious...

    Personally, I’d say just go about your business and ignore her, but always watch where you’re stepping because once she comes out of her shell, she’ll probably be pouncing on your feet!

    Translated from French

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