My cat only comes out at night. Will she ever venture out while I’m around?

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Emilie_idf Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I adopted the lovely Odyssée nearly 3 weeks ago now :) She is nearly 2 years old and spent about a year living on the streets followed by a year in a rescue centre.

However, I still haven't actually seen her... apart from the day I brought her home.

She stays under the bed and waits until I’ve gone to bed before coming out to eat, have a wander around, play and use her litter tray.

I haven't had any issues with accidents, things being broken or scratching with her.

I see her watching me from the hallway in the evenings when I'm in bed, and I know she’s hopped onto the bed while I was "asleep".

I can stroke her without any trouble while she’s under the bed... she knows that when I offer my hand it’s time for a fuss, and she sometimes wiggles around because she loves it so much.

Tonight she was purring a lot compared to other days when she was mostly just stretching her paws and kneading the base she’s on.

My other concern is that when I'm at the office all day, she doesn't come out at all (she doesn't touch her food, or very little, and I have a pet cam to alert me if she moves). She might come out when I'm out, but more so if I go out in the evening.

I can approach her easily when she’s under the bed, and she even comes to the edge so she can have a fuss.

At the moment, it just feels like the only place she feels safe is under the bed. On the rare occasions she sees me (because I’ve got up earlier than expected or she spots me in the bathroom), or if I get up in the night without seeing her, she bolts back to her hiding spot at lightning speed...

I’m trying to be as patient as possible, but I’m worried she’ll stay under the bed forever... the thing is, I wanted to adopt a cat to rescue her and give her plenty of love, and hope for a little bit back in return.

I really need some help knowing if she’ll ever come out from under the bed...

The vet gave me a Feliway plug-in and some capsules (just the powder) to put in her food to help her relax.

Translated from French
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11 answers
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  • M
    Misspalomino03 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone. I’ve just got a young Maine Coon who is currently completely untouchable. She’s hiding away and lashes out at anything that gets near her. I’ve tried giving her treats, but as long as she can see me, she won’t touch them. At night she comes out to explore the house and play, but during the day she just hides. I don’t know if it’s normal, but you can see her third eyelid in the inner corners of her eyes. Is it just fear, stress, or could it be an illness? Thanks for your help. Isa
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    P
    Polineetmilka Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for the feedback! 😁
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    Yuna La Ficelle
    Yuna la ficelle Icon representing the flag French
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    You just have to be patient!

    Normally, if she was used for breeding, she should be used to being approached and having people coming and going, but she just doesn't know you yet, that's all!

    You could try lying on the floor and waiting for her to come over to you during the day, but either way, there’s nothing out of the ordinary at this stage.

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    P
    Polineetmilka Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, I adopted a little girl aged five and a half just over a week ago. She’s a retired breeding queen. She only ever comes out of her hiding spot at night; she waits until she’s sure we’re properly tucked up in bed before she'll emerge. She sleeps with us and asks for cuddles... but as soon as we stand up, she bolts back to her hiding place. Does anyone have any tips on how to reassure her?

    Many thanks

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    Daolia
    Daolia Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, I’ve just adopted a cat from the RSPCA and I’m having the same problem as you… I was wondering if yours has stopped hiding since then and if you’ve managed to find a solution?

    Hi Noemie,

    I was in the exact same boat as you. I’m happy to chat via PM or right here if you have any questions.

    Thanks @Grandchat for the tag 😁😁

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    G
    Grandchat Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, I’d suggest getting in touch with Daolia, another forum member. She’s been in the same boat as you and will be able to give you some advice. Have a look through the threads she’s started as well; the advice shared there might be really helpful for you.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, I've just adopted a cat from the RSPCA and I'm having the same issue as you... I was wondering if yours has stopped hiding since then and if you’ve found a solution? Hi, The advice given above is still very relevant. I had one who hid under the table on a chair for two weeks, but it was a bit easier as she was only six months old. Her weakness: she couldn't resist playing! I used to walk past with a piece of string and she'd follow me; just for a few metres at first, before running back to hide, but then she gradually stayed out for longer. I won her trust through play. Since every cat is different, it’s really about finding the right way to approach yours. A cork on the end of a long piece of string, a ball of tin foil...
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    N
    Noemiebaudouin Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, I’ve just adopted a cat from the RSPCA and I’m having the same problem as you… I’d like to know if yours has stopped hiding now and if you’ve managed to find a solution?
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    E
    Emilie_idf Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for your replies.

    When she was at the rescue, she used to shy away as soon as another cat tried to play with her. She’s very timid, so I think having another cat would just make her stay under the bed 24/7...

    I’m keeping up with her cuddle time, treats and play, but even with lots of patience, I’m worried she’s permanently set up home under my bed during the day...

    I’ll keep being patient in the hope of seeing her little face during the day. But if she stays under the bed, I’m more worried about the day she might have a health issue and I won't necessarily be able to tell...

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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, Patience is definitely going to be key with your cat. She still seems quite wary, but the fact she lets you stroke her is already a big plus. Keep being gentle, keep offering her some fuss, and play with her if she’s in the mood. Her trust in you will grow bit by bit. Talk to her softly, try hand-feeding her some treats if you can, and she’ll eventually feel confident enough to approach you properly. It’s just a matter of following her lead and letting her come to you when she’s ready. Floriane
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