Terrified cat won't come out of hiding

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone!

I’m feeling really bad right now because the cat we've just adopted has been hiding under the bath for over a week! He’s a year old and was already very shy before we got him; he lived with about ten other cats and was a bit of an 'outsider' in the group, which is why we were asked to take him in. Unfortunately, not long after he arrived, we accidentally left the bathroom door open as we were passing. After searching everywhere, we realised he’d squeezed through a gap in the tiling that leads to the pipes and space under the bath...

Obviously, it’s impossible to get him out. He comes out at night to eat his dry food and use his litter tray, but he bolts as soon as he hears us coming or even talking. It’s been over a week now. I’m giving him a bit of wet food every day to try and build his trust, but I think he’s absolutely terrified by the racket the water makes in the bath every day. Plus, we sometimes talk quite loudly in the morning to wake ourselves up, so I’m really worried he’s getting more and more frightened every day because of it...! I feel so bad for forgetting to shut that door; we were told to keep him in just one room so he could get used to his new surroundings... :(

I’m thinking about buying a pheromone spray to try and coax him out of his hiding spot. What do you think? I’d love some advice..

Thanks

Translated from French
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2 answers
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone, I’m having the same problem as (Roba). We recently adopted a cat from the RSPCA. Because she was around so many other cats at the shelter, she’s been completely terrified and has gone and hidden under our shower. We’re really struggling to get her to come out; even with food and toys, nothing is working the way we’d hoped. Does anyone have any tips to help us out? Thanks everyone.
    Translated from French
    G
    Greylox Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi,

    You’ll need to be patient, use a bit of cunning... and never lose hope :)

    He’ll eventually start coming out during the day, and in the meantime, he’s eating and using his litter tray, which is the main thing.

    Here are a few ideas to help win him over:

    - Go and sit with him regularly in the bathroom with a book, talk to him very quietly + offer him some food so he starts to associate you with good things.

    - Very, very gradually: move his food bowl further away from his hiding spot to encourage him to explore the rest of the house.

    - Create other hiding spots around the house and make them appealing by adding a jumper or a cushion... basically anything soft and comfy ;) (I’m sharing my "magic cardboard box" tip again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyRSqJZFuEg)

    - Try to keep noise levels down when you’re at home and be mindful of the TV volume.

    - Try to get him playing with a bit of string (never leave him alone with it, and always make sure he doesn't try to eat it while playing).

    This isn't an exhaustive list, and I'm sure others will have their own tips to share.

    Don't lose heart, anyway :)

    edit: regarding the hormone spray, it might help, but it won't be a magic fix.

    Have a chat with your vet to see if Zylkene might be suitable for your situation (I’ve heard of it, but I’m not sure at all if it would have a positive effect in your specific case).

    Translated from French

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