Avoid chasing or picking up your cat, especially during this initial timeframe. Be patient. If your cat isn’t showing interest when you use these techniques, give it space and try again later.
Try sitting with it in intervals of about 20 minutes a few times a day.
Cats greet each other by touching noses, and you can simulate this by using your fingertip.
Reducing your new cat’s stress will help it become comfortable enough to come out of hiding.
Try keeping the carrier in its space at all times, and place its food inside the carrier so the cat will associate it with good things.
Continue to play with it for 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to get it in a carrier, try placing treats in the carrier, and avoid forcing it in the carrier unless absolutely necessary.
Don’t spray Feliway right in front of your cat. It could startle your cat, making it even less willing to come out of hiding. Once it’s relaxed, it’ll probably want to rub against you and be stroked. You should give it some loving attention after spraying Feliway instead of trying to rush it into the carrier.
The room should have a door that closes and should be free of foot traffic. Try to keep your cat away from other people or animals while it gets used to your home.
Try to keep your drawers closed, keep it away from appliances like washers or dryers, and keep your closet door closed if you want to keep it off limits.
If you can’t find your cat after you’ve let it explore the house, put out a fresh can of cat food or treats and give it some time to come out of hiding. If it has a favorite toy that makes noise, give the toy a shake to get your cat’s attention. Be sure to cat-proof before you let your cat explore the rest of your house. Close doors to limit the area that your cat can explore and potentially hide. Keep a secure screen (or, in a pinch, a piece of plywood) over any fireplaces, be sure your washer and dryer doors are closed, and check for loose HVAC ducts.
