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Adopted kitten hiding under the bed. Should I leave her alone?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 months and 20 days old | 2.4 lbs

Hi, we have a newly adopted 11 wk old kitten since yesterday. She is isolated in our bedroom for now but she has been staying under the bed almost all the time. Should we leave her alone or pull her out for meals and a little petting? We got contradictory advice at the shelter... Thank you!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 21st, 2018

Best let her settle in. Imagine going to a new place that smells different, has different sounds, without mommy aand the siblings. This is terribly scary. So best let her hide, put food and water in the bedroom where she is. She will likely come out at night to eat and drink and go to the litter box. She will get more courageous every day. If you manage to catch her outside of the hiding place after a few days, you can try to pick her up and hold her quietly and pet her provided she does not panic. But time will help...over time she will feel secure and come to you. Talk to her when you enter the room, Say her name and don't make scary noises. She will get used to you not being someone who wants to eat her.. Time and patience.
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