oh great

[cellio]

Orlando has gone into hiding...somewhere in the subset of the house that is available to him. I last saw him Monday morning, when he was happy to eat canned food from (a dish in) my hand. He's around -- the food and water are being consumed and the litter boxes are being used -- but he's found a good spot and doesn't want to come out yet. Sigh.

There've been no feline hostilities that I'm aware of. These seems to be "new environment, scary!" anxiety.

I wonder if I need to postpone tomorrow night's vet appointment. How long does this phase usually last? (Giovanni seems to have skipped it, at least so far.)

Edit 11PM: Got him! The way to Orlando's heart is through his stomach; I used bowls of food behind closed doors to gradually narrow the search until I had it down to one room. Actually catching him in that room was a bit of a challenge, but he and Giovanni are now in my office together, where I plan to keep both of them until the vet appointment tomorrow night. After that they can have their freedom back.

Comments

[dragonazure.livejournal.com]

Orlando will be hiding either low (under or behind something) or high (check cabinets or tall pieces of furniture that are within easy leaping/climbing range). Our cats often opt for behind the couch, under the bed, or on top of the kitchen cabinets.

[goldsquare.livejournal.com]

Dressers with open bottoms can be attractive to smaller cats, who climb up inside and hide in drawers. Older or higher end dressers that have internal barriers don't offer that opportunity.

[loosecanon.livejournal.com]

My vet was quite understanding when I had this issue, she told me to keep the appointment and call if I did not have the cat in the carrier a half hour beforehand.
If you call today and let them know what the issue is, they may have good suggestions.

[scaharp.livejournal.com]

I've had a lot a experience in finding a cat who has a splendid hiding spot (Dorian is the Queen of this). Best tool to help: bright LED Flashlight. The cat's eyes will reflect back and it will be easier to notice them. Investigate all of the nooks and crannies, even places you don't think are large enough for a mouse, let alone a cat. If you can fit your fist in the opening, the cat can fit.

Cats can go for days without food or water, and if the cat is in "survival mode" due to stress, they won't come to your voice or be enticed by treats or food when someone is there. On the other hand, he's likely coming out when all is quiet. If the situation goes on too long, you can always get a motion-activated camera used by hunters (a couple hundred dollars) and set it up to see where he emerges from in the middle of the night. Some cats are shy by nature and may take months to live life out in the open.

But really, most cats should come out within a few days. The fact that he was out and friendly-ish with you before seems to say to me that he's just found the Bestest Spot Evar and doesn't feel the need to come out. If you're sure he's emerging to eat food etc. then you could just wait until he feels more comfortable to come out on his own.

Oops, sorry, didn't realize I was nattering on so much....anyway, good luck! I definitely understand the anxiety and frustration...

[dragonazure.livejournal.com]

If all else fails, a laser pointer usually gets even our most reluctant kitty to come out of hiding to pounce on the red dot....

[indigodove.livejournal.com]

Ella used to find the darndest small spots on/in shelves. Anything with a "hidey-hole" would appeal to her. I'm not at all sure this helps, as she would sometimes at least meow when I couldn't find her.

These days, especially with me at home, she tends to be more out in the open.

Good luck -- and I love the names! :-)

[cellio]

He loves getting behind things on shelves, but I made all the accessible shelves inhospitable. I still don't know exactly where he was spending his time; I found him behind the stereo in the living room, but I'd looked there several times earlier. He is now hiding somewhere in my office (along with Giovanni), where they've got food, water, and a litter pan.

[cellio]

Thanks. I still don't know where he was spending most of his time, but I've got him now. (See edit.)

[cellio]

They were understanding and said we could wait until a few hours beforehand to decide. (Though, functionally, that meant tomorrow morning, as the appointment is right after work.) I've now found him; see edit.

[cellio]

Thanks for the tip. Our dressers don't seem to have that problem; two sit directly on the floor, and the third is higher-end.

I've got him now; see update.

[cellio]

I still don't know where he spent the last day and a half, but I have him now. With luck there'll be no escapes before the vet appointment tomorrow night.