I recently adopted two kittens (new cat parent), but one keeps hiding under the bed despite my best efforts to block it off completely. The issue is she has eye problems and I’ve been trying to give her medicine for it. My partner and I attempted to yesterday and as calmly as we could but obviously we failed. Is there any way I can show her that I’m trying to help and better alternatives to blocking the bed other than storage and junk?
Greetings, all!
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I've read that this is kitty's attempt to minimize overstimulation. Getting medicated is rarely a positive experience for either of you, and coupled with being very young, and in a brand new space, is likely very overwhelming.
It might sound cruel, but limiting their available space for a while (like keeping them in a bathroom, or secluding them in a large box) along with ample comfort measures (warmth, quiet, comfort, open access to food and water), will help to calm their fight or flight response. Try to always follow medication administration with some sort of additional comfort (a treat, a warm snuggle, etc.) so that they come to associate you with safety and care. Gradually, you can introduce them to bigger spaces and greater freedom. They just need time to adjust.
If you've got the resources to acquire them, a lot of vet offices I've been to in the last while run Feliway diffusers or something similar. They release synthetic pheromones into the air that calm stress related behaviors. You can get them on Amazon or most vet supply.
Good luck!
I live in a small space and the bed room is the only place to keep them in for now, but I could have them in a box. I might try the Feliway before I use the box though and possibly look into bed blockers.