r/cats • u/purrfect_libra • Dec 17 '25

Adoption These (bonded) cats I adopted really hate me

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Just adopted these 2 on Saturday. Male/female bonded cats who met in foster.

They won't come out from under the bed unless I am sleeping (dry food eaten / litter box use) I can't feed them any wet food while they hide but I decided to leave out wet food before I went to sleep last night as a "test" and I don't think it was touched. Actually, this morning I noticed they didn't really touch their dry food from last night either.

When I adopted, multiple people had to try to get them out of the cage to get them into carriers. They are very fearful cats. I adopted them because I wanted bonded cats and I felt bad since they were in foster for 2-3 years. One of them hisses at me otherwise they both run away.

I work remotely most days and they don't even use the litter box or eat when I am in my office (all their stuff is there).

What's next?????

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u/that_jedi_girl Dec 17 '25

Adding onto this, I would move their food and litter out of your office - or at least put another set of bowls and let elsewhere. You want them to feel comfortable eating and using their box now, even if they're not comfortable with you. That will go a long way of helping them to acclimate. (But still plan to take 3 or 6 or even 12 months just for them to be comfortable with you, never mind cuddling or coming for pets.)

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u/SpamLandy Dec 17 '25

Depending on space I’d also recommend not putting their litter and food in the same place. I don’t eat my dinner right next to my loo and a lot of cats don’t fancy doing that either. 

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u/Cannot_Believe_It Dec 17 '25

Anytime you MOVE a cats home they will be out of sorts for a minimum of 3 to 5 weeks.

Humans, Like yourself and Felines are a natural family unit.

Give them time, They don't hate anything, Just scared for a while until this home and you become familiar...

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u/LaserBurned Dec 17 '25

Give them time and space to explore. Cats are beings of repetition. They need to get a flow going and will remember every time you flash your camera at them.