New rescue cat is super shy - food advice to help him settle?

Started by OP, 1/16/2026 03:00 PM
OP
OP
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1/16/2026 03:00 PM #1
Hey everyone, just adopted a 2-year-old rescue cat named Mochi yesterday. He's hiding under the bed and won't come out even for treats. I'm really worried he's not eating. What cat food worked for your shy rescues? Should I try wet food, special flavors, or just leave kibble out? Any advice would mean a lot!
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CollieChris460
CollieChris460
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1/16/2026 04:30 PM #2
First off, congrats on the rescue! My fussy boy Whiskers did the same thing for like 3 days when I got him. Don't panic - it's normal. Try a high-quality wet food with a strong smell, like fish or chicken pate. Warm it up slightly (like 10 sec in microwave) to make it more aromatic. Leave it near his hiding spot and walk away. Also, make sure it's a quiet time - no loud noises. He'll come out when he feels safe. Patience is key!
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LizardLarry135
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1/16/2026 04:50 PM #3
Not a cat expert but from my aquarium hobby - new environments stress animals out big time. Maybe try a consistent feeding schedule? Like put food out at same times daily so he learns routine. Also, some of my fish are shy eaters and do better with sinking pellets vs floating ones... maybe there's a cat equivalent? Like a flat dish vs a bowl? Just thinking out loud here.
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AkitaAlice406
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1/16/2026 04:06 PM #4
Aw, poor Mochi! My big dogs were scared when we first got them too. For cats, I've heard that those lickable treats or broth pouches can help build trust - they're like cat candy! Maybe try one of those to lure him out gently? Also, make sure his food area is in a quiet corner, not near his litter box. Good luck!
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