New rescue kitty hiding in litter box - is this normal?

Hey everyone, just adopted a sweet 2-year-old rescue cat yesterday. She's been hiding in her litter box almost constantly since we brought her home. She comes out to eat/drink when we're not around, but otherwise just sits in there looking scared. Is this normal behavior? I'm worried she's stressed or sick. The shelter said she was shy but this seems extreme. Any advice would be so appreciated!

First of all, THANK YOU for adopting a rescue! ❤️ This is actually pretty common - the litter box smells familiar to her (they often use the same litter at shelters) so it feels like a safe space. My rescue dog did something similar with his crate for weeks. Give her time and don't force interaction. Make sure she has other hiding spots too - cardboard boxes with blankets work great! If she's eating/drinking/using the box normally, she's probably just adjusting. But watch for signs of illness just in case.

Seen this dozens of times with rescues. The box is her security blanket. I'd actually recommend getting a second litter box and placing it in a quieter location so she has options. Also, try sitting near her (not staring) and reading or talking softly so she gets used to your presence. It can take weeks for some rescues to feel safe. My current Akita took 3 months to stop hiding under the bed! Patience is key - she's been through trauma.

Alice makes a great point about multiple boxes! Also, consider using pheromone diffusers like Feliway - they really help with anxiety. And make sure the litter is unscented - strong smells can be overwhelming. How's her litter box setup? Covered boxes can make shy cats feel trapped, so an open one might be better during this adjustment period. Keep us posted!

Exactly what Vicky said about covered boxes! I'd go open-top during this phase. And don't clean the box too aggressively right now - leaving some of her scent helps. One more thing: try placing some of her food a little farther from the box each day to gently encourage exploration. But let her set the pace. Thank you for giving this sweet girl a chance - it gets better, I promise!