Cat Sitting

Question
I have taken my parents cat from their home because I live an hour away and cannot get to him regularly to check up on him.  He is about 11 years old and the only cat in my parents house and there are also no other pets.  I have brought him to my home and he hides in the closet or under my bed.  I lived with him at my parents house for about 5 years an hoped that he would be okay staying with me.  He will come to me and I will pet him but when he hears the sounds from outside he hides again.  How and what can I do to make him more comfortable at my place?

Answer
Arsenio,

Your parent's cat is approx. 60 years old in human years and older cats do not take change and stress as well as a younger cat.

A whole new house with new smells, new noises, and a new routine would be confusing and frightening to him. Plus he is probably having separation anxiety from your parents and is missing them.

I would keep him in the one room that he feels the safest in and let him come out as he feels comfortable. Don't try to force him, and don't let him have the run of the whole house, at least not yet. Wait until he gets used to the one safe area before exanding. And only if he wants to.

Love him, reassure him, and talk to him. Those things will help him relax. Also kitty treats are a great bribe.

Tabbi