New cat refuses to eat and drink. How long can it go without water?

Question

I got a 1 yr old cat from the shelter yesterday, he was in a cage pretty much all his life. He is hiding, and refusing food and water. I am worried how long he can go without water before he will be sick?

Up to now we just left him hiding and hoped he would come out eventually. We put food and water out last night in the room he is hiding, but he hasn't touched either. Any help/advise?

Answer 1

The last couple of times I moved, the cats hid for about 3 days before coming out to eat, drink, and generally investigate. Don't start worrying until tomorrow: He just needs to get used to his new home. Especially since you say he's been in a cage most of his life.

You might get a crate or carrier and leave that open so he'll have something that feels familiar.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Although I know cats can go for a few days, I wouldn't let him go without for too long. He is probably stressed out by the change. By setting out food and water, he's probably afraid of being caught in a cage again. Try coaxing him out by leaving the door open and remove the food from the room. Curiousity will eventually overcome him, and when he ventures out try offering the food. Or interact with him with toys, so you can start forming a bond with him. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Poor kitty is probably traumatized.

Try some tuna juice with a bit of water. If he drinks that, at least he won't be dehydrated.

Also, try lying down on the floor near the bed and talk a little in a pleasant voice. Take a book or something and stay for a while. The cat will get used to your presence and your voice and it will be easier for him to trust.

Answer 4

if he stays two days without water then he might have monozoic ancoustic syndrome, which is a mental illness common with caged wild cats, try taking him to a cat therapist or else he will die...alternatively, this worked for me, put some rats into his room and lock them in, be sure to put some water there too, if ur cats case is acute which is most likely the case cos the chronic form of the illness is usually prevalent with lions and tigers, then he will hunt down the rats for food. but be sure to introduce him quickly to more conventional meals after it has eaten the first rat or he will not adjust later and will continue to dwell on rats....be careful, don't let the cat bite u cos u might be infected with the human form of the illness and its uncurable...good luck

Answer 5

How long has it been? I would think that a week without water would be enough to get him out of hiding,instinct will take over when he is thirsty enough,unless he isn't feeling well.Try sitting in the room with him,try a wet food treat (my cats love the meow mix cups) toys and cat nip may help him to calm down.Good luck.I hope this helps you.

Answer 6

Don't expect him to come out to eat at first. If he's under the bed, as mine were, put the food and drink under with him. Then gradually make him come further out from where he's hiding and try to tickle him at meal times. Eventually he'll come around. In my experience, cats don't do well if they refuse fluids entirely (2 days?) but they can go longer without food, as we can. Also make sure he hasn't got cat flu, as they can starve themselves to death if they can't smell their food.

Answer 7

He's nervous. Just give him space and time...he won't let himself starve or die of thirst. Make sure you keep the water near where he's hiding. It's scary for a cat to be in a new place....

Answer 8

Cats get dehydrated very easily. Just keep a close eye on him.

Answer 9

Oy lev en Ireland. Moy cat has not eaten a ting en 23 years. Oy now call him Stain. Moy wife says dat Stain es dead!!! Oy tolt her dat he's restin,but she insists he's dead. Now, moy question is, "How do you get stains outa da carpet?" Bejasus, me wife has no sense of humour at all.

Answer 10

keep other animals away for now. yur cat needs to adjust.
the old fashioned way to settle them is to rub butter on the paws.