won't use the litter tray, despite the fact that she was using it in the shelter. It is the kind with a roof, so I have tried roof on, roof off, I had bought Catsan litter but checked with the shelter, they used wood shavings, so I put this in on top, but no use. I have tried putting her in it (lid off) and putting her front paws in it (lid on) and she is not interested and freaks out a bit to get away. I had it in my spare room, where her other things are and she wasnt interested at all, she has been sniffing at the back door, so I put it there and she was marginally interested for about a second!
I am worried that she has not been to the toilet since yesterday, thats 24 hours without pee or poo. (I have checked the house thoroughly). She is very restless because she obviously wants to go, and I would love her to so a) she is relaxed and happier and b) I know she will be doing her peeing and pooing there when Im out.
Any suggestions please???????
2006-10-19 21:28:58 · 30 answers · asked by Caroline 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Your new freind is probably very nervous in her new surroundings. To lessen her anxiety, put her in one single room for a day or two. The bathroom will do OK. Put her litter tray there and her water bowl. Make a comfy "bed" for her or open one of the bathroom cupboards for her to crawl into. I think, (and I am making this suggestion humbly) that it was a mistake on your part to introduce your new kitty to her new surroundings (all of it) at once. Little by little does the trick - until she is certain that her new home is safe and secure.
My cat used to hold his pee and poo for more than 24 hrs whenever we are in an entirely new place. This happened 3 times until I figured what was wrong. Since then, when we move, I always just keep him restrained in one single room for a couple of days - surrounded by his familiar things.
Hope this helps.
2006-10-20 01:53:31 · answer #1 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi there...it is generally recommended to keep a kitty confined in a small room with their food, water, toys, bedding and litterbox for a couple days so they know where the litterbox is located. New environments can be overwhelming to a cat and confusing as to where everything is located so they need a little guidance to ensure where they need to use the box. Some cats will also hold their bowels and bladder for a day if they are a little anxious while still adjusting, which is why a smaller quiet room is helpful to give them a sense of security and some control over their space. Living in a kennel at the shelter is much different since she's confined to a small crate-like box so there isn't much opportunity to roam and miss the location of the box unlike a larger apartment or home.
She is so blessed to have found a home with you as many senior cats are passed over for younger kittens. Have a little patience and she will learn quickly where the box is and what is expected of her.
2006-10-19 21:41:20 · answer #2 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jemina, I'm wondering if she is allowed to have the run of the house right off the bat from coming home with you? It may be she needs to be in a single room for a day up to a week to get acclimated to the new home. I would not under any circumstances let her outside-you may never see her again!
Try having the litter she was used to at the shelter, just as they did and not only a layer at the top. and leave the lid off the box for now.If you have other cats you could try putting a turd from their box into her clean one, it may help her remember what the box is for.
Have her in a smaller room or a big bathroom to help her remember where the box is and what it's for. Once she starts using it you can begin moving it to the place you want the box to be.
If she still hasn't gone by the am, call the vet to see what they think you need to do. Contact the shelter to get input from them and if there were any worries about it.
2006-10-19 21:44:42 · answer #3 · answered by Jean H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are simply trying too hard!!! You only got her yesterday!!! It's quite conceivable that due to the stress of a new environment, she simply does not need to go to the toilet right now. You need to give her time to settle and at 12 years old this may take a bit of time. Kittens are not only more adaptable, but their digestive systems are smaller and work faster. Keep the litter tray postion consistent, just make sure she knows where it is and leave her to it. There may be the odd accident till she settles. If she's used to wood shavings, remove all the Catsan and just use shavings. Otherwise it's more important right now to give her love and cuddles. Once she feels secure, the rest will follow. Good luck and I'm sure the problem will sort itself out in a day or two!!!
2006-10-19 21:43:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Poor baby, Soooo sorry, we've all been through it and it is never easy. It's the same as losing a family member. As some of the others have said maybe you could save a life through adoption of a new kitten. My heart was broken a few months ago when my beautiful rag-doll was killed. Also someone shot my beautiful blue a Siamese who got out by accident. I don't think I will ever ever get over it, but time will help to heal your heart. This helped me: I wrote down everything I loved about my cats nicknames, funny habits, happy memories etc into a little book and each time I would feel sad I'd read it and it bought a smile to my face. This also helps you not to forget anything about your beloved cat for many years to come. God bless you sweetie.
2016-03-18 22:06:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it a new litter tray? If it's not and has been used before it will be able to smell the previous cat even if you have scrubbed it.
Go buy a cheap tray and try that but leave it in 1 place and keep putting the cat on it.
It will settle it's a new venture for it. Be patient if it has to go and pee it will.
Good Luck
Jeff
2006-10-19 21:38:42 · answer #6 · answered by JEFF K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I agree with the previous answer - just leave it as it is in the same place - don't change it, and let her get used to it. If she does happen to make a puddle somewhere else, soak up a little bit on some kitchen roll and put that in the litter tray, so it gets the smell of her urine. My elderly cat wouldn't pee for days if he was taken to a strange environment - e.g. vets, cattery. I'm sure she'll go eventually, but it might take some time. Good luck!
2006-10-19 21:39:07 · answer #7 · answered by mad 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Everything is all new to her even the cat litter tray and she maybe scared to try it out,put plenty of newspapers down for her and if she uses them don't scold her,if she wants to go outside take her outside but put a lead on her as she could run off and get lost,its just having patients with her and let her find her feet on her own,in a few days I sure she will settle down but if she hasn't give the shelter a ring and they will have loads of suggestions.Good on you for taking in a pet especially at that age as they tend to be the ones left behind.
2006-10-20 03:00:50 · answer #8 · answered by candyfloss 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get some litter that is scent free and put it in a place where there is no people running around. It may just be nervous and they can hold it for not very long. If it don't go soon, call the vet's and make sure it is not blocked. Onwe more thing, leave the lid off and leave it alone. It will feel more comfortable that way.
2006-10-19 23:03:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try putting newspaper down near the tray, you will find they will wee or poo on that, the cat might not like the smell of the kat lit or just not used to using a tray, watch and wait for the cat to start weeiing or pooing on the paper, once they start they cant stop, pick it up and put it in the tray and hold it over the tray if it trys to move, eventually they will get used to it and understand thats what they are supposed to do.. what about a cat flap? may like to go outside leave it scent in it s new garden
2006-10-19 21:40:44 · answer #10 · answered by stuio 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋