We just adopted our kitten from the SPCA on Saturday. She is 3-4 months old, was spayed Friday, and has a URI (sneezing, stuffy nose, wheezing). The vet gave me Clavamox (sp?) but said the URI will have to clear on its own. The thing is, when we first brought her home and put her in her safe room with her food, litterbox, and carrier (to sleep in) she used it just fine for both urination and bowel movements. But now, every since yesterday, she's been not using it at all unless I pick her up right as I see her start to urinate somewhere else (the bed, hubsband's pants on the floor, under the coffee table) and put her in her litterbox. And she hasn't had a bowel movement at all that I can see in the last 24 hours. Is this normal? I am supposed to call the vet on Friday to let them know how she's doing, but I'm terribly worried. We put her in the bathroom during the day, take her out at night. HELP??
2007-02-27 12:34:19 · 5 answers · asked by systemchicken 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Also, when we come home we take her out with us (we have a seperate litter box and food/water dish in the hallway so there are two places for her since she's still young and learning). We use Feline Pine litter and feed her a mixture of Science Diet kitten kibble and Fancy Feast (about 3 oz. total).
2007-02-27 12:35:48 · update #1
Oh, and she doesn't run away from us or hide behind the couches anymore. She even jumped up into my husband's lap on the couch just a few minutes ago.
2007-02-27 12:54:53 · update #2
Yes, she is eating regularly. Not a pig, but she eats.
2007-02-27 12:55:40 · update #3
Thanks, everyone. I'm going to call the vet today. It may be the litter but I don't think so. She used it fine the first day she was here, but stopped the same day of her vet visit. She now hasn't had a bowel movement AT ALL in over 48 hours, and only urinated twice when we put her directly in the box.
2007-02-28 00:42:57 · update #4
Ivanett already gave you some good advise. One thing I would add would be to offer more than 2 litterboxes, at least for now. Just get a couple more cheap boxes. You may have to put one in every room that she has access to until she is a little bigger so that she doesn't have to look for them. As she gets older and better about using her pans, remove 1 box at a time until you are down to one or two. I would leave the pans she uses the most.
2007-02-27 13:49:02 · answer #1 · answered by tmrvt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First congrats on your new kitten! She sounds wonderful.
The kitten is getting used to her new home and environment so she might be a little scared or anxious at first. This might account for her not using the litterbox. With time, however, she should be fine.
One question about the litter....is it the same as what she had at the SPCA? She may not be used to this new type of litter, which may also account for her not using the litterbox. If that's the case, you will need to gradually introduce her to the new litter (Feline Pine). What you do is first put in a mix of the old type of litter and the Feline Pine, but use more of the old type first. This will help her adjust and get used to the new stuff. Then give or take a week, you can fill the box with half the old type litter and half Feline Pine to further ease her into using it. Then after another week the cat should be completely comfortable with the new litter and you can then switch to using only Feline Pine.
If you're concerned about her bowel movements, I would call the vet just to ease your mind. They'll be more than happy to answer questions or give information over the phone. I had 2 kittens who had lots of illnesses when they arrived and worrywart me called my vet numerous times during their first 2 months. They were really friendly, understanding and helpful. I got some great advice and encouragement.
Hope all this helps you! :)
2007-02-27 12:59:34 · answer #2 · answered by lvanett 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There re a few things you can do here. First, the URI will clear up, but it is chronic; so it can come back at any time. It's very common in kitties that have been outside or in the case of the SPCA, around a lot of other cats. It's contagious, just like a cold for us. When they touch noses, they pass it on to each other. It's not a big deal, just make sure she gets the medicine and it will clear up.
As far as the litter box, it may be that she does not like the litter. I tried that pine litter for my cats and they wouldn't touch it. I'd suggest something less pungent, like Fresh Step or something like that. I'd also stay away from the clumping kind - it's very fine and can be irritating to her nose.
Make sure her litter box is easily accessible - don't be moving it around. Pick one spot and leave it there. Make sure it is in a quiet area for her (I once had a litter box in the linen closet in my bathroom and my cat loved it for the privacy.) Make sure you clean the box once a week, remove the poop every day.
Don't put too much litter in - about an inch will do. Also, make sure it's not too high for her to get into. If she's 4 months old, it could be too big of a step for her to be comfortable. Some cats don't like the covered boxes - you'll have to experiment with it.
And also make sure you check with your vet. If she came from the SPCA, she could have a urinary infection. You should have follow-up visits with the vet as she grows. Is she eating okay and otherwise active and playful? It could just be some adjusting to new surroundings and taking over your house.
2007-02-27 14:19:29 · answer #3 · answered by stellargoddess01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is she eating and drinking ? Clavamox is a antibiotic and should help clear up the URI. Maybe she isn't feeling good enough to eat because of the medicine- it may be upsetting her stomach. If she isn't eating she obviously won't use the litter box.
I would call your vet as soon as they open to let him know her symptoms. She is young and can get dehydrated quickly.
Hope this helps- good luck!
2007-02-27 12:53:46 · answer #4 · answered by safarigirl64 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
sometimes when cats have urianary tract infection it hurts too pee and they think litterbox;they think pain so they pee or poo other places,my cat started peeing all over and not in the box.i took her to the vet and he told me about the pain and litter box..with those antibiotics they should heal her uti also when you call the vet besure to tell him about your cat and litter boxes ...goodluck to baby kitty and you...that's not good to keep her locked in the bathroom all day also...that like jail,,,,
2007-02-27 14:44:25 · answer #5 · answered by Cami lives 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋