I just got a new kitty yesterday. I adopted her from a shelter near my house. She is about two years old. I brought her home and she seems to be doing great... she hides a little but she comes out when I call her, and she doesn't seemed really stressed out or anything... She is eating and drinking normally, but she hasn't used her litterbox at all since I brought her home. She hasn't gone anywhere else either because I have been checking. Its been almost a whole day, and I know that's probably getting a little uncomfortable for her! Should I try a new kind of litter? or try moving the litterbox yet? I don't know if it's just the stress of moving to a new home that may be stressing her a little even though she is acting fine? I want to call the shelter but they are closed today and tomorrow.. any ideas???
2007-03-18 07:59:29 · 12 answers · asked by Candace 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Relax, Sweetie, your kitty is fine...but it's nice to see someone showing concern!
This has happened to me with every single cat or kitten I've adopted, and there have been plenty! (I still worry when it happens, even though it's needless!) It just seems to be a very normal thing for a new kitty to not use the litterbox for a day or two. In getting accustomed to her new home, she's very unlikely to be eating and drinking the normal amount.
Don't worry Hon....she'll go when she has to :)
2007-03-18 08:12:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's a better idea to put a new kitty in a room with the litter box, her food and water and maybe a blanket or toy. I always use the bathroom if it is big enough. That way you will be SURE she knows where to go, rather than that quiet corner behind the bed where you won't know until you smell it.
It's not unusual for a cat to get off schedule when she's in a new place. I do that too!
2007-03-19 04:48:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat should be fine. It is stress. A way to tell if they have problems urinating or deficating is watching them in teh littler box, they will act like they are going but nothingcomes out, and upon palpation (feeling the abdomen) it will be harder and painful. Your cat will find the litter box, at least once a day you should bring her to it, just to let her know it is there. the litter should be fine. There is never really a problem with the litter until they go outside the box. make sure there is no lid on your litter box, cats are made for the wild, but we domesticated them, so when they go in teh wild it is in an enclosed area, but not covered, like a corner. Now when/if your cat is going outside the box, that is when you need to experiment wtih litters, but i think your fine, just give her time. GL
2007-03-18 15:19:08 · answer #3 · answered by AJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's just getting used to her new home. I personally don't think you have anything to worry about. Whenever she comes out of hiding, try to pick her up and place her in the litter box, so she can get used to where it is located. You could also put a little pile of catnip near the box, to entice her to coming over by it. When we moved to our new home, our housecat was 3 at the time, and we didn't see him for almost 2 days....he hid under the waterbed, and didn't even come out for meals! I wouldn't move the box, just try to entice her to come out. Get one of those toys they make for cats that looks like a little fishing pole with a feathery toy on the end, and play with her alot, trying to lure her near the box so she gets used to where it's at..don't move it, she'll just get confused. Good luck!
2007-03-18 15:55:18 · answer #4 · answered by porkchop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put her in the litter box about once an hour, plus after meals and after she wakes up from naps.
When you leave the house put her in the room where her litter box is and close the door. (Leave a bed and some toys for her comfort.) It won't be long until she figures our where to go.
Kittens are little so you may not see her wee droppings and wet spots if they are far under a couch.
2007-03-18 15:06:51 · answer #5 · answered by Behaviorist 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldnt worry, it could be stress or just nerves even though she is ok, if she needs to go im sure she will go! If this persists call a vet tommorrow and just ask for advice, good luck! For the above pos the cat is 2 years old not a kitten.
2007-03-18 15:07:01 · answer #6 · answered by Tink 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Trust me. Just give her a little time to get used to you and her new home. I have adopted a lot of cats and they need time to adapt. Maybe up to two weeks. Just feed her and love her. She will come around.
2007-03-18 22:58:01 · answer #7 · answered by felix8462 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just give her a little more time. My kitten didn't go for almost 2 days. I think he was just nervous.
2007-03-18 15:05:33 · answer #8 · answered by Brieanne C 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, she will be fine, she;ll go before you know it. She;s just a bit weiry from changing homes.
2007-03-18 15:43:50 · answer #9 · answered by Calais 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're kitty sounds fine. Mine won't relieve himself when we travel with him. Another day or two and you'll be scoopin' the poop. â¥
2007-03-18 15:10:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋