Help with newly adopted adult cat?

Question

I just adopted a 6 year old cat a few days ago. She's super affectionate but does not seem interested at all in any kind of play activity. All she does is eat, drink and sleep. I understand as cats age, their activity level decreases, but shouldn't she be somewhat active? I'm taking her to the vet in two days and will ask the vet but was wondering if anyone could fill me in. She spent SIX MONTHS in the shelter and I was wondering if this could've contributed to her not wanting to play and if she might come around once she gets used to her new environment. Also, she does not cover up her waste in the litter box. Does anyone know why? I was thinking maybe she does not like the litter, because instead of covering her waste, she scratches the side of the pan and I know it's not because it's dirty because I clean it sometimes twice a day.
If anyone could help, I'd appreciate it.

Answer 1

Some cats are not very active. The vet can determine if there's anything wrong with her. If not, she's just naturally lazy most likely. She may become more active as she adjusts to her home, or possibly not. My vet friend tells me if often takes a year for an adult cat to adjust to a home, so it's possible.

Some cats are just bad about covering it up. Not much you can do.

Answer 2

Cats need time to get use to a new enviroment. Your cat will need time to get use to you and its new surroundings before it feels comfortable. A 6 year old cat is not really that old and should still like to play. Not sure about the litter box thing. Try different litter, and make sure you keep the litter box someplace that's quiet and out of the way. If she was at a shelter, she probably shared a litter box with other cats. That could be the reason also. Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi There, I myself have 2 6 year old cats. One is like yours, just wants to eat sleep and look pretty. One is very active and wants to play and go outside all the time.

I think either your cat is like my "wanna just sit here and be pretty" Cat, or she is uncertain about her life right now. It would be wise to see a vet just in case though.

Also try unique toys! I get this awesome toy (link below) that even my 19 year old cat loved! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11643&N=2002+113967

It swivels while it flies through the air and really gets them going. Your cat should like it. I've never seen a cat that doesnt :)

About the litter. She is probably scratching her paws to get the litter out of her pads and fur, which may be why she doesn't bury it. Try changing litters a few times to see what she likes and if she buries it. I recommend keeping what you have now in one box and using a new box for the different kinds so she doesn't decide to go on the floor. Some to try: Papurr (made of recycled paper but scented pretty strong) hay pellets, clumping clay (most cats like this best), non clumping clay, and corn shavings (Very soft!).

Good luck with your new kitty

Oh yea, that site from the link above, has excellent strong catnip there too. You should try that, I bet that would get her excited :) Dont use the pellets, but the flakes work good.

Answer 4

Not all cats are playful.....just like not all humans are active.

The litter box is not an issue. Not all cats have perfect toiletting manners and will cover it up.

It sounds to me like you have a perfectly healthy cat and are doing everything right & the cat is perfectly happy in it's new environment.

Answer 5

You are a WONDERFUL person for adopting an older cat!!! I volunteer with Friends of Homeless Animals (www.foha.org). They have a couple of catteries. It's tough to play with the adult cats because you just can't play with one. I think they may get out of the habit of playing. May be she doesn't like the toys she has? The feathers on a fleece string by smarty cat is a favorite with my four boys. However my girl kitty could care less. She prefers the fur covered mice and she also prefers to play by herself but she doesn't play much. She also loves catnip but to roll on and lick.

Answer 6

my cat always does that with the litter box becaust he learned to use the liner and pull it to cover it he still does it but that isn't to be worried about.try putting the liner sticking up so she can do that.And my cat that is 6 won't play anymore she used to around 4. but she will ocasionally play with string or crumpled paper and her favorite the laser toy.But she doesn't play too long maybe less than 5 minutes. It is normal. (=^.^=)