I have tried everything from the cat food recommended by the previous owner, canned food and even human to no avail. What should I do? I think she is not drinking either. Will she starve herself to death? She is already pretty skinny. All she does is hide and everytime I put a bowl of food around her she refuses to eat. Any ideas? Thank you!!
2007-09-28 03:59:01 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Don't be alarmed if your new cat refuses to eat at first. He or she needs some time to calm down and get adjusted to its new environment. If, however, the cat won't eat in a day or two, you'll need to take action. Entice it with some tuna fish. If that doesn't work, you should call your veterinarian for further advice.
When you bring a new cat home and get it settled in, you may not know what amount of food you should feed your new cat. To find out, refer to the pet food label for portion recommendations.
Spend some personal time with your new family member inside its area. Speak to it in a low, reassuring voice, and handle it gently. When you bring a new cat home and get it settled in, you have to patiently teach it the rules of your home right from the start. On the flip side, though, your new cat will need to be praised for all of the good things it does too. Examples of good behavior includes using its litter box and scratching on the post instead of the furniture.
On down the road, once you bring a new cat home and get it settled in, you can use a small spray bottle filled with tap water to help discipline your cat. It's an effective way to teach your cat to stay off of counters, tabletops, and more.
Play with your new cat using the toys if he or she will participate. Then, after awhile, leave the area and allow your new cat to get used to his or her new home.
2007-09-28 04:02:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats are persnickety especially if she was not adopted as a kitten.I have had many cats and the best thing to do is go about your business in your house and ignore her. Let her come to you and she will warm up. It will not hurt her to not eat for a few days. I would put out the food she was used to with her water bowl. Leave it, even if she is timid she will do her eating and drinking when you are not around or asleep. If you continue to try to find her and keep switching her food. She will become even more confused. If you do not see any water missing or food in a day or so contact your vet but I bet she is drinking if she has time to be alone.
2007-09-28 04:09:09 · answer #2 · answered by waterfan09 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should definately check with a vet and make sure that there is not a bigger problem with Kitty. It may be taking her a little while to adjust to the new environment. You may want to (if you haven't already) find out from the previous owner where the food dish was located, and try to find a spot similar in your house. All cats are different, but a lot prefer to eat in private and/or on a raised platform. My sis feeds her cat on top of the cat carrier, so he is off the ground and the dog can't bother him. Also, if you dont already, try leaving food out 24 hrs to see if that makes a difference.
I would definately try to talk to a vet to make sure that there isn't any medical problem! good luck with your kitty!
2007-09-28 04:06:59 · answer #3 · answered by MLE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't pressure this cat, let her adapt at her own pace. Place the food she is used to and water near her hiding place. Don't forget her litter box. most cats will come 'round, I only had 1 that did not. She hid in the most ingenious places for over a month and never did adjust to her new home. I finally had to take her back. Good luck with your new cat.
2007-09-28 04:56:26 · answer #4 · answered by litl m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the cat does not eat in the next 24 hours, see a vet. Cats can get something called "fatty liver disease" when they go without eating for as little as 4 days. This is serious and can be deadly in many cases.
Dehydration is another concern!!!!
2007-09-28 04:06:40 · answer #5 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is just trying to adjust, and probably has attatchment issues. Leave the food in an area that is isolated and make sure it is always there, she will eat probably when no one is arround. Make sure to keep it calm around the house and just continue to hold her an talk to her whenever you can, she will come around. Most cats adjust to a new house after about a week.
2007-09-28 04:02:34 · answer #6 · answered by Emily May 11/10/08 :) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe you could put the food beside her hiding place at night before you go to bed.
i am sure the cat is probably somewhat traumatized by her new surroundings, and you can expect this behavior sometimes. you could also boil a little chicken and put it into her food, to entice her.
it shouldn't take more than a week or so for her to start feeling braver.
i hope it works out! take care.
2007-09-28 04:28:31 · answer #7 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open a can of tuna right in front of her. The stinkier the brand, the better.
This worked for my daughter who also got a cat that would not eat. Once the cat started eating, she was fine.
Have fresh water out for her all the time.
2007-09-28 04:03:44 · answer #8 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I, being a cat lover, would definitely have her seen to by a professional. It might just be stress, and food--well she can last longer with out food than water. The not drinking is my big thing. Is she sluggish? Are you sure she doesn't sneak a sip when you are gone or sleeping?
2007-09-28 04:03:21 · answer #9 · answered by ABRUCE1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its been 2 days since she has not drinking or eating? Right now she is probably is dehydrated from lack of water. It's the best bet to get her to a vet as soon as possible to make sure she is alright. It might be something else as well that internal and not from adapting to your house.
2007-09-28 04:07:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋