we moved: our cat hasn't been eating or drinking?

Question

My girlfriend and I just moved. We brought her cat with us, and left her sister's cat behind (with the sister)
So our cat is going through what I'm sure is a common transition where she's weary of new noises and whatnot.
After a day it seems like she started being less scared of every little thing, and she started walking around, looking at and smelling everything, and meowing.
We're assuming she's looking for the other cat since this is the same thing the other cat has been doing at her sisters.
I'm also assuming this is somewhat normal and she'll get over it in due time.
My concern is that she's not eating or drinking.

How long after a move should I be concerned about the cat’s lack of food/water consumption?
Would it be a good idea to make her drink some water?

thanks to the four of you for the help.

sorry to see "purple..." thumbs downing everybody for actually being mature about things.

Answer 1

Don't worry until the third day: That's about how long it takes my kitties to get over the 'moving scare'. In fact, since your cat is out and exploring, you might not need to wait even that long.

Good luck!

Answer 2

So everything is brand new for the cats, and they are scared. The first thing I would do is have the other cat over for a play time with your cat. The cat is probably thinking it got lost in the move. So having your sis visit once or twice a week is a good idea for your cats well being.
Make sure you have unpacked some items the cat is really familiar with as well. And buy some fancy feast with gravey cats can't resist it and it will help her get hungry. Most important missing kitty must visit often so she will know she's is safe. Then everything will fall into place. It's sort of like a catasphrofree for the the cat. Just imagine all of those changes happening to you and you can't verbally understand anything. You both sound like wonderful cat parents so I know you will fix this little glitch. But do it fast I think the cat is mourning. Good luck and things will be fine in a while.

Answer 3

I had the same issue with my cat, as long as she starts drinking eating this week and drinking within 24 hours, it will be fine. Unless there is some obvious illness or history of a problem, cats are fussy and do not like change. She might drink when your not looking too, also make sure you take her to her food because maybe she doesnt know where it is. Loneliness is hard on cat thats been in a pair for a while too, consider getting another cat.

Answer 4

Poor Kitty is stressed :( Even very minor changes in a cats day to day life can stress them out. Put your cat in a bedroom with his litter box, food and water dish and a blanket, bed or dresser to lay on. Turn the lights off and give your kitty some time to become aquainted with the new smells and sounds of your new home, as well as de-stress. 3-4 days should be sufficient. Be sure to check in occasionally and monitor the food to see if he/she is eating.

If your cat is over a year, I wouldnt worry too much about not eating. Your cat will eat when it is ready.

Answer 5

its normal cat behavior bc shes not in a place she is used to being.when i inheritated my grandmothers cat,she did the exact same thing.it took her bout a week to actually come outta the bedroom she was hiding in. just give it time,u should see her come around in a week or two. move the litterbox,food and water into the room where she is hiding n just let her be until she is content with her new surroundings.also dont close the door on the cat either,let her have a free roam of the place,she may be sneaking around at nite when u are asleep.

Answer 6

Well, definetley take action and help her.
She could be smelling something that makes her uncomfortable and she doesn't want to do anything because she's too curious.
*She could be calling for the sisters cat too.*
Sometimes it's that she's trying to pass a hairball.
Some cats actually get kind of ill from the process.

Also- if she's an outdoor cat, sometimes cats act sick if they
are getting an abcess. They get them from having a serious
agrument with another cat

She is problay sick, I do allot of research it could be a deathly sickness, or something as small as congestion. Taking him to the vet is the best way to go.

*I hope this helps*

Answer 7

Your cat is depressed, she misses her friend., It is very common, but if she goes more than 3 or 4 days at the most without eating or drinking I'd rush her to the vet.

Answer 8

trade the cat in on a dog

Answer 9

she is missing her mate,and also stressed over the move,she will settle in time,try giving her some treats like,ham,tuna.or cat milk.she should be ok soon.