Can I avoid feeding my cat before a vet visit to stop litter box use?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Binx would have been fasted before surgery, so that may be why she hasn't used the litter box yet. It's very good she has eaten and is drinking, and I do expect she should use the litter box soon. If she hasn't in the next 24 hours, then I would be worried and have her seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! So sorry that Vesper is not feeling well :( I am really glad you set up a vet appointment for her for tomorrow. I think it is best to withhold food from now until tomorrow morning to give her stomach a rest. You can feed her tomorrow morning and that way you will have a few hours before the appointment to see if she is going to continue to vomit. I don't recommend that you give her any over the counter medications at this stage. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it would be ok to wait until tomorrow as long as he is otherwise doing well. Loss of appetite can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you keep your appointment to have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. I do agree that an abdominal ultrasound is the next best step. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Usually about 24 hours is possible. It is very important to make sure that you have a litter box or two available with the type of litter that he likes and is used to. Sometimes this can be observed in times of stress or when adjusting to a new environment. Make sure that you have this available and monitor him for the next few hours and it is very likely that he will go. Good luck!

That does seem odd. It is important to encourage her to use the litter box as holding the urine can increase the risk for a bladder infection. Cats are sensitive to the type of litter, size of the box and location of the box. If you have more cats, you need 1 litter box per cat + 1 additional box. You should also have a litter box on every floor of the house. This article discusses different types of litter and litter boxes: https://www.petcoach.co/article/cat-litter-finding-the-right-fit-for-your-cat/ In general though, cats prefer large, uncovered litter boxes, clay-based clumping litter that is scoped every day and a private, quiet location. If you have other cats or dogs, if they can access the litter box, it may cause your kitty to be afraid that she could be trapped in the box. Cats are a prey species in the wild and they still retain those instincts. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play and/or switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. Most cats response best to combination therapy. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I am so sorry but thank you for getting out and taking precious with you. One or two days without eating isn't too. If of a deal. Try offering canned and dry and possibly mix a bit of water or chicken broth or tuna juice in to get her to drink. Stick to mostly cat food with tuna or plain white chicken or broth as exceptions. If you can get to a pet store a Feliway collar or diffuser for the room may help calm her. Good luck and I hope Harvey misses us all. Let us know if you have any other questions that might help Precious settle. Best wishes. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would withhold food at least 8 hours before the flight, to make sure stomach is completely empty. It is a good idea to feed him with a bland diet a couple of days before flight (boiled white fish or chicken and rice would be good). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.