Why isn't my newly adopted cat eating, pooping, or using litter?

Poor Minu. It's actually quite serious when a cat won't eat, and if they go long enough without eating, they will develop a fatty liver. A fatty liver is fatal without treatment, so it's important to avoid this. Please take him into a vet first thing in the morning. Best of luck.

Yes, it may take a day or two for her to relax. I recommend confining her to a room or two that is quiet with her food water and litter. Leave her alone overnight so she can have privacy and minimal stress. Giving some wet food may encourage her to eat. You can spend some time in her place several times during the day but I’d keep her in there until she’s eating and using the litter box. Then you can gradually introduce her to the rest of the house and people. Be patient and she should settle in soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Puma.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is somewhat expected to some extent though it is important to make sure she is drinking water so she does not get dehydrated. I would encourage her to drink and you may get more than 1 litter box to encourage her to use it. If she does not improve within 2-3 days, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment in case there is something else going on. Best of luck!

Poor Meep! It sounds like he's very nervous, and still adjusting to his new environment. Moving to a new home is very stressful for cats, so this is not unexpected. It's likely that he hasn't had a bowel movement because he hasn't been eating well - if nothing is going in, there won't be anything to come out :) This problem should resolve itself within the next couple of days now that he is eating. Unless you have seen him straining in the litter box, this should not be any cause for concern. It's also very normal for cats not to drink much water - they are adapted for living in very dry areas. If he is eating wet food, he may not drink any water at all. Since it sounds like he's starting to settle in and things are improving, I would suggest giving Meep more time to get used to things. Make sure that he has his own room with his food and water bowls, litter box, and toys and hiding spaces so that he feels safe. He will start to venture out into the rest of the house as he gets more comfortable. You can also try using Feliway pheromone diffusers in his room and around the house to help reduce his stress and make him more comfortable.

Hi, some cats have to adjust to their new surroundings and will hold their urine and feces until they are comfortable. If his bladder is small, I would not worry. I would monitor him for straining to urinate or crying out in the litter box. if he is not doing this, he will probably be okay. I would give him some times in his new home to learn he is safe to eat and use the litter box. You can try to palpate his bladder by using one hand and squeezing gentle on his abdomen while he is standing up. The bladder should feel like a water balloon slipping through your fingers. If you feel something round, large and hard, take him to a vet. If it is soft and smaller than your hand, he should be fine. I would also check around his area to see if he has urinated outside the box. Good luck with your new kitty!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congrats on your new baby! Sometimes when animals come to a new house they are scared and need time to adjust. For a kitten, I recommend placing them in one room with the litter box, food and water. When they get used to that room then open the door and let them explore, but leave everything in that room. Then as they get used to their new house get the food, water and litter box where you want it. At 8 weeks old Ash should be eating kitten food. Try dry and canned and see if he has a preference. Sit with him and encourage him to eat. Place him in the litter box a few times. If he still isn't eating or using the box by 48 hours then I would recommend you have him evaluated. Hopefully he just needs a bit more time! Good luck!

It may take your new kitten time to get used to her new surroundings. Try keeping her in a smaller area, like a bathroom, with her littler box and food/water. Being in closer proximity to them may encourage her to eat and use the box. You may also want to try offering her canned kitten food, as opposed to kibble. This may encourage her to eat more. When she does eventually defecate, if it is outside of the box, place the stool inside the box to help her learn where to go. If these tips are not working and your kitten is still refusing to eat or drink, you may want to consider taking her in to the vet to be checked out. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.