New cat not using litter box after adoption. Is it stress or health?

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.

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.

Congrats on your new kitty. She does sounds a bit stressed, and moving into a new home is stressful. It's good that she is eating the food Pea got at the shelter, and the vomiting could have been caused by a change in diet if you were feeding her something different before. If she's not eating a lot, then she won't be pooping a lot. Reading your post, there aren't any huge concerns, so I'd just keep an eye on her for now. Eventually have her seen by a vet for a health check, even if everything is ok. I hope this helps!

I would recommend bringing Maomao to the veterinarian to have him evaluated. I would let the veterinarian take a urine sample to make sure there is no urinary tract infection especially if he is urinating outside the litter box. This is a concern that I have when cats urinate outside the litter box especially if goes into the litter box and then comes back out. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I think he is likely stressed and unsure of his new surroundings. I suggest you get a Feliway diffuser to put in the room with him. It is a wall plug-in that emits pheromones to relieve stress in cats and calm them. It really works wonders in the majority of cats. You can buy these online or at any large pet store like Petco. Be sure that room he is in is very calm and quiet. ( https://www.feliway.com/us/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSIC-Diffuser ) Also, you may need to try a different food or a different form of food. I suggest putting out multiple options for him like 2 different varieties of dry food and 2 different types of wet food (one pate type and one chunky) to which he prefers and go from there. You can always call the shelter and ask what they were feeding him although they may not know. I suggest trying a "light" or reduced calorie food as at 14 pounds he is a bit overweight. We like to keep cats at 12 pounds or less to prevent diseases like diabetes, orthopedic issues and heart disease. If he does start eating in the next 24 hours then I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Poor Monty. If Monty seems lethargic, vomits, or gets into the position to urinate and does not produce any urine, then I would take him to the veterinarian immediately. However, since we know he prefers not to use a litterbox and had the stress of the move, that might be your explanation. If you have any idea where he used to like to urinate/defecate (grass, dirt, mulch, plants, etc), I would try to replicate that in the new yard since that is his preferred area to go. The other problem is that most cats want to have privacy, so he may not go in front of you (while on a leash). Since we are coming into a holiday weekend, I would recommend having your vet evaluate him tomorrow (presuming that they are open) if he does not urinate overnight tonight just to make sure that everything is OK. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Do give him some patience. Moving into a new home is stressful. It's good that he uses the closed litter box, get another one of those for him. Keep the boxes away from his food and water, cats will not use the box if it's too close to their food and water.