This is my second call for help. I have taken in a feral cat about two years old after her sister disappeared and I became concerned for her safety. These two cats ate on my porch each day and were friendly. The cat I toke in 2 days ago allowed me to pet her and occasionally pick her up .Now she has taken up residence behind the washer/dryer in our bathroom and will not come out to eat,drink or use the kitty box. She looks so scared, I hope this was the right decision for her. Is this normal behavior? How long can she go without food and water any suggestions?? I took her in Tues night and here it is Thursday. Any suggestions sooooo appreciated.
-
Too many ads? Join our community of cat lovers now to reduce ads by 90%! Click here to join for free!
New feral cat refuses to eat
- Thread starter christmas10
- Start Date
Yes, it is pretty normal. Even some home raised, bought cats can behave so.
So you did surely the right to do, dont worry.
Although it is seldom more than two days... It IS potentially dangerous, but biggest danger for these obese, too fat. Normal weight not so very dangerous - which is lucky for all semiferales...
Try to make it as comfortably and feeling of security as you can. So non stressed you can get it.
So good she has somewhere to hide. Dont try to get her out. No shouting children near, or barking dogs...
Set the litter, food, water near (although a little apart from each other).
The litter some classical unscented cat clay. You can let in there some leaves from outside, so she recognizes better. Perhaps even a little earth "dirt" from outside.
She will prob get out and use it at night, when everything is quaiet and totally undisturbed.
You can of course set some extra good smelling food.
DO you have residents, cats or dogs? Did they met before?
If you do have some very friendly cat you can perhaps cuddle with the cat so she sees. (although mind the quarantine)
EDIT If you by any chance can get hold on Feliway - diffuser or spray - you can try with this.
It shouldnt be necessary, but if you have it - do try - it cant hurt but can sometimes - qutie often - help much.
You can also play soft, calming music. Classical harp music is best, but any soft calming music should work.
In next step you yoursel can and should talk a lot, with a low, friendly voice, a little of baby talk.
You had probably done so already earlier to them? Just continue.
Good luck! *vibes*
ps Welcome to TCS site and our Forums!
So you did surely the right to do, dont worry.
Although it is seldom more than two days... It IS potentially dangerous, but biggest danger for these obese, too fat. Normal weight not so very dangerous - which is lucky for all semiferales...
Try to make it as comfortably and feeling of security as you can. So non stressed you can get it.
So good she has somewhere to hide. Dont try to get her out. No shouting children near, or barking dogs...
Set the litter, food, water near (although a little apart from each other).
The litter some classical unscented cat clay. You can let in there some leaves from outside, so she recognizes better. Perhaps even a little earth "dirt" from outside.
She will prob get out and use it at night, when everything is quaiet and totally undisturbed.
You can of course set some extra good smelling food.
DO you have residents, cats or dogs? Did they met before?
If you do have some very friendly cat you can perhaps cuddle with the cat so she sees. (although mind the quarantine)
EDIT If you by any chance can get hold on Feliway - diffuser or spray - you can try with this.
It shouldnt be necessary, but if you have it - do try - it cant hurt but can sometimes - qutie often - help much.
You can also play soft, calming music. Classical harp music is best, but any soft calming music should work.
In next step you yoursel can and should talk a lot, with a low, friendly voice, a little of baby talk.
You had probably done so already earlier to them? Just continue.
Good luck! *vibes*
ps Welcome to TCS site and our Forums!
Last edited:
Hello 
I did respond to your other thread yesterday and here it is so you can see it.. http://www.thecatsite.com/t/241200/eating#post_3172750
It IS very, very normal for them to completely want to hide and not eat. Just keep leaving out very enticing canned cat food like Fancy Feast Fish/Shrimp or another fishy cat food. Since Baby was friendly with you outside she will in time come around inside. It could take many, many days. BUT if she is not eating very soon - again - you must pull out the washer/dryer and offer another place to hide that is accessible to you. Keep us posted
I did respond to your other thread yesterday and here it is so you can see it.. http://www.thecatsite.com/t/241200/eating#post_3172750It IS very, very normal for them to completely want to hide and not eat. Just keep leaving out very enticing canned cat food like Fancy Feast Fish/Shrimp or another fishy cat food. Since Baby was friendly with you outside she will in time come around inside. It could take many, many days. BUT if she is not eating very soon - again - you must pull out the washer/dryer and offer another place to hide that is accessible to you. Keep us posted
