Catloaf - sick or just not ready to relax yet?

I've been caring for a stray kitty in my home for 2 weeks now. She's been dealing with a little vomiting and diarrhea recently, but it is getting much better with a diet of chicken and rice my vet advised. I thought she was completely on the mend, but then she had a little diarrhea last night and I couldn't help but worry and obsess over her well-being all over again. She hasn't barfed, though, and still uses the litter box (instead of pooping on the carpet when she was sick) so it isn't near as bad as before. But I now obsess over everything else she does to figure out if she's truly getting better or if she's getting sick again.

Since the very first day I brought her home, she has sat in a "catloaf" position (all 4 legs tucked under her). Didn't matter if she was sleeping, hiding, perched at the window, or even sitting next to me, she sat in "catloaf" position. I took it as she was just intimidated and scared. But now I worry it could mean she is constantly not feeling well. I had kitties in the past who only went into "catloaf" position when they were very sick. It sets off such alarms in my head to see my new kitty doing this now. Before she had stomach upset, her tendancy to catloaf didn't bother me, but now it gives me anxiety. I want to relax and be assured she is feeling better, but I can't tell whether or not she's in pain or simply just not ready to relax around me yet. And I know she's capable of relaxing positions because I used to see her stretched out and lounging around the parking lot I rescued her from.

My question: is it normal for a new frightened kitty to always be catloafing for weeks or even months before relaxing? Or should I truly be concerned about her health?

I am glad to hear that she is feeling better !!!! I think the catloaf you describe is just her way of resting and feeling comfy. My cat Wendall "catloafs" ALL the time. It is just the way he likes to rest. I think is you are seeing an improvement in her poops, her eating, and now she is using the litterbox, then I wouldn't worry yourself over it. Two weeks isn't really that long for her to completely relax in her new surroundings. She is still in a bit of culture shock, I think. If you saw her stretching out before you took her in, you will see it again. A time frame :dk: Hard to say for sure. You sound like you are taking REALLY good care of her. She knows this!!!!!

Thanks, Feralvr. This morning, I saw her comfortable enough to clean herself in front of me, so I'm guessing she's just catloafing for comfort, as she still seems to be feeling ok otherwise. She's just the first cat I've ever had who does it all the time. My other kitties stretch out and roll around. I suppose two weeks is definitely way too soon, so I'll just give her time.
 

thbtbt said:

Thanks, Feralvr. This morning, I saw her comfortable enough to clean herself in front of me, so I'm guessing she's just catloafing for comfort, as she still seems to be feeling ok otherwise. She's just the first cat I've ever had who does it all the time. My other kitties stretch out and roll around. I suppose two weeks is definitely way too soon, so I'll just give her time.

 

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I thought the exact same thing about Wendall! :lol3: I have never had a cat spend so much time in that position as he does. He even sleeps in that position. I have gotten a few pictures of him like that from the front and he looks like he has no legs only paws. It is SOOO funny. Hey - that is a really good sign, the grooming in front of you. Things are improving :bigthumb: