New and need help

catsinpajamas

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Hi everyone, I will try to make this as short as possible but I am in need of help. My husband and I have an 8 year old dog and I found out about a stray cat that was skinny and in need of a home, went and picked her up and brought her home to my dog being excited and she put him in his place right off the bat. She is eating and drinking but remains in the kitchen and laundry room area close to her food and litter. Five days later I met a woman who owned a 2 1/2 year old female Ragdoll who she was looking to rehome as she was going to be having a difficult surgery and possible chemo, I paid the rehoming fee and brought this beautiful girl home. It has been 48hours since I brought Pixie home, she allowed me to hold her the first night for an hour, my dog was curious, sniffing her and in her face, I introduced her to her own kitty litter box, food and water, in my bedroom and she fled to hide under the bed, she did come out and check out the surroundings when I was laying in bed quietly watching, as soon as she saw she hid again. She has not taken in any water nor food in the 48 hours, she has peed once in the litter pan but nothing else. When should I be concerned? Is she in danger? What should I do??? Oh and tomorrow afternoon I am going to pick up a 4 month old in need of a home, she was an indoor cat that had to go due to the landlord not wanting any animals in the home.  So I will be getting them all neutered and vet care but for now my first worry is Pixie. What advice can you give me.

Donna in Pa
 

Kat0121

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First off, welcome to TCS!! Thank you for taking in those homeless babies.


That's a lot of change going on in your household in a short period of time with 3 new cats coming in so close together that don't know each other. Pixie might be overwhelmed by the dog and the other cat. Is there any way you can isolate Pixie for a while maybe so she can get her bearings? A spare bedroom? She needs to eat. That's for sure.  If she's not taking cat food, she might take baby food. Many people here recommend Gerber or Beech Nut stage 2 meat varieties like chicken or turkey. Just make sure they are only the meat and maybe a little cornstarch. I'd also try canned kitten food. Mine went on a mini hunger strike when they decided they didn't like their food and they both gobbled up both the Gerber stage 2 chicken and the kitten food. I'd mix a little water in with the food to get some fluids in her too. Maybe some kitten replacement milk for some extra calories. You can find it at Walmart, Target and pet stores.  Good luck!!
 
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catsinpajamas

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I do have her in the bedroom alone and the other cat and dog are away from her. I will try your suggestions with the food. Is her being shy a normal reaction?
 

blixxa

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HI! It does take some time for cats to adjust to new surroundings, and new animals. You should get a pheromone plug in (at any pet store). It really helps during stressfull times. A friend who already had a cat rescued another one. She put the new cat in a nother room with food, water, toys. I think she said it took a week before she could let the new cat out. They still dont get along, but they tolerate eachother (her first cat was about 11 when she rescued the new guy). If she isnt eating, try buying wet food. Cats usually go nuts for that stuff.

Good luck!!
 

caralian

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Hi and welcome.

Are you sure everything isn't going way too fast for your cats? Cats usually need some time (weeks, not days) to get used to their surroundings. It is no surprise everyone is a bit on edge and scared and confused, when you keep adding new members to the family.

Also, 48 hours is too long to not eat. He is at risk of liver failure and you need to make sure he eats something.
 

BonitaBaby

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She might need her own room. Your bathroom would probably be preferable to your bedroom where you sleep for a long time in the room, which means it's not "her" safe space. I was able to put my cat in her own bedroom, fortunately, as I currently don't have a roommate. I know she was coming out at night, but stayed hiding in a nice, deep box (I put on its side for easy entry & exit) during the day & when I visited. From what I read, many new cats need to hide for a couple days or so in their own room that you visit with fresh food & water and to spend a little bit of time again & again until they are ready to come out of hiding in their new room and, then later, ready to leave the room to explore the other rooms. It's common for new cats to not eat or drink for a couple days. They might at night when they know you are sleeping, but you are sleeping in your new cat's "safe room", so it's not safe to her.
 
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