Just adopted a stray - Questions

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and new to cat ownership (mostly, I owned cats 20 years ago). We just adopted a stray cat who has been hanging around the warehouse where my husband works. I took her to the vet for her shots and learned that she’s been spayed, probably as a kitten. Since she’s mostly been living at the warehouse I’m quite sure she’s been abandoned, and she’s also been hit by a car at some point since the vet said she has a broken tail and foot that have healed rather improperly. 

Anyway, she’s a very sweet little cat who seems to be acclimating really well to our house and our four very excited kids. But I am a bit worried about her because she’s been here now for about five hours and hasn’t eaten anything, drank anything or used the letterbox (or the floor, for that matter). She’s also been smacking/licking her lips a lot and a couple of times she’s vomited this white foamy stuff. I’ve read that this can be from hairballs, or from skipping meals which makes sense I guess. I’m hoping that her lack of appetite is just from being in a new place and having lots of exciting things happen to her today, but I’m still a bit worried. Any thoughts?

My first question would be are you offering the cat wet or dry food? Cats are a lot less attracted to dry. The other thing to note is some cats will go without food or water or even using the litter box when they first come home. Like one of my cats didn't eat anything until the 2nd day of having him, and he didn't use the litter box for about 16 hours from what I remember. Make sure the litter box is somewhere that has a lot of foot traffic in your house, or somewhere that you like to relax, take your cats paws and gently rub them into the litter, you may also want to try something like a clay based, then try something natural like feline pine. Just make sure you use unscented litter if it's clay, your cat will be much more likely to use it. For feeding just try buying them some canned wet food, and some gravy. If that doesn't work boil some chicken, let it cool and maybe try to give them some canned pumpkin. Your kitty might also just be dehydrated a bit so thus the foam. I would buy your cat some good water like fiji which might sound weird for something your cat will be drinking, and just give them about a tablespoon of pedialyte, this will give your cat clean chemical free water with electrolytes . 

Hi, welcome to TCS

5 hours isn't very long to be in your house. I would give her a safe space (bed room or bath room) that has her litter box, food and water and a comfy place for her to sleep.

Most likely she will then settle when the house is quiet and she is sure she is safe and probably eat, drink and do her business.

You can get a Feliway diffuser which helps to calm them.

I think it's wonderful that you are giving this sweet kitty a permanent home and am looking forward to updates on how she's adjusting.

As the others said, 5 hours is not much... Newbes  are sometimes abstaining from food even 2 days, because they are more or less nervous...   So Im sure everything will go OK, esp if your children takes it easy on her the first days. Show they are friendly and kind, but let her take everything in her own pace.

Let her have a safe corner of her own, a cat igloo or somiliar in there and so.

What worries me a little is this vomiting...   That is not a necessary part of being new.   Smacking and licking, I may buy it - it may be she is nervous, perhaps even has some nausea.   But throwing up?   Did the vet gave her something?   Deworming surely?   It may be from this.  Hopefully.

So, that is this part which to look up with...   Anyways, you were at the vet, so you are now his paying patient.  And thus, you dont need to hesitate to phone and ask questions, if its necessary.

Essentially, you proceed with a sick cat as with a new be:  be sure it has it cozy, nice, warm, lots of love.

Tx for caring!

GiddyUpGo said:

 
Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and new to cat ownership (mostly, I owned cats 20 years ago). We just adopted a stray cat who has been hanging around the warehouse where my husband works. I took her to the vet for her shots and learned that she’s been spayed, probably as a kitten. Since she’s mostly been living at the warehouse I’m quite sure she’s been abandoned, and she’s also been hit by a car at some point since the vet said she has a broken tail and foot that have healed rather improperly. 

Anyway, she’s a very sweet little cat who seems to be acclimating really well to our house and our four very excited kids. But I am a bit worried about her because she’s been here now for about five hours and hasn’t eaten anything, drank anything or used the letterbox (or the floor, for that matter). She’s also been smacking/licking her lips a lot and a couple of times she’s vomited this white foamy stuff. I’ve read that this can be from hairballs, or from skipping meals which makes sense I guess. I’m hoping that her lack of appetite is just from being in a new place and having lots of exciting things happen to her today, but I’m still a bit worried. Any thoughts?

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When we bring our new kitten home he didn't use the litter tray until the next evening . It might take them a little time to settle in. I would try placing the cat in the litter tray a few times a day to get used to it. Also play with her to get her to trust you more and be more confidant X good luck x

Thanks for all the replies. We took LotsOfFur's advice and cleaned out the laundry room for her--she sat on the living room couch between me and my husband for most of the evening and then I put her in there with food, water and litter box for the night. In the morning she'd eaten the food and had used the litter box, and also appears to be feeling much better. She hasn't vomited since last night and she's a lot perkier today, so I'm hoping she might have just been reacting to her vaccines. 

Thank you again!

She sounds like she is settling in nicely! She's obviously thrilled to be there, it's so sweet she sat between you and your husband on the couch [emoji]128149[/emoji]

I'm happy for you all! What a lucky kitty! Have you named her? We love pictures if you would like to show us

When you took her to the vet, did they scan her for a microchip? She could have been someone's indoor cat who got out and got injured.

Yeah, they did. There wasn't one. She's been hanging around the warehouse for ages and she was really scrawny when she showed up, so I'm at least 99 percent sure she's a stray. 

Good deal, good job covering the bases! I acquired a wonderful pet in a similar fashion. A cute gray cat who was already neutered came to my door and I started feeding him. He had no microchip either.  I adopted him and eventually went and had him microchipped myself.

As far as your new kitty eating, I would do what the others suggested and keep her in a quiet place with her food and litter. When I got my foster kitty, I think that she didn't eat much in the first few hours of being here either. Now she gobbles down her food. 

my cats will spit up if they try to eat anything that don't agree with them like a plant or grass . as for the not eating try tuna fish but don't make it a steady diet . She isn't using the litter box cause she hasn't had to go  yet i think , since she isn't eating . Strays are very loving cats as i have 4 inside and 12 that run outside that people have dumped off or moved and left them behind . Give it time also have fresh water for her too , Clifton

oh , i didn't see that was an old post - glad everything is fine now   Clifton