New cat hasn't been to the toilet yet?

starky3

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I adopted a 15 month old male 10 hours ago, he is staying in my room at the moment but he hasn't used his litter box and I was wondering any tips on how to get him to go to the toilet? He is litter box trained apparently and I don't want him doing it anywhere other than is litter tray, thanks.
 

tiptopper

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How much has he been eating and drinking? Is he playing/walking around? If his box is nearby and he needs to go he should use it. If you are with him every minute you will be able to see if he decides to go elsewhere.
 
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starky3

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He just had his tea before we got him but I gave him some biscuits and wet food and he loved it! He hasn't had a drink yet, It is nearby to him! At the moment it's 2am so if he wakes me up I have been checking on him, but all he's done is get out of his bed lied down and went back into his bed
 
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starky3

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**UPDATE**

Franky had some milk an hour ago, I then moved his litter tray, left the room and when I came back in he was on the tray so I went out for a bit longer but then I came to clean it up and he had done nothing. Do you think thats because I interupted? Im not in the room with him at the moment.
 

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Hi, don't worry about it too much - he might take some time to relax and go use the toilet :) If he does it outside litter box make sure not to punish him or yell at him. Simply clean it up with some toilet paper and leave the said toilet paper in the litter box so he can smell it for the next time. 
 

sivyaleah

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**UPDATE**

Franky had some milk an hour ago, I then moved his litter tray, left the room and when I came back in he was on the tray so I went out for a bit longer but then I came to clean it up and he had done nothing. Do you think thats because I interupted? Im not in the room with him at the moment.
It isn't unusual for a cat to hold it in for 24 hours or more if need be.  

When we adopted our 2nd cat, she didn't use the litter box for over 2 days. I couldn't believe it but she was barely eating either - poor thing was so scared at the beginning.

Most likely it is due to all the changes of being in a new home.  I think once he has settled in he'll use the box just fine.  10 hours isn't much to worry about. 

Also, when you say "milk" do you mean cow's milk?  Cats should NOT drink that.  It's a myth that they need it - in fact it can cause tummy troubles as many cats are allergic to dairy.  He needs clean drinkable water available all the time.  I see you're in New Zealand so "milk" might mean something else there than in the States.

If he still isn't using the box in a couple of days, I'd personally bring him to the vet to rule any underlying problems out.  But again, I do think he'll be just fine once he's more settled into your home.
 
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starky3

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Hi he's gone to the toilet now!! Thanks for your advice though, Oh no I gave him proper pet Milk!
 
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starky3

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And I do have a bowl of water for him but he doesn't seem to interested in it. 
 

sivyaleah

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And I do have a bowl of water for him but he doesn't seem to interested in it. 
Haha, yea a lot of cats don't care for water.  We have one that likes it and another, that won't drink it if her life depended on it. I don't worry too much about that since she's eating mainly a wet food diet.

Try a fountain if you can afford one or, try changing the bowl. It might be too small and deep or maybe he dislikes the material it's made of.  Cats can get what is known as "whisker stress" which is when the whiskers hit the bowl.  Many don't like plastic either - it has an odd smell so try ceramic or stainless steel. Also make sure to clean and change the water at least daily if not more since dust can settle in it. 

If he really won't drink at all and you're feeding more dry than wet, there are cat "milks" out there which are not really made from cow's milk.  Or goat milk as a little treat if ok. Some cats are able to tolerate dairy but even if he can I wouldn't make a habit of giving it to him.

Glad to hear he used the box finally too!  
 
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starky3

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Thanks for that! Yes my cat that lives my Grandma never drinks water but he loves pet milk!! Franky has been drinking his water now thankfully! Thats some good advice though :)
 
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