new foster not eating much

Hi all,

Well I agreed to take a foster kitty even though we've had some bad experiences in the past and my hubby and I are away from the house 10 hours a day during the work week. There are just too many kitties and not enough people who love them.

This little girl kitty, 6 years old, has been alone in a townhouse for the past two years. I've named her Holly. She's been with us a week as of yesterday.

Holly's human mom apparently died several years back and then the son lived with Holly in the townhouse. But when he got married the new wife didn't want her. So the son left her there and neighbors have fed her. They were about to report him to the humane society and then someone who knew about the situation contacted me.

I've done a great deal to make her environment quiet and comfortable. She has a room with a closet attached where she can be in the dark or come out and sit at the window.

I made the son get her checked at the vet before bringing her here and she has no illness. She is overweight but not obese. The son brought a bunch of wet and dry food as well.

She is very sensitive to noise but she is affectionate and purrs a lot. Unfortunately she is terrified of other cats and can't take much petting before she is overstimulated - probably all of this is due to her solitary confinement over several years.

She has eaten very little. She does eat, but it is such a small amount. I have nutritional gel and am going to put it on her food, but I was wondering if anyone has any ideas for foods cats cannot resist. Also I've tried being there when she eats and not being there. It seems to help if I am there, but overall, she just doesn't seem to have much interest in food. I am almost certain it is the adjustment. I would welcome advice for this particular problem.

I have read in other threads that 'tuna juice' dribbled over the food works wonders, another favourite is to microwave wet food to make it smell stronger (bleugh) I'm not sure how long you would micro it for but I'm sure someone in the know will see this thread and fill you in soon.

Well she is eating more today. I made the whole room as dark and quiet as possible, including closing the window and shutting all the blinds. That seems to be doing the trick. I have a feeling it will take a long time for her to get used to regular daily "living noises" as she has not been with the living for so many years.

When I feed her wet food, she makes a movement as if to bury it, but then later she goes and nibbles it. I finally found some dry food she seems to be able to eat (after trying 4 different kinds). Augh!

Anyhow put paws together and hope she keeps eating. With her current weight and age, if she were to continue to not eat, I see fatty liver disease around the corner.

Thank you for rescuing this cat from her life of sadness and solitary confinement! Poor girl!

Cats are such survivors, I'm sure she will come around gradually and learn to enjoy her wonderful new life with you. Going very slowly, as you are doing, is the right way to get her used to things.

An overweight, inactive 6 yr old cat doesn't need to eat a great deal. Of course, her stress is inhibiting her appetite as well. As suggested, try pouring a bit of juice from some tuna on her food to get her going.

Originally Posted by jeeperscat

I have read in other threads that 'tuna juice' dribbled over the food works wonders, another favourite is to microwave wet food to make it smell stronger (bleugh) I'm not sure how long you would micro it for but I'm sure someone in the know will see this thread and fill you in soon.

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Tuna droppings usually works as does Meat-Only baby food (No onions). Depending on the microwave usually 6-10 seconds will do well enough.

Thank you for taking in this kitty after all she has been through.