New Home Stress for Cats: How to Help Your Feline Adjust

Recently, I moved house on Monday, and my companion cat is not eating and hasn't used the litter box. He has always been an indoor/outdoor cat, so this sudden change is cause for concern. Here's what you can do to help your cat adjust to a new home.

Sanitize His Palate with Tuna

If you haven't already opened his appetite, try giving your cat some tuna. It's a common practice to stimulate a cat's appetite with a familiar and irresistible treat like tuna. This can make a big difference if he's feeling stressed about the new environment.

Isolating for Adjustment

If your cat is finding it hard to settle in, making a small, isolated space can help him feel more secure. Try putting your cat in a room with its litter box and food. Encourage your cat to eat by offering canned food. Most cats will eat within a day, but if it takes longer than 24 hours, it's crucial to seek advice from a veterinarian immediately.

Previous Experience: Adapting in a New Home

When I moved with five cats five years ago, some of them adapted to the new environment faster than others. It's not uncommon for cats to hide and play 'hide and seek,' making them hard to find. In the first week or so, a couple of the cats would not eat much, but by the second week, they were all consuming their food without issue. Keeping a watchful eye and patience is key during these transitions.

Monitoring and Reassuring Your Cat

You should be concerned, but don't panic. Some cats are easygoing and adapt quickly, while others can be more hesitant about a new environment. Most cats will eventually adapt, but you must be very careful about letting your cat outside until it feels comfortable with its new surroundings. Losing a cat to the unfamiliar can be a serious concern, so be vigilant about keeping an eye on your feline friend. For example, when I brought Lantern home, I immediately placed her in the litter box in the bathroom to familiarize her with it. She needed a little more time, eventually making herself comfortable after a few days in her new home.

Additional Tips for Cat Adjustment

Cats are experts at hiding and finding secure spots. If they can jump from stairs to high walls in the basement, they can hide almost anywhere. Some clever cats manage to squeeze into small spaces like cabinet drawers or behind ductwork. Keeping an eye on these hiding spots can make a difference in finding your cat.

When bringing a cat into a new home, it's important to monitor its behavior and eating habits closely. If there are signs of stress or if your cat doesn't eat for over two days, it's crucial to contact a veterinarian for advice. Ignoring these signs can lead to more severe health issues.

Be patient and keep the lines of communication open with your veterinarian. They can give you personalized advice and guidance for helping your cat overcome the stress of a new home.

Conclusion

In summary, if your cat is showing signs of stress in a new home, try putting it in a safe, isolated space with food and water. If it doesn’t eat or use the litter box for more than 24 hours, seek immediate veterinary advice. Patience and a little extra attention can help your cat adapt to the new environment and thrive in its new home.