Help, I’m really at a loss here with my new kitty. I adopted her just a week ago, and everything seemed fine at first. She was exploring and seemed curious about her new home. But now, she’s barely touching her food, and I’m worried sick. I’ve tried different flavors and even warmed the wet food slightly to enhance the smell, but nothing seems to entice her. She just sniffs it and walks away. I read online that it can take some time for a cat to adjust, but she hasn’t eaten in over 24 hours now. She’s a such sweet little tabby, and I just want her to be happy and healthy. Should I take her to the vet, or is there something else I should try before? Any advice from fellow cat parents would be massively appreciated!
Thanks for reaching out about your new cat not eating. I understand how worrying this can be.
There are several reasons why a cat might refuse food, especially when they're new to your home. Stress from a change in environment is a common cause. Cats are creatures of habit, and any shift in their surroundings can make them a bit anxious, affecting their appetite. Another cause could be that they're simply adjusting to a new diet or feeding schedule.
At home, you can try providing a quiet, comfortable space for your cat, away from noise and other pets, to help them feel safe and relaxed. Offering small, frequent meals can also encourage eating. Warming up their food slightly can make it more appealing as well.
Keep an eye out for signs that might indicate a more serious issue. If your cat hasn't eaten for 24 hours or longer, or you notice vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or weight loss, it might be time to take more urgent action.
Sometimes, new pets need a little help to settle in. Consider scheduling a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet to explore what's going on with your feline friend and ensure they get the care they need.
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