Not eating

[Alisha H]

My little guy has been home a full 24 hours now and he's has not ate or drank yet. Is this normal? He ate Friday night at the breeders and nothing since. Should I be worried or his still getting familiar with his new home?

 

[Trish Allearz]

It can be normal, but how do you know he didn't eat while you were sleeping?

 

[Alisha H]

I don't know, but I don't think he did. He was cuddled next to me most of the night. Then apparently I didn't get up as early as he liked so he pounced on head purring very loudly!

 

[admin]

After Trish's questions, I would ask the following:

1. Are you feeding the same food the breeder fed
2. Is your kitten confined to one room until he becomes accustomed to his surroundings? Most breeders suggest 2 weeks
3. How do you know he is not drinking water? Do you have a water fountain for him?

he may be a bit out of sorts...remember he just left the comfort of the only home he has known and is in a strange place...he may be missing his home and needs to get acclimated...give him a bit of time.

 

[Alisha H]

After Trish's quesiton, I would ask the following:

1. Are you feeding the same food the breeder fed
2. Is your kitten confined to one room until he becomes accustomed to his surroundings? Most breeders suggest 2 weeks
3. How do you know he is not drinking water? Do you have a water fountain for him?

he may be a bit out of sorts...remember he just left the comfort of the only home he has known and is in a strange place...he may be missing his home and needs to get acclimated...give him a bit of time.

Same food.
No. Our house is really small and really old. So the layout is odd.
I do have water out for him. Not a fountain though. Should I?

 

[admin]

Same food.
No. Our house is really small and really old. So the layout is odd.
I do have water out for him. Not a fountain though. Should I?

You do not have to get a fountain, but many cats will often drink more with a fountain...we had a fountain discussion here: http://www.savannahcatchat.com/threads/water-fountains.211/

Also...he may just need a bit of time to acclimate, so as Trish indicated, this may be normal.

 

[Trish Allearz]

A lot of cats/kittens love the fountains, but they will also drink from a water bowl. I prefer the fountains and recommend them to new owners- because in the looooong run, it is much much better for them because they drink a lot more water from a fountain then from a bowl (like us- they prefer fresh water versus stale water). As far as eating goes- I think he's probably settling in and just enjoying playing and exploring. Water- I would want him drinking, but I bet he did it while you were sleeping and you just haven't seen him drink yet. Didn't he just come home last night? Or was it yesterday morning?

 

[Alisha H]

He came home yesterday am.

 

[MK Anderson]

I'm not sure if he is eating canned, but a trick I used was to put canned food on his paw! He will lick it off and might encourage him to eat, it's worked for me...... I also found my cats do like the fountain better.

 

[Trish Allearz]

And if he's eating dry- ask your breeder if they pre-wet his food. Some breeders will soak the kibble with a bit of water to soften it for kittens and it increases the smell (also popping it in the microwave for about 10 seconds will make it smell yummier to them too- with the bit of water). Worth asking