Internal Server Error

New cat not using litter box after adoption. Is it stress or health?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 2 years and 11 months old | 12 lbs

Got Winston yesterday evening from a shelter. He has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an upper respiratory infection, and some conjunctivitis that is all being currently treated. He's been eating a little and drinking water. I haven't seen him use his litter box. I'm worried he has something wrong with his insides making it to wear he can't potty. Vet said he has had to have gone because she felt his bladder and it was small. Is it just the new environment causing this or something more?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on August 4th, 2017

Hi, some cats have to adjust to their new surroundings and will hold their urine and feces until they are comfortable. If his bladder is small, I would not worry. I would monitor him for straining to urinate or crying out in the litter box. if he is not doing this, he will probably be okay. I would give him some times in his new home to learn he is safe to eat and use the litter box. You can try to palpate his bladder by using one hand and squeezing gentle on his abdomen while he is standing up. The bladder should feel like a water balloon slipping through your fingers. If you feel something round, large and hard, take him to a vet. If it is soft and smaller than your hand, he should be fine. I would also check around his area to see if he has urinated outside the box. Good luck with your new kitty!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 4th, 2017

    I would not be concerned yet. Also, double check and make sure he is not going somewhere else, cats can be pretty sneaky! They will often hide it or go on a pile of clothes. Make sure he knows where the litter box is, and that it is not in a location that can seem scary (somewhere where there are other pets, a lot of food traffic, or loud noises like a laundry room). Here are other litter box tips: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-common-litter-box-mistakes https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-train-your-cat-to-use-a-litter-box

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored