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

Question

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

Jeffrey Milner · Accepted Answer

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!

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

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