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Adopted cat not eating, drinking, or coming out. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 months and 3 days old | 11 lbs

Hello I recently adopted a female neutered cat she hasn’t eaten or drank water going on almost 2 days now I brought her home Saturday night and now it’s Sunday afternoon I’ve laid out water food and litter box but she still hasn’t eaten or drank anything should I be worried? She’s been in hiding practically all day The male I have has been segregated to the bedroom since I brought her home what should I do?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 4th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that Sheeba has been unwell since arriving home. It is possible her behaviour is related to stress and anxiety. However, it could also be related to a medical problem. Whatever the cause, when a cat does not eat or drink for several days, this can lead to dehydration, weakness, and secondary liver problems, especially for a kitten. Because of this, I would recommend taking Sheeba to the vet within the next 24 hours. They can perform a full physical exam and run some tests to rule out a medical issue. They can also provide supportive medications to improve her hydration, appetite, and comfort. If the vet confirms she is in good physical health, you can try using Feliway, a feline pheromone spray designed to reduce stress in cats. Also ensure she has easy access to food and water in the place where she is hiding. You can gradually try interacting with her more and more, through offering treats, and speaking to her softly and gently. With time, she should start to open up and learn to trust you and be comfortable in her environment. I hope this helps, and that Sheeba feels better soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congratulations on your new kitten. It sounds like Sheeba is having a hard time adjusting. I recommend making sure the food, water, and litterbox are all in the same room close to where she has been hiding. You can put out a variety of foods, including some wet food or canned tuna to try and see if that entices her to eat. If she does not come out of hiding and start eating and drinking readily within a couple days, being in a home with another cat may not suit her. Make sure you check on her a few times a day, but mostly try to leave her alone. If she has not had any water by tomorrow, you may need to take her back to where you adopted her, or to a veterinarian to make sure she is okay and there hasn't been a complication from the spay. I hope Sheeba only needs a bit more time to settle in. Good luck.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 30th, 2018

    She is scared and trying to adjust to this new home, people and routine. It is best to confine her to a small room and keep the other cat away. Place her food and water and a litter box in there. Let her start to slowly adjust and come out on her own. Once she gets more comfortable you can let her start exploring the rest of the house and other pets

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 21st, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am very sorry for your loss. Felix is very cute. Poor Felix is likely very stressed from the changes in his life. He needs time to acclimate to your house. I recommend bringing a litter box, food and water in to the room with the closet. Go in multiple times per day to pet and socialize with him. It may take several days to weeks but I am sure he will start to come out and interact with you and your family. I wish you the best of luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 12th, 2017

    First off, I'm sorry for the loss of your friend and neighbor! It's lovely of you to take in this cat. Moving into a new home is quite stressful for a cat, and I'm sure she senses the loss of her owner as well. It can take a few days for a cat to adjust to a new home, and I don't think she's dying. I would keep her in a quiet and dark room with a litter box, water, and food. Leave her be, and she will eat and drink when she's ready. You can tempt her to eat with some boiled white meat chicken (no bones), or gently warmed really smelly wet cat food such as sardine or fish based. Check on her twice a day, and if she still isn't eating or drinking by Monday morning, I would have her seen by a vet for a health check.

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