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Why is my older cat stressed and not eating after new kittens?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed

Hi. I have had my cat for 7 years and I got 2 new 5 year old kittens and now the old cat is bullying then when they get near, she’s feeling stressed, she’s not coming up for attention but the worst factor is that she won’t eat anything. Everything we put down for her she just leaves. We took the advice of another vet on the website and got her a safe place to chill out but she’s been sitting there ever since I got up and growls when I touch or come near her. This has being going approx 3 months

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 19th, 2019

It is possible that Pinga is exhibiting signs of stress in her home environment, but there are many things that you can do to help alleviate stress and help her feel better. Start by having Pinga seen by your veterinarian to help rule out medical causes for her behaviour. If no medical issues are noted, you may need to try some adjustments so you can help keep your home a fun and comfortable place for Pinga. Cats need at least one litterbox per cat plus one extra to help reduce stress associated with the litterbox. They should be placed in separate rooms, away from the food and water bowls, must be scooped at least daily (preferably multiple times a day)and washed out at least weekly with a mild soap, followed by thorough rinsing. Cats need a lot of space to explore, but keeping them indoors is much safer than letting them outside, due to the risk of injury from cars, wildlife, other animals, etc. The key is providing space (particularly vertical space for climbing, such as cat trees, ledges, and the like) inside the home. Visit http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=T&C=33&S=2 , healthcareforpets.com and https://indoorpet.osu.edu// for tips on stress reduction. Also look into Feliway, a synthetic pheromone that is available in a diffuser and spray form that promotes calm feelings in cats http://www.feliway.com , and Feliway Friends, a pheromone that helps cats get along with each other.

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