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Is it normal for a newly adopted cat to not eat, drink, or use litter?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered

We just adopted our 2 year old cat yesterday but she isn’t quite eating or drinking water, neither is she using the litter box is this normal for a newly adopted cat

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on April 3rd, 2018

Yes, it may take a day or two for her to relax. I recommend confining her to a room or two that is quiet with her food water and litter. Leave her alone overnight so she can have privacy and minimal stress. Giving some wet food may encourage her to eat. You can spend some time in her place several times during the day but I’d keep her in there until she’s eating and using the litter box. Then you can gradually introduce her to the rest of the house and people. Be patient and she should settle in soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Puma.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 16th, 2017

    It is not uncommon for cats to hide and not want to eat or go to the bathroom once in a new home and environment. The best thing to do is bring the food and water to her in a small room to confine her to. Keep the litter box in there. be calm and quiet and just sit in the there with her to show her it is ok and nothing will harm her. once she is more comfortable, then you can let her explore different rooms and more her things to where you prefer.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 29th, 2017

    Congrats on your new cat! Moving into a new home is stressful for cat, and it will take time for her to adjust. It is normal that a cat may not eat or use the litter box, so I would leave food near her hiding place to tempt her to eat and I would leave her be. Make sure food is left out all night, as she will likely come out at night to eat. She will adjust to her new home, it takes some time and patience. I love that your adopted a senior cat! Older pets have so much to offer, but are too often overlooked. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 4th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. From your description, it sounds like Poppet is just getting comfortable with her environment. New environments / surroundings can be quite stressful for animals. This may take some time but I see that she is eating some food, so hopefully this will change. I would continue to provide plenty of food and water for her and give her a nice quiet place to hide. Feliway products may help calm her and make her more comfortable as well. Feliway products can be found online quite easily or at your local pet store. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further! Please remember to rate this answer as helpful or not. Thank you!

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