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My cat won't eat, drink, or use litter after moving. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 8 lbs

Hi. I just moved into a new apartment and my cat won't eat, drink or use her litter and she won't stop crying. Is this normal? What do I do? thanks

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 13th, 2019

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is somewhat expected to some extent though it is important to make sure she is drinking water so she does not get dehydrated. I would encourage her to drink and you may get more than 1 litter box to encourage her to use it. If she does not improve within 2-3 days, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment in case there is something else going on. Best of luck!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 20th, 2019

    Hello. This sounds like very normal behavior for a stressed out kitty. If you have not done so, make sure her food, water & litter box are close to where she is hiding, even if this is not the normal place for the litter box. You can always move it to another location once she seems more comfortable & apt to explore her surroundings. Adding an appeasing pheromone spray or diffuser to the room might calm her a bit. Feliway can be purchased at just about all pet retailers or on-line. Hopefully, this will help. As long as she is eating, she will use the litter box. Waiting another day will not hurt her. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on July 27th, 2019

    Hi there. It's not unusual for a cat to hide and not be very interested in eating, drinking, or using the litter box for the first few days in a new place. So I would just make sure he has everything he needs nearby, and leave him alone in a quiet room. He'll venture out to eat and potty when he's ready.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 3rd, 2019

    I recommend to have Mercy examined by the veterinarian today. Not urinating or defecating for 3 days is highly unusual and can make them very very sick. Dehydration is also a huge concern if she is not drinking after 3 days. Mercy should be checked for any signs of illness, her bladder and colon palpated and assessed and she may need an anti-anxiety medication until she adjusts. You may provide a box for hiding and shut her in a bathroom with food/water and litter box to help her not feel so overwhelmed (after her health check by the veterinarian of course). I recommend to play it safe and have her examined.

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