My new cat won't eat after adoption. Is he sick or just stressed?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 14 lbs
I recently adopted a cat from a shelter and just introduced him to my apartment. I have closed him off into one room to help his adjustment period and have made food and water available to him. I adopted him two days ago and he hasn't eaten anything since I brought him home. How do I get him to eat? Is there something that could be wrong with him? He is 3 years old and weighs 14 pounds.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 27th, 2018
I think he is likely stressed and unsure of his new surroundings. I suggest you get a Feliway diffuser to put in the room with him. It is a wall plug-in that emits pheromones to relieve stress in cats and calm them. It really works wonders in the majority of cats. You can buy these online or at any large pet store like Petco. Be sure that room he is in is very calm and quiet. ( https://www.feliway.com/us/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSIC-Diffuser ) Also, you may need to try a different food or a different form of food. I suggest putting out multiple options for him like 2 different varieties of dry food and 2 different types of wet food (one pate type and one chunky) to which he prefers and go from there. You can always call the shelter and ask what they were feeding him although they may not know. I suggest trying a "light" or reduced calorie food as at 14 pounds he is a bit overweight. We like to keep cats at 12 pounds or less to prevent diseases like diabetes, orthopedic issues and heart disease. If he does start eating in the next 24 hours then I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 19th, 2020
Poor guy. He is likely just stressed from the move. I would try to stick with one food here moving forward to see if you can entice him to eat. My newly introduced cat also went on food strike for 4 days, so this isn't terribly unusual for cats unfortunately, but it is quite nerve racking. I would suggest getting a Feliway diffuser to help calm Tippy down and help him during this transition period. Also Zylkene supplements are a great anti-anxiety medication for cats that is available without a prescription. You can find these online through Chewy or Amazon. I hope that Tippy adjusts soon to his new home and starts to eat well. If you notice any alarming signs of illness (trying to urinate and straining, increased vocalization while in the litterbox, or vomiting), then it is best to get him evaluated by your vet. If he otherwise seems fine, then it is ok to try the suggestions above to help him adapt to his new home quicker. Best of luck moving forward. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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