My new cat won't eat after adoption. Is he sick or just stressed?

Question

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. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 14 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

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.

My new cat won't eat after adoption. Is he sick or just stressed?

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