My senior cat won't eat or pee after moving with a dog. Help!

Question

I just moved into an apartment with my 16 year old cat. The apartment has a dog he is unfamiliar with. He hasn’t eaten or gone pee since I moved him in 24 hours. Is there anything I can do for him? He just keeps hiding. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 15 years and 11 months old | 15 lbs

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

I hate to hear that Figgy is so stressed out. I'm not sure what set up you have but for now, all of Figgy's things (food, water, litter box) should all be easily accessible to him. Even put the food and water where ever he is (ie under the bed). You might also try putting him in the litter box. For now, keep the door shut where he is hiding and set up. Do this until Figgy is comfortable about coming out. Keep the environment quiet. Keep the dog away from Figgy's area. Once he is comfortable, you can begin to leave the door open though I would keep a baby gate up and continue to keep the dog out until Figgy becomes comfortable. You can also try using an uncovered litter box (Figgy might be afraid he could be trapped in the box). There are also a few other things that might help. Try enriching the environment. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for play time and/or switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. Provide a stand or resting place by a window so he can look outside. You may also try clicker training him for positive behavior. Here is a link about training cats: https://www.petcoach.co/article/can-i-train-my-cat/ Most cats response best to combination therapy. If he has not eaten, drank or used the bathroom by tomorrow, he needs to go to the veterinarian. For the stress/anxiety, the veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

My senior cat won't eat or pee after moving with a dog. Help!

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