I just got a 6 month old female yesterday and have spent the last 24 hours introducing her to her new home. For about the 1st 10-12 hours she either just hid in a corner or gingerly explored the apartment. Since I was new to her as well, it took her about that long until she started to feel safe with me and show affection. Now, over a day later she seems to have settled well into her new surroundings, having explored the apartment in earnest and with considerable energy. She also seems very comfortable with me by now so that part of the introduction seems to have gone well.
We took another big step a few hours ago when she found the litter box and used it for the first time. The only concern I have left is that she hasn't shown any interest in eating or drinking water yet. I've placed her food dish and water in front of her several times so it's not a matter of her not knowing where to find it. She just seems totally disinterested in that part of her adjustment so far and hasn't even shown any interest in cat treats. As near as I can tell, it's been about a day and a half since she last ate or had any water but it doesn't seem to be bothering her one bit. She is now relaxing happily and contentedly on a comfortable spot on a window sill I have fixed up for her, after having spent what was almost certainly a very stressful night getting used to her new digs.
It's possible that she has been sneaking some food/water that I'm not aware of it but it her dish seems undisturbed as near as I can tell. Also, have been very near her most of the day and would have probably noticed if she had been eating anything. Another problem may be that I was unable to get her the same food that she had been eating prior to now so the food she has available to her now (Meow Mix) is different than the food she has been accustomed to eating. I do know that she has eaten Meow Mix in the past however. The Meow Mix will not be her permanent food. I just picked it up so that she would have something decent to eat until I could decide on the best permanent diet for her and obtain that food as soon as possible.
Can anyone give me any advice on what to do in this situation? How long should I give a cat to adjust to her new surroundings and new family before I become concerned about her not eating? This seems to be the only part of her introduction to a new home that she hasn't gotten over the hump on yet. Thanks for any advice.
We took another big step a few hours ago when she found the litter box and used it for the first time. The only concern I have left is that she hasn't shown any interest in eating or drinking water yet. I've placed her food dish and water in front of her several times so it's not a matter of her not knowing where to find it. She just seems totally disinterested in that part of her adjustment so far and hasn't even shown any interest in cat treats. As near as I can tell, it's been about a day and a half since she last ate or had any water but it doesn't seem to be bothering her one bit. She is now relaxing happily and contentedly on a comfortable spot on a window sill I have fixed up for her, after having spent what was almost certainly a very stressful night getting used to her new digs.
It's possible that she has been sneaking some food/water that I'm not aware of it but it her dish seems undisturbed as near as I can tell. Also, have been very near her most of the day and would have probably noticed if she had been eating anything. Another problem may be that I was unable to get her the same food that she had been eating prior to now so the food she has available to her now (Meow Mix) is different than the food she has been accustomed to eating. I do know that she has eaten Meow Mix in the past however. The Meow Mix will not be her permanent food. I just picked it up so that she would have something decent to eat until I could decide on the best permanent diet for her and obtain that food as soon as possible.
Can anyone give me any advice on what to do in this situation? How long should I give a cat to adjust to her new surroundings and new family before I become concerned about her not eating? This seems to be the only part of her introduction to a new home that she hasn't gotten over the hump on yet. Thanks for any advice.