Coping with Feline Homesickness: Tips for New Home Adap
Cats that refuse to eat often do so due to a combination of health issues and environmental factors:
Common diseases that can lead to anorexia include dental problems such as gingivitis and mouth ulcers, digestive disorders characterized by halitosis and bloating, and hairballs that can block the digestive tract. Injuries to cats can also cause a loss of appetite.
Environmental factors may include stress responses, food bowls and food that do not suit the cat's taste, the cat being in heat, or older cats feeling lonely and emotionally unwell.
In this particular case, the cat's refusal to eat is due to the stress of moving to a new environment.
Cats often exhibit fear in unfamiliar or new settings, and their reactions can vary depending on their personality and breed. Common issues when a cat moves into a new home include hiding in a corner, constant meowing, avoiding human contact, or even biting if the reaction is particularly intense. Some cats may not show these signs, and generally, those with a strong adaptability can adjust within about two weeks, while those with less adaptability might take a month or even longer.
What should pet owners do in such situations?
1. Provide a comfortable sleeping area for the cat. A closed or semiclosed cat bed is ideal, as cats prefer private spaces that offer security. Place familiar items in the bed first, and if the cat retreats, avoid forcing it out. Allow the cat to acclimate at its own pace.
2. Feed the cat easily digestible food. Cats often have little appetite when they first arrive in a new environment due to stress. During this time, offer the cat easytodigest foods like fish broth, goat's milk powder, meat porridge, or beef bone soup. If the cat seems uninterested in eating or drinking, do not remove the food, as it may eat it when you're not looking. Observe the cat's bowel movements; if diarrhea occurs, consider a halfday or fullday fast and administer probiotics to soothe the stomach.
It's important to note that kittens should not eat adult cat food, as their digestive systems are delicate. Avoid giving cats human food, except for plain cooked chicken, beef, goat's milk, or steamed fish. For cats that don't drink much water, increasing the frequency of canned food can help.
3. Offer reassurance to the cat. Speak to your cat, as it may not understand the words, but it can sense your tone, pitch, and the gentle emotion in your voice. This can help reduce its tension. Avoid loud noises and spend more time with the cat, petting it gently, and even offering food by hand to help soothe its emotions.
4. Be mindful of potential hazards. Keep household items like insecticides and cleaning agents out of reach of the cat. If you need to use products with strong odors, it's best to move the cat to another area first.
With about two weeks of care, the cat can adapt to the new environment, and the underlying stress response will improve, leading to a gradual easing of tension.
