What to do if your cat doesn't eat or drink when it arrives at a new home

For cats that refuse to eat or drink when they arrive at a new home, owners can:

Prepare a quiet space for the cat
Ensure ample supply of water and food
Spend more time playing with the cat

1. Prepare a quiet space:

Cats may refuse to eat or drink due to a strong stress response or timid personality. Owners can first place the cat in a quiet, dimly lit area with obstacles, allowing it to adapt to the environment. Additionally, placing familiar items from the cat's previous life, such as cat bowls, litter boxes, and toys, in its living environment can help reduce fear and restore appetite.

2. Ensure ample supply of water and food:

After setting up a quiet space for the cat, owners should provide plenty of water and food within that environment. It's best to feed the cat with the same brand of cat food it used to eat, and not to switch diets immediately to avoid potential diarrhea. Probiotics can be added to the water or food to maintain gut health. Remember not to force the cat to eat food; usually, it will eat when it gets hungry.

3. Spend more time playing:

Once the cat becomes accustomed to its new environment, owners can use a cat toy or feather wand to play with it and engage in conversation. This helps foster a deeper bond between the owner and the cat, allowing the cat to gradually let down its guard around its new human.

Important note:

If your cat hasn't eaten or drank anything for more than 12 hours after arriving at the new home, it's essential to take it to a veterinarian for a checkup. If necessary, a detection paper can be used to rule out infectious diseases and receive timely treatment. Generally, cats can adapt to a new environment within 3-7 days.