I just rescued a 8 year old lab yesterday. Now my 5 year old cat won't eat. What should I do?? ?

Question

I have them in separate rooms, but am very worried about my cat. He did eat a little bit today, but nothing like he usually does. He is an indoor cat. I read that if they don't eat, they can get serious illnesses. How long will this last? Any advice? Thanks so much!

Answer 1

It is likely that introducing a new member to the family is causing stress to your cat, has your cat had dogs in the house before? has your cat had a history of illness, these factors are important

Answer 2

Thanks for rescuing!

Cats can be grumpy about change, they like their world to stay as is...unless they change it of course, lol.

Continue to keep them separate and provide some really good food that your cat really likes, you have to keep them eating.  It is true that not eating can quickly compromise a cat, they dont' store fat like a dog (or us).

You can put up puppy gates to give your cat a place to leap into if he likes, that might give him more feeling of safety until he gets used to the dog.  Some cats never really enjoy dogs, some avoid, some just dislike and some really adore them.  Normally, you can find a way to have them coexist if you are patient and creative.

Try a little boiled chicken or ground beef to get him going, or try one of the stinkier canned food types.  

Answer 3

it shouldn't last very long

he's probably just nervous cause of the new dog

Answer 4

VET :B

Answer 5

Keep the cat and dog food separate for a little while. Even put the cat food up on the counter so he can eat in peace away from the dog. Your cat will get used to the dog, might take a month, or a few weeks, but if he is not hiding and is coming out to eat at all, that is a good sign. Some cats will go into hiding for a few days with a new pet in the home, so yours is doing ok compared to some. Your cat will be fine as far as not eating, cats that leave the home for a few days at a time come home and are starving while in heat etc, a few days of light eating will not affect your cat.

Answer 6

We need more people like you!  The poor dog wouldn't have lasted long in a shelter!  Good for you!!!

I wouldn't worry about the eating part.  If it continues through tomorrow, call the vet and ask if you should go in and see the vet.  

The cat is probably just a little jealous.  Go in and sit with kitty for a while- if you have a favorite book or a laptop, then you can read or use the computer in the room where kitty is and pet her while doing something.  You'll be bonding with her, making her feel better and getting something done!

Good luck with them and thank you for the rescuing of that lab!!!

Answer 7

Thanks for rescuing the lab! You've got a big heart. I would give your cat a couple of days to adjust. I've rescued a lot of animals and they eventrually  like each other. Trust me, your cat will calm down and eat. Just give it a little time.

Answer 8

i think that your cat might be just a tad jealous of your new lab , try playing with him/her and see if she will start to eat and feel better , if not take her to teh vet , = ) hope this helps  

Answer 9

play with both of them at the same time then maybe the cat won't feel left out so maybe he will eat.