Let’s discuss the reasons for your new cat hiding and not eating…
Are you a proud new cat parent struggling to get your furry friend to come out of hiding and eat?
Don’t worry, it’s a common concern among new pet owners. Your new cat is likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure in their new environment.
In this post, we’ll explore some possible reasons why your cat is hiding and not eating, as well as some tips to help them feel more comfortable and confident in their new home.
Let’s get started!
Why Is My New Cat Hiding And Not Eating
It is common for a new cat to hide and not eat in the initial days after arriving in a new environment, this is due to stress, fear, or anxiety of the new environment.
Keep in mind that cats are creatures of habit, and they need time to adjust to new surroundings.
Signs of stress from this can include decreased appetite, decreased grooming, hiding, and lack of interest in playing or interacting.
Additionally, the stress of the move to a new home can cause a cat to stop eating for a short period of time.
It is important to create a safe and comfortable space for the cat and to provide them with food, water, and a litter box in a quiet and secluded area.
Give your cat time and patience and do not force them to come out of hiding, but try to interact with them at their own pace.
If your cat continues to hide and not eat for several days, it is best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Reasons For Your New Cat Hiding And Not Eating
The following are some of the most common reasons for your new cat hiding and not eating:
1. Environmental Changes
Cats might be sensitive to environmental changes such as new furniture or rearranged rooms.
If you’ve recently made changes to your house, your cat may be feeling worried or overwhelmed.
Provide a constant schedule and familiar things, such as your cat’s favorite toys or bedding, to help them acclimate.
You may also try to reduce the amount of change in your house by introducing new products or furnishings gradually.
2. Fear and Anxiety
Cats are creatures of habit, and being in a new environment can be uncomfortable.
If your cat is hiding and not eating, this might indicate that they are frightened or terrified.
Create a calm and peaceful spot for your cat to retire to make them feel more at ease.
This might be a comfortable cat bed, a covered cat carrier, or a quiet area of the room.
You may also try using a pheromone spray, such as Feliway, to help calm your cat down.
3. Shyness and Timidity
Some cats are inherently shy and timid, especially if they haven’t had much human interaction.
In these situations, your cat may hide and avoid contact with you.
Be patient and compassionate with your cat to make them feel more at ease.
Allow lots of room for them and avoid making abrupt moves or loud noises.
You may also use treats or toys to get your cat to come out of hiding and interact with you.
4. Stress and Trauma
If your cat has been through a traumatic incident, such as being abandoned or abused, the cat may be more likely to hide and refuse to eat.
Provide plenty of affection and attention to your cat to make him feel more safe.
You might also try a soothing substance like CBD oil or chamomile tea.
If your cat’s behavior does not improve with time, you should seek advice from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
Learn more about signs of trauma in cats.
5. Change in Diet
Cats are finicky eaters, and a drastic change in diet might cause them to refuse food.
If you’ve just changed your cat’s food, consider gently transitioning them to the new diet by combining the old and new food.
This will assist your cat in acclimating to the new flavor and texture of the food.
To make your cat’s kibble more appealing, consider adding a little bit of wet food or tuna juice.
6. Litter Box Issues
If your cat is hiding and not eating, it might be an indication that they are experiencing litter box issues.
Make sure the litter box is clean and easy to access.
You could also wish to experiment with a different type of litter or litter box.
Some cats prefer covered litter boxes, while others prefer uncovered ones.
You may also try shifting the litter box to a different part of the room to see if it makes a difference.
Learn more about cat behavior problems and cat health concerns.
7. Overstimulation
Cats can become overstimulated if exposed to excessive activity or noise.
As a result, they may hide and avoid feeding.
Provide a calm and peaceful atmosphere for your cat to avoid overstimulation.
This might offer a soft lighting, calming music, and a cozy bed or cat tree.
You may also attempt to restrict the amount of activity in the room and give a calm and private spot for your cat to retire to.
8. Dental problems
Dental issues in cats can include tooth decay, gum disease, and uncomfortable teeth.
These difficulties might make eating difficult and lead individuals to lose their appetite.
To assist maintain your cat’s oral health, take them to the vet for regular dental check-ups and give them high-quality dental treats and toys.
9. Intestinal parasites
Worms and fleas can cause a cat to lose their appetite and become sluggish.
Maintain your cat’s parasite prevention medication and take them to the vet for frequent check-ups.
If you believe your cat has parasites, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Learn more about the signs your cat is sick.
10. Hunger strike
When agitated or frightened, some new cats may refuse to eat.
If your new cat looks to be eating and drinking properly and is generally healthy, the cat may just be on a hunger strike.
Provide a range of high-quality wet and dry cat meals and try out different feeding schedules to see what works best for your new cat.
To persuade your new cat to eat, you may also use a food topper or broth.
11. Territory Issues
Cats are territorial animals, and introducing a new cat into the family might lead to conflict.
If you’ve recently added a new cat, make sure they have lots of room and separate food locations to avoid competition and violence.
You may also use pheromone sprays or diffusers to assist both cats relax.
To avoid cat tension and aggressiveness, introduce the cats carefully and gradually.
12. New smells
Cats are extremely sensitive to scents, and moving into a new house can be stressful for them.
Use fragrance swapping strategies to assist your cat grow acquainted with different odors in their surroundings.
This can entail exchanging bedding, toys, and even clothing with your cat.
You may also use pheromone sprays or diffusers to make your cat feel more at ease.
Learn more about some common weird cat behaviors.
How to help a new cat that is hiding and not eating
Introducing a new cat to your home can be stressful for both you and the cat, and it’s not uncommon for the cat to hide and not eat during the adjustment period.
Here are some common ways to help a new cat that is hiding and not eating:
- Start with a small, quiet room: When you first bring your new cat home, start by keeping them in a small, quiet room with all of their essentials (litter box, food, water, toys). This will give them a chance to adjust to their new environment without becoming overwhelmed.
- Let them hide: It’s natural for new cats to hide when they’re feeling scared or overwhelmed. Provide them with a hiding spot, such as a closet or under a piece of furniture, so they feel safe.
- Provide food and water: Make sure your new cat has access to fresh food and water at all times. If they’re not eating, try different types of food or adding some wet food to their diet.
- Give them time: It can take some cats several days or even weeks to adjust to a new home. Don’t force them to come out of hiding or interact with you if they’re not ready.
- Offer treats: Try offering your cat some treats or a little bit of canned food to entice them to eat.
- Try interactive play: Interactive play can help your new cat feel more comfortable in their new home. Use a feather toy or laser pointer to engage them in playtime.
- Spend time with them: Spend time sitting quietly with your cat in their hiding spot. Read a book or watch TV while they get used to your presence.
- Use Feliway: Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that can help calm cats and reduce stress. It comes in a spray or diffuser and can be purchased at most pet stores.
- Consult a veterinarian: If your new cat is still not eating or seems excessively stressed, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend medication or other treatments to help your cat adjust.
FAQs
My new cat is hiding all the time, what should I do?
It’s common for cats to hide when they are in a new environment.
Give your cat some time to adjust and explore their new surroundings.
Provide them with a safe, quiet space to retreat to and make sure they have access to food, water, and a litter box nearby.
Learn more about how to know if your cat trust you.
My new cat is not eating, what should I do?
If your cat has not eaten in more than 24 hours, it’s important to seek veterinary care.
However, it’s also common for cats to be hesitant to eat in a new environment.
Try offering a variety of wet and dry foods at different times throughout the day, and make sure the food is easily accessible and in a quiet location.
How can I help my new cat feel more comfortable and less scared?
Cats feel more comfortable in environments with familiar scents, so try to make your cat’s new environment smell like you or their previous home.
You can do this by placing their bed or blankets in areas where you spend a lot of time, or by using a pheromone spray designed to help cats relax.
Learn more about why cats meow excessively.
Should I try to coax my new cat out of hiding or just leave them alone?
It’s best to let your cat decide when they are ready to come out of hiding.
Trying to coax them out may make them more anxious and scared.
Instead, provide them with a safe, quiet space to retreat to and let them approach you on their own.
How long will it take for my new cat to adjust to their new home?
Every cat is different, but it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for a cat to adjust to their new home. Be patient and allow your cat to adjust at their own pace.
Should I be worried if my new cat is still hiding after a few weeks?
If your cat is still hiding after a few weeks, it may be a sign that they are experiencing ongoing stress or anxiety.
Consider consulting with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for guidance on helping your cat feel more comfortable and secure in their new home.
Learn more about common adopted stray cat behaviors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when you bring a new cat home, it’s not uncommon for them to become scared and hide for a while.
However, if your new cat is also not eating, it could be a sign of stress or illness.
Make sure to give your new feline friend plenty of time and space to adjust, but also monitor their behavior closely.
If they continue to hide and refuse to eat, consider reaching out to your veterinarian for advice on how to help your kitty feel more comfortable and at home.
Remember, every cat is unique and deserves patience, love, and understanding as they acclimate to their new environment.
