New Cat Hiding And Not Eating [Explained]

Are you worried about a new cat in your house who seems to be hiding and not eating?

It’s natural for cats to be a little shy and take some time to adjust to their new environment.

But if your cat is hiding and not eating for more than two days, it’s time to take action.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the possible causes of this behavior and what you can do to help your new cat feel more comfortable and to encourage healthy eating habits.

New Cat Hiding And Not Eating

It can be an indication of sadness if your recently adopted cat hides and refuses to eat.

It is typical for rehomed cats to exhibit no appetite, frequently for several days.

Stress, fear, or unfamiliarity with the new environment are the most frequent causes of a cat not eating.

Don’t forget to provide your cat with lots of food and drink, as well as a calm, secure environment.

Make sure to speak to them in a soothing, considerate manner and show them lots of love and care.

If your cat still does not eat after a few days, take them to the doctor to confirm they are healthy and rule out any underlying medical issues.

Let’s look at the possible reasons why new cats hide and refuse to eat…

Reasons why your new cat is hiding and not eating

Here are some common reasons why your new cat is hiding and not eating:

Overwhelming new environment

Cats might experience stress when they move to a new environment.

The unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells may make them feel frightened or overwhelmed.

Sometimes they might even miss their previous residence and the comfortable surroundings.

They might hide as a result and stop eating.

Make sure your new cat has a peaceful, cozy spot to retreat to in order to aid in their adjustment.

Provide them with recognizable objects like their favorite toys or bedding from their former residence.

Introduce your cat to the new space gradually, starting with a small space and increasing it as they get more at ease.

Previous Trauma

Cats with traumatic histories may be reluctant to emerge from hiding or to feed.

This can be the result of worry or anxiety brought on by their prior experiences. These cats require special consideration and tolerance.

Allowing them to approach you on their terms will help you avoid imposing interactions.

Working with a qualified animal behaviorist to assist your cat get over their worries and anxiety may be helpful in some situations.

Stress

Cats are sensitive to changes in their habit and the environment.

A cat may hide and refuse to eat in stressful situations like moving, welcoming a new pet or person into the house, or hearing loud noises.

Provide your cat with a serene and quiet atmosphere to help them feel less stressed.

To make your cat feel more at ease, you might also wish to try relaxing pheromone sprays or diffusers.

Shyness

Some cats are innately reserved and take longer to become used to strange persons and environments.

Before feeling secure enough to emerge, they might opt to conceal and investigate their new surroundings.

It’s critical to respect your cat’s limits and give them space to open out gradually.

Be patient and kind to your new cat because this could take a couple of days or even a few weeks.

Illness

When cats are sick, they could hide and stop eating.

This might be brought on by a number of conditions, such as infections, digestive disorders, or tooth difficulties.

To rule out any medical concerns, it’s crucial to take your cat to the doctor for a complete examination.

Your veterinarian can suggest a particular food or medicine that can make your cat feel better.

Change in routine

A cat may be reluctant to eat if its routine is changed, such as with a new feeding schedule.

Because they are creatures of habit, cats occasionally resist trying new things.

Try to maintain a schedule and give your cat their favorite foods to help them adjust.

To get your cat to eat, you might also want to try hand-feeding or using puzzle feeders.

Fear of other pets

If you already have pets in your home, your new cat can be scared of them and hide while refusing to eat.

It’s crucial to give your cat a secure area separate from other animals.

Using positive reinforcement strategies like treats and toys, you might also wish to gently expose your cat to other household pets.

Lack of appetite

Stress or environmental changes may cause some cats to lose their appetite.

Provide your cat modest, frequent servings of their favorite foods to get them to eat.

To make it more appetizing, you might also try warming their food or serving wet food.

Litter box issues

Your new cat could be reluctant to come out from hiding or eat if they are not using the litter box.

Make sure your cat can easily access the litter box and that it is clean.

To choose which litter or litter box suits your cat the best, you might also want to experiment with a few different options.

Learn more about how cats love to be petted.

How to help a new cat adjust to a new home

Here are some common ways to help a new cat adjust to a new home:

1. Give your cat some time to adjust: Cats can get stressed out when they move to a new setting, and it’s common for them to hide and skip meals for a few days. Don’t push your cat out of hiding; give them time to get used to their new habitat.
2. Provide a secure area: Provide your cat with a secure area where they can hide and feel protected, like a cardboard box or a covered cat bed. Your cat can withdraw to the safe zone in a peaceful environment when feeling overwhelmed.
3. Provide a range of food: To encourage your cat to eat, provide a range of wet and dry food alternatives as well as treats. Try different flavors and textures to determine whether your cat enjoys them; some cats may.
4. Utilize a peaceful feeding location: Make sure your cat has a calm, quiet feeding space that is free from distractions or loud noises. Your cat will feel more at ease while eating as a result.
5. Maintain a routine: Cats enjoy consistency, so try to feed your cat at the same time every day. This will help your cat develop a feeding schedule and feel safe.
6. Provide interactive toys: To get your cat out of hiding and playing, provide interactive toys like wand toys or puzzle feeders. This could make your cat feel more at ease in their new surroundings.
7. Create hiding places: Set up places around the house where your cat can hide out if they feel overstimulated, like cat trees or shelves.
8. Spend time with your cat: Spend time with your cat, converse with them in a soothing tone, and provide them with loving attention. This will make your cat feel safer and more at home in their new surroundings.
9. Employ pheromone sprays: Take into account using pheromone sprays or diffusers that emit relaxing aromas to aid in your cat’s comfort.
10. Contact a vet: If your cat continues to hide and refuses food for an extended period of time, seek advice from a vet to rule out any medical disorders or potential health issues. A vet can also offer suggestions on how to assist your cat in settling into a new residence.

Learn more about helping a new cat adjust to a new home.

Conclusion

When it comes to introducing a new cat to your home, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

While it is important to provide a safe, comfortable environment for your new pet, it is equally important to take the time to monitor your cat’s behavior and be aware of any changes that could indicate a health concern.

If your new cat is hiding and not eating, reach out to your veterinarian for advice and help on how to get them feeling better and more comfortable in their new home.