new cat toilet problem

by Moxie's house mate
(Scotland)

I rehomed a three year old cat yesterday. She is in a little room on her own with bed, food and litter tray filled with litter. All this is to keep her away from the dog, as she has no previous experience of dogs and is quite timid. After 36 hours, she has not yet used the litter tray, despite eating two packets of wet food and some dry and drinking some water. Last night she used the hooded litter tray as a bed, but I removed the lid this morning and she has transferred her bed to the covered cat box. Most of the food was eaten overnight Is it normal for her not to have "used the bathroom" yet? I have checked all the corners of the room, and cannot find any signs of her making alternative toilet arrangements. Can someone help me please?

RESPONSE:

A new cat should always go to the vet for a check-up. You just never know. And, are you SURE she hasn't gone anywhere? If she can't urinate or is constipated, she would not be eating or you would see signs of straining to go. She would be listless and uninterested in her surroundings. Our rule of thumb is when in doubt, go to the vet. Better to be reassured that everything is fine than realizing you should have gone days ago! Also, she may not be used to a hooded litter box. Try removing the lid for now.

Donna
House Full Cats Mom

UPDATE:

Thank you for the advice. Glad to report she has now used the litter tray, sometime during the night on Friday. It is now all systems go! But that took over 36 hours for her to use it. The cat shelter she came from had her at the vet the day before I collected her and I will be taking her to my own vet Monday or Tuesday for a once over.

RESPONSE:

Glad to hear everything is a "go". Be sure to check her room well in case there are any "surprises". Cats are very patient and sensitive creatures and nothing they do surprises us any more! Good luck with her!

Donna
House Full Cats Mom