Moving is a stressful experience for all family members. But unfortunately, our cats are usually the ones who suffer the most.
Cats might not eat after moving because they are stressed and anxious; the kitty will also refuse to eat, in case there is something that it doesn’t like about the new space. With a little TLC, your pet should be back to normal in a day or two.
Why Cat Won’t Eat After Moving?
There are a few reasons why a kitty can stop eating after moving to a new house:
- It is feeling stressed and anxious – the cat might start missing its old home and this can lead to the development of separation anxiety. Cats also experience stress when they are introduced to unfamiliar territory.
- The cat is unsure how to behave in the new space – your kitty might be confused and might not be understanding what’s going on.
- The pet doesn’t like something about its new surrounding – if moving includes getting a new food bowl, a new bed, and changing the little guy’s diet, then the chances are high that there would be at least one new thing that the fluffy ball won’t like.
Bear in mind that loss of appetite can also be an indication of an underlying health condition that has nothing to do with the moving process.
Read: Why Cat on Diet Won’t Stop Meowing?
Cat Won’t Drink Water After Moving
It is normal for a kitty to refuse to eat and drink for some time after moving. Simply give the little guy a couple of days to get used to the new home.
You can also get a cat fountain and try adding some meat-flavored water to the bowl to encourage the cat to drink.
New Cat Hasn’t Eaten in 4 Days
If a cat goes without food for over 24 hours that is already a reason for concern. In case you have tried to do everything you could to encourage the kitty to eat something, then it might be time to take the poor thing to the vet.
Even though not eating for a short period right after moving is, in general, okay for cats, the pet should not go on without food for too long. After a few days of starvation, felines can develop hepatic lipidosis.
Read: Why Does My Cat Smell Bad All of a Sudden?
Cat Panting After Moving House
Cats will pant if they are overheated, stressed, or anxious. Your kitty should return back to normal as soon as it had a chance to rest, relax, and cool down.
If the panting didn’t stop, then you can call your vet to ask for a piece of advice. Such things as calming pheromone diffusers for cats can work wonders in such a situation.
Cat Growling After Moving
The kitty has just lost its territory and it would have to now establish a new one. That is, of course, stressful and annoying.
Right after moving, the cat can growl and hiss out of fear, but that should stop as soon as the little guy gets a bit more comfortable in the new place.
How Do Cats React to Moving?
Cats have different personalities and every single one can react differently to moving. With that being said, changing houses is always a stressful experience and you should try to make it as easy as possible for the cat.
It is normal for kitties to stop eating, drinking, and using the litter box once they move. They might also appear angry and can even try to run away to return back home.
Read: Why Does My Cat Grunt When I Pet Him?
Can a Cat Get Sick from Moving?
The kitty might start feeling sick because of the stress.
If the cat hasn’t been eating well after moving, then this could be a reason for issues with its health as well.
Does Moving Traumatize Cats?
Kitties are extremely sensitive to anything ‘new’, to a point that some fluffy balls can become traumatized by the whole moving experience.
That’s why you should try to make sure that the process is as stress-free as possible and relocate only if it’s 100% necessary.
Read: Why Does My Cat Hiss at Me When I Pick Her Up?
Is My Cat Depressed After Moving?
Cats can become depressed. In a lot of cases, that is only a temporary behavior and your kitty will soon return to normal.
Here are a few signs that will help you tell if your cat is depressed:
- Not eating
- Poor grooming
- Excessive scratching
- Changes in bathroom habits
- Changes in personality
- Aggression or fear
- Changes in vocalizations
- Body language (ears held back, hair standing on end, tail tucked, etc.)
How Long Does It Take a Cat to Adjust After Moving?
How long the cat is going to need to adapt to the change will fully depend on the little guy’s personality.
In the majority of cases, it takes cats between 2 days and 1 week to get used to a new home.
How Do Cats Adjust to a New Place?
Cats will take their time to explore the new territory. Before letting the kitty out of the carrier, make sure that the new home is as safe as possible (for example, there is no unfinished space behind the cupboards).
Be careful as cats can try to run away to return to their old home, that’s why the kitty should be kept indoors for at least 2 weeks before it is allowed to roam outside.
How Can I Make My Cat Feel Better After Moving?
A lot of experts recommend preparing a ‘safe room’ for your cat after moving.
- Put a few empty boxes in the room for hiding and playing
- Place some of your clothing in the room (the cat is going to like the familiar scent)
- Place the litter box, cat bed, bowls, and toys in the room
How Do I Get My Cat to Eat After Moving?
- Try placing bowls in different locations
- Experiment with the type of bowl
- You can try warming up the kitty’s food to increase its appetite
- Try out special feeders that engage the pet’s natural instincts
- Hand feed the cat if nothing helps
Read: Why Does My Cat Nibble My Fingers?
How Can I Force My Cat to Eat?
You shouldn’t really force-feed your cat as it’s a stressful experience for the little guy. If the cat hasn’t been eating for a couple of days, then take it to the vet.
What Do You Feed a Cat That Won’t Eat?
You can try some canned, wet food (the stinkier the better). Adding some low-sodium chicken broth to the kitty’s food can also help.
How Long Can a Cat Go Without Eating?
In theory, cats can survive for 7-14 days without food. But that’s only if they have a water supply.
Will a Cat Starve Itself If It Doesn’t Like Its Food?
Kitties can actually starve themselves if they dislike the food that they are offered. So, you should never assume that your pet will start eating what you’re giving it as soon as the fluffy ball becomes hungry enough.
Why Is My Cat Not Eating?
If the cat is stressed or anxious, it might stop eating. This usually happens, if there was a change in the kitty’s life (for example, you recently moved to another house).
However, there are other things that can make the kitty refuse to eat:
- Issues with the food (there is something about the flavor, texture, or shape of the food that the kitty doesn’t like)
Health issues (respiratory diseases, digestive system diseases, dental issues, foreign bodies in the stomach and intestines – any of these conditions might be to blame)
