Have adopted older cat, have 3 others

[Piparskeggr]

G'day all;

My wife and I have taken in a 10 year old kitty (Teah) whose people have lost their house due to foreclosure.  We got her yesterday (6/2/09) afternoon and she is currently hiding in the corner of our master bath, behind the stool.

We know its a scary thing for her; losing the only family she's known and having been a lone kitty.

We have 3 other cats, Kessie (9), Hildie (8) and Chessie (7), who are curious, but not forceful in confronting new kitty.

How long before we should be concerned that she may not be eating or drinking?

I know that less than a full day isn't do long, but we're softies for kitties ,-)

Thanks in advance!

[Piparskeggr]

Hey all;

My wife talked to Teia's (a diminutive of Theresa) former "mom" today.

Apparently Teia was a feral kitten who came in from the cold. She dens up during the day and patrols at night when everyone else is asleep; including eating and using the litter box (which she is doing).

She is very shy around people, including the people she trusts, and doesn't really like other cats, which should be okay as the other girls do not seem interested in confronting her.

She's also healthy, last checkup was recent and everything was fine.

We may be able to get her a little more friendly, as we have no children like her previous home (all of whom are sub-teen).

We talked to our vet about her, he said she probably is eating at night, just put a small portion out and monitor it in the morning.  Previous vet is forwarding her records to ours.

My wife found out that getting Teia back into a carrier will be a two-person job.  Luckily she chose to wear leather gloves when trying to get kitty in her carrier; the bite still left a nice bruise on the side of her hand.

Ah well, never thought it wold be real easy 8-)

Thanks again - Steven

[zodiacqueen]

I am so glad to hear that she's starting to eat and drink!!!  I Hope that her good progress continues!

My fingers are crossed too!  =D

[Piparskeggr]

When I checked this morning, there was a definite empty spot in the middle of the food bowl and my wife said she refilled Teia's water bowl.  Prior guardian said kitty only seems to like dry food, and sometimes, popcorn.  We'll gradually try new food items.

I left the bathroom door open Thursday night and Teia has now taken up residence under the bed in our guestroom.  She has her own food, water and litter box in there, which did need a little scooping this morning.  So she's in a bit more comfortable surroundings than the bathroom.

Now, to work on building trust.

Blessings of the day - Steven

[zodiacqueen]

Well, that is great news that she's eating and drinking!!!  =D

I think that she will be fine with a little more time.  It'll take a while for her to get used to your other cats and both you and your wife.  It'll take lots of patience!

I am wishing all of you well!

[Piparskeggr]

Good evening;

I have uploaded a photo I took of Teia, feeling secure in her under bed apartment.  Her previous people said the pink blankie is her favorite, so they sent it with her.

Thanks again!

Steven

[zodiacqueen]

I will check out the pic!  =D  I hope that she's eating and drinking more now!  Is she?

I think that it's great that the owners sent her w/ her favorite blankie.  That'll ease up her transition into your home.  It's also a good idea to leave something from home with them if they have to stay over night at the vets.  That's what I do!  It gives them security.

Hope things continue to improve over the next couple of weeks!

Thanks for the update!