Korean Job Discussion Forums

[susmin]

I have just returned to the U.S. after teaching for 5 years in Korea. My cat of 2 years came with me. I know travelling was trauamtic for him, and now he lives in a much bigger house with another cat who hates him. As a result, he is not eating and has not for 4 days. Has anyone had the same experience? Any suggestions on how to handle it before going to the vet?

[Ryst Helmut]

Susmin,

Though not the exact same thing, I recently adopted 2 twelve/thirteen year old cats. One dealt with the move well...not phased a bit. The other has always been a bit skiddish.

The skiddish one (Shadow) ran straight under my bed and stayed there. I tried to coax her out, but.....

I talked to the previous owner and she said that Shadow did the same to her 10 years earlier.

I was told (and did) wait 5 days and starvation will kick in. It was really hard to do that (knowingly starve a cat, but it worked.

All is well now, and all my cats and dogs are coping well.

Have you checked any feline websites out? Like a vet.com site?


Good luck.

!shoosh

Ryst

[canuckistan]

No worries. I've brought cats with me all over the world. Some do get freaked out at the change of venue but they always come around. Cats are group animals, eventually your 2 will end up hanging together

[komtengi]

If cats dont eat for 2 days, take them to a vet... may want to get an iv into them

[casey's moon]

http://www.pets.ca/forum/index.php

great bulletin for pet related issues.

Also, I agree with Komtengi -- please don't wait too long before taking your kitty in to the vet.

[hojucandy]

well - i am a vet, and a natural therapist and i agree that you should not let this go on too long. the vet can give your cat some appetite stimulant or fluids if necessary.

do you have any things that are familiar to your cat that you had in korea? make a little familiar zone in a quiet part of your house for him.

also - go to a shop that sells natural remedies and get some bach flower essence "walnut". it will help your cat to make the transition to a new place. "rescue remedy" is also great stuff for any stressful situation. i would suggest using both. folllow the instructions on the bottle

[susmin]

My kitty went to the vet and is staying there over the holiday weekend. He was dehydrated so they gave him an IV. They called this afternoon to say he finally started eating after an appetite stimulant. He has a little kidney trouble but they say he should be fine after he eats some more. Thanks for the advice.

[Saunagukin]

I'm glad kitty is ok. I'm adding my 2 cents about kitties not eating. My vet said that if kitties don't eat for 2 days they can get very serious kidney problems(as yours did).

Mine had to be in the hospital for a week and nearly didn't make it. Be very careful if they stop eating.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

If the cat is too stupid to eat you're wasting your money at the vet.

[hojucandy]

cat was too traimatised to eat, not stupid... it is common after a big move

[casey's moon]