We got a new cat Feb 25th who is female and said to be 3 years old. (She is on trial with us until march 29th)
My current cat Rusty is 10, going to be 11 in May. Both are spayed females.
I kept them separate for the first couple days and swapped scents and introduced them over the week by peeking under the door and then in full.
Rusty didnt like it the first few days of our new cat so I separated them again and switched rooms.
I tried them together again and Rusty didnt show signs of aggression and I allowed the new cat to stay out over night and things seemed fine between them.
They have been together for a week now with no aggression.
Rusty stopped eating Thursday march 7th. She refuses to eat treats, whereas she used to meow and get excited for them.
I feed both cats separately. Both get soft and hard food in the appropriate portions.
Rusty stopped eating kibble all together, and has only licked her wet food a few times. (Prior to this Rusty would eat normally with new cat around)
Thursday Rusty threw up but it was very minimal. Today (March 9th) she gagged and threw up an even smaller amount.
She is still drinking water and using the litter.
I've been keeping the new cat in my room at night so Rusty can sleep more peacefully. (New cat isnt quite adjusted to our sleeping routines).
If Rusty persists on not eating I'm hoping to make an appointment Monday with the vets, as they are closed this weekend.
Her not eating is stressing me the heck out because of past experiences with my other cat who passed away. And I feel helpless.
I'd like to think Rusty has stopped eating due to stress. But her being and older cat I want to get her checked up anyways.
I'm wondering if I should keep the cats separate and try to reintroduce them?
I'd feel awful bad if I had to return our new cat back to the shelter because things are not turning out right.
The new cat becomes restless in my room regardless of toys or playing with her. She is still needy as well and meows a lot for attention.
It's only been about two weeks and I am patient with her, but I am worried for Rusty.
I'd really know what to do until I see the vet.
Edit march 9th 2:26pm
Rusty used the litter and had diarrhea. She is still drinking but wont eat.
I'll try and get her in to see the vets as soon as we can on Monday.
Edit march 11th 4:41pm
We got back from the vets, we were given medication and are getting urine and blood tests done. We were also given new food with extra fiber as well.
The vet didnt say exactly what is wrong but said it could be a stomach virus that was going around the shelter before we brought home our new cat, and also stress.
Rusty has done better today, she actually meows for food and will go to her bowl to eat, albeit not very much.
Thank you everyone for the suggestions and concerns.
My current cat Rusty is 10, going to be 11 in May. Both are spayed females.
I kept them separate for the first couple days and swapped scents and introduced them over the week by peeking under the door and then in full.
Rusty didnt like it the first few days of our new cat so I separated them again and switched rooms.
I tried them together again and Rusty didnt show signs of aggression and I allowed the new cat to stay out over night and things seemed fine between them.
They have been together for a week now with no aggression.
Rusty stopped eating Thursday march 7th. She refuses to eat treats, whereas she used to meow and get excited for them.
I feed both cats separately. Both get soft and hard food in the appropriate portions.
Rusty stopped eating kibble all together, and has only licked her wet food a few times. (Prior to this Rusty would eat normally with new cat around)
Thursday Rusty threw up but it was very minimal. Today (March 9th) she gagged and threw up an even smaller amount.
She is still drinking water and using the litter.
I've been keeping the new cat in my room at night so Rusty can sleep more peacefully. (New cat isnt quite adjusted to our sleeping routines).
If Rusty persists on not eating I'm hoping to make an appointment Monday with the vets, as they are closed this weekend.
Her not eating is stressing me the heck out because of past experiences with my other cat who passed away. And I feel helpless.
I'd like to think Rusty has stopped eating due to stress. But her being and older cat I want to get her checked up anyways.
I'm wondering if I should keep the cats separate and try to reintroduce them?
I'd feel awful bad if I had to return our new cat back to the shelter because things are not turning out right.
The new cat becomes restless in my room regardless of toys or playing with her. She is still needy as well and meows a lot for attention.
It's only been about two weeks and I am patient with her, but I am worried for Rusty.
I'd really know what to do until I see the vet.
Edit march 9th 2:26pm
Rusty used the litter and had diarrhea. She is still drinking but wont eat.
I'll try and get her in to see the vets as soon as we can on Monday.
Edit march 11th 4:41pm
We got back from the vets, we were given medication and are getting urine and blood tests done. We were also given new food with extra fiber as well.
The vet didnt say exactly what is wrong but said it could be a stomach virus that was going around the shelter before we brought home our new cat, and also stress.
Rusty has done better today, she actually meows for food and will go to her bowl to eat, albeit not very much.
Thank you everyone for the suggestions and concerns.
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