When a new cat arrives home, it's common for the resident cat to stop eating and drinking. This behavior often stems from a desire to compete for your attention, a form of feline jealousy. It's crucial for pet owners to reassure their older cat during this time.
This behavior of the old cat not eating is a normal reaction of competing for your attention, and sometimes it can even lead to fights between the two cats. The pet owner needs to comfort the old cat, such as giving it some of its favorite treats. It's important not to ignore the new cat either. If you plan to have two cats, it is recommended to choose cats of different sexes. This is because when they are in heat, they may fight over attention of the opposite sex.
How Long Does Stress-Induced Food Refusal in Cats Last?
Stress-induced food refusal in cats generally improves within 2-3 days. However, if the cat's stress reaction is severe, the refusal to eat can last longer. In such cases, pet owners may need to manually feed the cat. Prolonged fasting can easily lead to serious health issues like hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Furthermore, stress can trigger vomiting and diarrhea, and if you notice any of these abnormalities, you should take your cat to a veterinary clinic for medical treatment immediately. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully monitor the older cat’s eating habits and overall health after the introduction of a new pet. The stress of the new cat can cause the old cat to have a significant change in behavior, and addressing these issues early on is key to a happy multi-cat household.
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