Common Post-Adoption Concerns

Common Post-Adoption Concerns

Not Eating

One of the most common concerns after adoption is a decreased appetite. This is especially common in adult cats and those who are shy or timid.

In the short term, not eating for 1–2 days is usually not harmful. Cats can safely skip a day or two without lasting effects. However, overweight cats and young kittens are at higher risk if they stop eating and should be monitored more closely.

To encourage eating:

• Bring food to them. Place food and water close to where your cat is resting or hiding so they don’t have to leave their safe space.
• Offer variety. Try canned and dry foods, as well as treats. Small amounts of plain cooked meat or fish (no seasoning, breading, lunchmeat, or fried foods), unflavored yogurt, meat baby food, small pieces of cheese, sardines packed in water, or a cooked egg may help stimulate interest.
• Use toppers. Sprinkle a probiotic powder such as FortiFlora on top of food to increase palatability.
• Warm the food. Slightly warming canned food or adding hot water can enhance smell and encourage eating.
• Support hydration. Liquid supplements such as HydraCare can help increase fluid intake during the transition period.

Contact your veterinarian if you cat has not eaten anything for 3 days after adoption.

Diarrhea/Soft Stool

Diarrhea, ranging from soft to fully liquid stools, is common after adoption and is often related to diet changes, schedule changes, or stress from a new environment. A small amount of fresh blood on the outside of a normal stool can also occur with stress.

If your cat has diarrhea but is eating well and acting normally, you can safely monitor at home for a few days.

Ease the Transition

Keep food consistent at first. Most cats at Simply Cats are accustomed to a combination of Nutrisource & Fancy Feast wet food and Nutrisource dry food. We recommend maintaining a similar feeding routine for the first week before making gradual changes.

If you’d like to transition your cat to a new diet, follow this plan during their second week:

• Days 1–3: 75% current food, 25% new food
• Days 4–7: 50% current food, 50% new food
• Days 8–14: 25% current food, 75% new food
• Days 15+: 100% new food

Maintain a predictable schedule. Feeding at consistent times each day helps reduce stress-related digestive upset.

Contact your veterinarian if:

• There is no gradual improvement.
• Your cat stops eating.
• Vomiting or lethargy develops.
• Diarrhea is completely liquid for more than 24 hours.

Upper Respiratory Symptoms

Cats from multi-cat environments, including shelters and stray situations, may carry upper respiratory viruses. Stress from adoption can cause symptoms to appear or reappear.

Common signs include sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, squinting, and congestion, similar to a cold in humans.

Most infections are viral and do not require antibiotics. If your cat is eating and comfortable, you can safely monitor from home. Most cats improve within a week.

Why appetite often decreases:

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell to stimulate appetite. When they are congested, food may not smell appealing, even if they are hungry. Supporting smell and hydration can make a significant difference.

Provide supportive care at home:

• Use a warm air humidifier in a small room for several hours to help loosen nasal secretions and ease congestion.
• Warm canned food slightly and/or add water from canned tuna or sardines (packed in water only) to enhance the aroma.
• Support hydration by adding warm water to the food or using liquid supplements such as HydraCare.

Contact your veterinarian if:

• Your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours.
• Congestion is severe.
• Symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• You suspect a fever (rectal temperature over 103°F).

*Never give human medications to your cat. These are very toxic and should not be used, even in very small doses.