Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I picked up a stray cat and she is not using the bathroom at all. will she ever try to use the litter box?
what do I have to do? I am afraid that she will be sick holding her urine and bowels.

ANSWER: Tiffany,

First make SURE that she IS a stray and not someone's lost pet. Someone may be heartsick about losing the cat. Strays don't usually let you pick them up right away.

She may have gotten out someones door on Halloween when the door was opening frequently, someone may have moved into the neighborhood and the cat escaped and got lost or is trying to find it's way to the old home, or she may have been in heat and wandered off.

True, someone may have moved and left behind the cat, but for my own conscience I would put up signs around the neighborhood and in the windows were people shop and get gas locally. I would also call the SPCA and Animal Control and report that you found the cat in case someone is looking for it. Maybe even put an ad in the paper.

If the cat is not going to the bathroom yet, she may be too stressed and nervous. Put her in a quiet room with some canned food, water, and litterbox. Leave her there for half a day to let her relax.

If she STILL doesn't go, she may be constipated or impacted, and should be examined by a vet.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am sorry Tabbi,I may have confused you a little bit.
The cat that I picked up is not a stray cat she is a street cat, she has been on my block for 4 months and I fed her everyday along with others but she is very small cat maybe even a kitten and she has one eye due to cruel ppl in the neighborhood. thank you for answering my question. I will try to do exactly what you suggested.

Answer
Tiffany,

I hope by now she has gone to the bathroom. Cats can hold it for quite a while when they are scared and nervous.

Milk isn't good for a cat because it can be hard on the digestive system and give them diarrhea, but in this case it may help. Also put a small amount of butter or mayonnaise down her front legs. She will instinctively lick it off. That is also good for 'oiling' her system. It is good to do periodically anyway to prevent hairballs (or to keep them busy when you are trying to eat...smile).

She is probably nervous of her strange environment if you have her inside. Having a kitty friend with her sometimes will help.

She is lucky to have you to care for her. There are SO many cats and kittens dying everyday sick, hurt, scared and alone, that never had enough food or any love and attention. Bless you for caring.

I'm sorry, I did misunderstand about her being a stray. I get questions from heart-broken people that are so sad and want help on how to find their beloved lost kitties that I try to make sure that the cat a person 'found' is not someone's lost pet.

Tabbi