We're looking after my mums Maine coon can and she's not eating.

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, my mum rescued a Maine coon cat and has had her about 2 months. She's just gone away on holliday and the cat hasn't eaten anything all day! She loves her food usually.

Is she unhappy? She seems her usuall self. She's sitting on my lap purring, talking to me etc. She hisses at my DH, but then, she's not keen on men any way. This is the first time I've looked after a cat.
Is there anything I can do to tempt her to eat?
Thanks.

It's very unusual for a cat not to eat. Maybe she's a bit ill at ease in your home? Has she not eaten since she came to you?

I would ensure food is always available to her, and try to ensure she has a 'safe' space she can retreat into.

Yes, her food is always down. She's spent some time in the bottom of our wardrobe, on top of the blankets. She has an iglue bed, but she doesn't use it. She's been sleeping on our bed.

She's had one little nibble of her her dry food and she's eating her hairball treats.

She's likely just getting used to the new place and won't eat until night time. I'd put some wet food and fresh water in the bedroom (as it appears to be a place she likes) - and go in there to read a book or something relaxed if you want to.

It's too early to worry yet - as long as she's drinking water she'll be fine. (And even water she can avoid for some time.) Just keep things as peaceful and quiet for her as you can. (And tell DH to avoid her.)

x post

That's fine then. She's just adjusting.

(If in doubt, nip down to the nearest shop and get some roast chicken - but I doubt you'll need it.)

Thank you. I'll put her food in our room and see if she eats it eventually. She has sicked up a huge hair ball about 2 hours ago, maybe that's put her off?

PS - I think we all likely know how you feel though. It's really nerve-wracking looking after someone else's cat. Much worse than having your own!

Maybe, maybe not. A new place and new people would be reason for adjustment in any case - cats are careful creatures. I recall when Seniorboy first came to this house from my Mom's, he wasn't seen for about 4 days. (Siamese are terrible bonders with people so he was upset.) The only way we knew he was alive was when morsels of fresh ham started disappearing in the early hours of the morning and the tray was used.

We still have never found where he hid for that time!

Thanks every one. I can fall back on roast chicken then. I'll give her some when we have it too.

Unless you want to be feeding kitty roast chicken for the duration of the holiday I wouldn't. She'll eat when she's hungry. Cats have got us humans well trained (I fed a cat roast chicken for a fortnight )

Well yes - that's the downside - not starting as you would like to go on etc.

You have to remember though, pizzaeater. The OP's mother will likely be phoning up shortly full of anxiety about her precious baby. The OP has to be able to tell her something positive!

Ha,ha! O.k. I won't then. Unless she just refuses to eat for days. She does have us well trained, she's a bit of a princess/ lady of the mannor.

Yay! She's now eating. She even took a treat out of DH's hand, ate it. then hissed at him. Strange cat.
She slept on our bed last night (between us) so I think she's starting to feel at home.
Thank you everyone for your advice and reassurance.

Excellent - and a relief for you as well.

But remember not to tell your Mum just how well she's doing - or at any rate, discuss that she's eating and otherwise also OK but throw in the odd (and undefined) 'I think she's missing you though, Mum'.

Will do.