Hi everyone, I've been fostering Teddy for about two weeks now, and really need your help to figure out what's going on with him. He's four years old, neutered, and in his previous home lived with several other cats.
The first week or so he spent hiding under the dresser, and I let him be since I know that hiding is pretty normal for cats in a new environment. After being pretty antisocial and scared the first day or two, he started eating, drinking, and using his litter box (though mostly at night).
After the first week, and at the suggestion of the shelter, I blocked off the dresser with blankets so he couldn't hide in there anymore. He does still have a few secluded spots under the desk and on the other side of the bed if he wants to hide, but at least he's not completely unreachable in these areas. He has also started accepting more affection and enjoys being pet, and will eat during the day in front of me.
However, he still is not active. He'll accept pets if I go to him, and he often will push his head against my head if I'm within reach, but he doesn't come to me. Once he's parked himself in a spot for the day he lies there, naps for most of the day, and doesn't move. He doesn't walk around the room or explore, he's not curious about looking out the window, he's not interested in the treats or toys we've gotten him. He only really eats when we bring the food bowl over to where he is - otherwise he won't eat all day. He only uses the litter box at night, and for that matter he really only drinks water during nighttime too. Although he purrs and is affection when I am petting him, anytime someone tries to pick him up he hisses, bites, or scratches.
Sometimes I wonder if he's just depressed and feeling isolated since he used to live in a home with several other cats, and think he just needs more time to adjust. But on the flip side I worry that at such a young age he has no curiosity or interest in his surroundings, and only lies around napping or curled up in a ball all day. When we did pick him up from the shelter they mentioned they'd done preventative treatments for fleas, ticks, etc. and didn't mention any health issues.
Is this a sign of illness? Or does he just need more time to adjust? Any tips or suggestions for me? Thank you so much!
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/ifilob/help_foster_cat_might_be_sickdepressed_very/
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