“Why Isn’t My Cat Eating?” – Helping Your Cat Settle Into Boarding
You’ve left your cat in loving hands, but that first day update comes in: “She hasn’t touched her food yet.”
Before panic sets in, take a deep breath. Cats are independent, territorial creatures, and they often take 2–3 days to adjust to a new boarding space. At The Tiny Toots, we design everything to ease that transition.
Let’s walk through what settling in looks like for your cat—and how we keep them calm, safe, and cared for every step of the way.
🐈 The First 24–72 Hours: What’s Normal?
Cats are big fans of routine. A new environment can throw off even the most sociable kitty.
In the first few days, your tiny toot may:
- Eat or drink very little
- Hide in their safe space
- Avoid the litter tray
- Hiss or refuse interaction
This is typical. It doesn’t mean they’re unhappy—it means they’re adjusting.
“Cats need time to assess a new environment before they relax. Giving them that space is key.” – Dr. Sarah Ellis, feline behaviourist
🕵️ How We Monitor Settling-In Behavior
From the moment your cat arrives, we begin non-invasive observation to track:
- Food and water intake
- Litter tray habits (pee/poo timing and consistency)
- Energy levels and hiding behavior
- Interest in toys or interaction
We never force your cat to engage. We let them come to us.
🍽️ What If They Don’t Eat?
If your cat doesn’t eat within the first 24 hours, we:
- Offer their usual food at room temperature
- Hand-feed if they’re open to it
- Offer smelly wet food or broth to stimulate appetite
- Provide calm, quiet surroundings with minimal stimulation
If no improvement within 48 hours, we’ll start syringe feeding. Most cats start eating on their own by the second or third day. Some (this is rare, but it happens) only start eating on their own on the fourth or fifth day.
We’ll keep you updated every step of the way, just so you know we’re on top of things. Our job is to worry on your behalf, while you enjoy your holiday.
Tip: Send their favorite food or treats, even if they’re picky. The smell of something familiar can spark that first bite.
🐾 Comforting Spaces, Feline Control
We design our rooms with stress-reduction in mind:
- Individual suites—no shared spaces
- Hidey spots and vertical shelves
- Feliway diffusers (cat-calming pheromones)
- No loud noises or dogs nearby
We keep lighting low and avoid overhandling. Your cat leads the pace.
📝 How You’ll Stay Informed
We send daily updates with details like:
- “Hasn’t eaten much, but sniffed food today.”
- “Used the litter box this morning!”
- “Peeked out of hidey hole and purred when we brushed her.”
These notes let you track progress without guessing what’s going on.
🌟 Within 2–3 Days: The Turnaround
Most cats start eating, exploring, and even asking for cuddles within 48–72 hours. It’s a gentle shift, and once it happens—your tiny toot will feel totally at home.
📩 Need cat boarding in Singapore that understands cat stress and recovery? Book with The Tiny Toots—where your cat’s comfort always comes first.