Any advice welcomed

[Filbert]

To follow on a post from last week, we finally moved flat yesterday and I am worried about my cats settling in process. We didn't change his litter and immediately put down familiar things, food and water etc and he's getting a huge amount of fuss.
The problem is, he won't move off the sofa. We have showed him where his food etc, but he just runs back to the living room.
He hasn't eaten, drunk or been to his tray in 24 hrs and I am getting concerned. Has anyone experienced this? Thanks in advance from a very worried moggy owner

[pmjblue]

He sounds insecure and frightened poor little man - I dont have a great deal of experience with cats - only ever had one which i rescued - when he was poorly and wouldnt eat, the vets recommended tinned sardines in tomato sauce, or pilchards, it was what they used in the surgery and said it worked 9/10. Or could you offer him some boiled chicken or nice treats.

[coco pops]

Do you have a cat carry box? I would put him in it (in the living room) with the door open , food,water litter tray very close . OR, put the water etc on the floor next to the sofa because he sees the sofa and living room as a safe place

[pussnboots]

I moved 14 months ago with my two cats, one was ok but the other hid under the bed for days, same thing didnt eat or drink, all you can do is wait and see, as long as you feel your cat is healthy then he will settle down. Cats are very territorial and although you said he is an indoor cat he will feel like he is not in his own territory. Let us know how you go on.

[annavc]

Don't worry too much he's just out of his comfort zone because its unfamiliar territory. Do what coco pops suggests and put his food, water and litter tray all in the living room with him (I know its not nice having the litter tray in the living room but its just for a couple of days). He'll gradually start to feel more confident and will begin to explore. You can then gradually move both his food and his litter tray to where you want them to be on a permanent basis. Keep giving him lots of love and just don't rush him. Good luck in your new home and let us know how you get on.

[bensmum]

Very much the same thing happened when I got a rescue cat - she took up residence behind the sofa and wouldn't come out for a few days. I left her to it making sure that she knew where everything was and also made a great fuss of her (when I could reach her!). She eventually came round and after a while she thought she owned the place! The other suggestions are right - he's feeling lost and in new territory but give him time and lots of attention and he will be fine - good luck.