I'm catsitting, have questions

I'm watching a coworker's cats for two weeks. Last time I went to check on them (I'm going every other day), they barely touched their food or water. I know they used the water because there was a bit of food residue in it, but it doesn't even look like they touched anything.

They are confined to an upstairs room where it is quite warm. There's a fan going and they seem okay, though. So, I think it's common for cats not to eat as when they're hot or sad from missing their owner.

Should I be alarmed? Two weeks is a long time to worry about their food or water consumption. Both cats seem fine and greeted me last time. I gave them some love and talked to them for awhile.

Also, they have one of those automatic litterboxes. I know some of you on the forum talked about those boxes and I have a questions... when I went to clean it out yesterday, all their stuff was shoved to the end of the box, but not scooped into the container. I simply made sure the container was cleared out and placed the hinged lid on it (does that make sense?) Is there a trick to that litterbox, or a reason why the stuff didn't scoop into the container like it should? (I do know that there was the correct amount of litter in it... not too much... it didn't jam).

That's it! Any response would be appreciated!!

 

I'm not sure why they wouldn't be eating. You said they greeted you and seemed fine. Hopefully, they have been nibbling a little and are okay.

Are they allowed to eat canned food? Maybe if you gave them a little of that when you are there, they might enjoy it and you would know they are eating something. If they're not used to eating canned food at all, it could cause them trouble with a change of diet.

Also, maybe while you are there, take them to their food bowl and stroke and pet them to encourage them to eat. That can help sometimes.

I'm not familiar with that kind of litter box. Sorry, can't help you there.
Hope this helps a little.

 

First I'd make sure it's turned on...I've made that mistake once...wondered why it was stinkier in here than usual! :wink:

I dunno why it wouldn't lift it up into the tray. There's a track that the scoop follows and as it goes towards the end there's a "hill" that it goes up, which also lifts the hinged lid at the same time. When it reaches the apex of the hill is when the scoop dumps the litter.

Maybe just make sure that the track (groove running alongside the box) doesn't have litter blocking that portion. My cat always kicks it up there...but never enough to stop it from scooping.

Next time you go check in on them, look on the side of the box and there's an on/off switch. Switch it off and then back on again and it will start a scooping cycle. Watch it and see where it may be getting stuck or something.

Hope that helps! :wink:

 

hi pilotkitten...

how long into the two weeks is it now? it is pretty normal for the first couple of days for cats to be off their food...and i think sometimes they dont eat as much when their owners are away on vacation. do you have a number for the owners...maybe they would approve of you letting them out of the room under the circumstances. is the rest of the house cool? or ask the owners if you can turn down the thermostat.

i turn my thermostat down for my kitty because he has as much right to be cool as i do. i would worry about dehydration if they are hot and not drinking alot of water. just a couple of thoughts....good luck

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

This was only the second time I checked on them. On the first time, their food and water had been used. I don't know if I want to try canned food becuase I don't think they ever eat it and I don't want to make a cat sick.

Unfortunatly, they're confined to the room because the one cat has major urinary problems. Long story short, if anything is off in his body, he will pee everywhere. They did a couple medical procedures on him and he is healthy now, but can still wander from the litter. It was never a huge issue for them until they had a baby. So, the cats are kept in a room and allowed to sleep with the owners in their room at night. I actually feel bad for the cats, but I'm trying to keep rational about it. So, I can't let them have the run of the house, though I would love to. It's tempting, though... (I'm sorry, your cats must've learned how to open the door - I didn't let them out!)

I'll also take a closer look at the litter contraption they have.

 

OH DEAR... well...it is what it is....that would be hard for me to see though....

thats pretty funny...like "uh...uh...nooo.... i really dont know how they got out of here...im serious!!! WHAT? you dont believe me? well...i swear....like they think I would let them out....oh pa--leeeze....." :roll: