New Kitty Concern

[HelloChester]

I adopted Chester yesterday (a 5 year old, adorable long-haired fluffball) and first, he got terribly carsick on the way home. He vomited and defecated A LOT and unfortunately it got all over him since he was in the small cardboard carrying box the Anti-Cruelty Society provided. He has long hair, and I had to wash the yuck off of him in the bathtub. I'm sure it stressed him out immensely, but he was so good throughout the ordeal. He didn't hiss, scratch, or bite. Since then, (I think he's the perfect cat) he has adjusted to our home nicely, and has enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny.
I tried keeping him in one bedroom at first, to slowly introduce him to our dog, but he was too curious and wanted to explore. And he is fearless of Sheba (the dog), basically ignores her.

This brings me to my concern. Chester has only used his litterbox once (pee) and it has been more than 24 hours. He has been eating and drinking plenty of water and I've showed him the box four times. Is it from dehydration? He vomited quite a bit on the car ride.
I'm afraid to bring him to the vet right away because I don't want him to have to deal with getting carsick so soon after yesterday.

Any advice? and thank you in advance.
(He is purring next to me as I type.)

[tiffers]

You may want to give him another box. Some cats won't pee and defecate in the same box. You need one box per cat, plus one more.

It may also be that he has not 'formulated' enough stool since the big ordeal with the car ride, so he does not need to go yet.

Dehydration can lead to some minor constipation, you can try giving him some Pedialyte to drink for a minute or so. Don't leave it out, it'll spoil.

Congrats on the new kitty, though.

[lindsayanng]

I agree with tiffers. DEFINITELY consider a second box.

On the other hand, she could have definitely gotten dehydrated from the stress and vomiting. You are VERY lucky to have a cat that will let you bath her on the FIRST DAY!

The pedialyte works like a charm.. use unflavored, it is just like water to them.

You probably dont need the vet..

[HelloChester]

Thank you all for responding!
I waited until this morning, and there still was no litterbox action, so I am going to buy a second litterbox and see if that solves it, and search the house for possible secret pee spots (uh-oh).

Otherwise, he has been perfect. He is still eating and drinking normally and being sweet as ever.

[lindsayanng]

does his belly feel rounded, swollen, or hard? If so, then you probably have a parasite problem.. if not, then he might be going elsewhere, or he will take one massive poop later tonight

You probably would smell it if there was some other spot.. their pee is strong, and their poo is just horrible.

If you are concerned about basic constipation, there is something at the petstores called LAXATONE which is basically an oil based gel that cats eat (most actually like the taste) and it just helps them pass whatever it is that might be blocking that up.

Just make sure to give it far enough apart from regular meal times because it stops the absorbtion of regular nutrients because the oil coats the stomach lining.

[special]

It was my understanding that OP was concerned that Chester hadn't PEED in 24 hours not pooped.

However if he hadn't peed in 24 hours I think he'd be very sick and not at all as you describe. I think you'd better look around for a secret spot, if he hasn't gone in the box by now.

But I agree with two litter boxes.

Congratulations on your new family member and thank you for adopting an older animal.

By the way, Welcome to Petlovers! Now that you found us, I hope you'll stick around and tell us more stories about Chester and Sheba.

[dlaura]

Hello and welcome to Petlovers. Nothing more I can add to the great advice you've already received. I hope Chester has used one of the litter boxes by now and this worry is in the past. We'd love to meet Chester via pictures and there are directions on how to post pictures in the second thread in the Portrait Forum. (hint, hint - LOL )

[HelloChester]

Thank you for the welcomes!
I adopted him on Sunday and he came home with me that evening, the litterbox treasure hunt has only led to one pee since then. I am definitely more worried about the peeing, because he really pooped/puked his poor little guts out on Sunday.
I haven't checked since early this morning, and I am hoping for success.

And here he is:
I attached a picture from his online ad and here is the ad itself (he is everything and more that they wrote about him!) and I attached a couple more that I took yesterday:

"Wow! Chester is an amazing looking 5-year old furry white and silver long-haired kitty! He is a very social guy who is lovable and huggable! He has beautifully soft fur that will need regular brushing in his new home, but we are sure Chester will just love all the attention. Chester is also front declawed. Chester came to us through no fault to his own -- unfortunately, his best friend became ill and could no longer care for him. Poor Chester has had his life turned upside down and doesn't know why. We are thoroughly enjoying this wonderful guy's company, but we would love to find him a permanent new home where he can relax and enjoy life. Chester is such a gentle guy that he would make a great addition to almost any family, including one with children. Won't you please come and meet Chester? Once you meet him, you won't soon forget him - he is truly amazing! Chester is at The Anti-Cruelty Society, just ask for Tab Band ------. Chester is ready to go home today!"

[nanamouse]

He is a pretty one! It may be that now that he's more accustomed to you he wouldn't be so scared in the car that he got sick. And in a cat carrier instead of the one time use box he'd probably do better too. I always put the carrier in the passenger seat with the grated door turned towards me so that they can see me, and I can talk to them and keep them calm.

Anyhow, if he doesn't start to pee, and you don't want to stress him further in the car, you might try a mobile vet. I think that most larger cities have them now. Your regular vet should be able to reccomend one, or maybe ask your vet if there is an anti nausea drug for cats that wouldn't interfere with any bloodwork or urinalysis that might be needed, so that you could get him checked out?

[lindsayanng]

YEA! there are mobile vets around, and sometimes if you call the rescue that you got him from and tell them your concerns, they MIGHT be able to talk their vet into making the house call. It all depends on the rescue group though. Its worth a shot.

have you tried the Pedialyte? Are you SURE that he is drinking a lot? Have you seen him drink that much?

So it's been 2 full days since he was home and you found ONE pee.. Thats not TOO bad for a stressed cat who was probably dehydrated. Did you actually see him pee?

[lindsayanng]

Oh yea.. and he IS GORGEOUS! Did you take those pictures? they're great! what kinda camera did you use?

[HelloChester]

Thank you! I didn't take the direct face shot, that was taken from Chester's adoption ad. I took the rest of the photos with my Canon PowerShot SD870IS, which I highly recommend.

AND GOOD NEWS!!
I found three pees in the box when I came home.
Thank you for all for the good advice, I believe Chester is finally fully comfortable here, and it only took 2.5 days.

[e1beth1]

I'm happy to read that he has settled in now & peed for you.

He is a very beautiful boy, Congratulations!

[lindsayanng]

THATS MY #1 RECOMMENDED CAMERA TOO! there was just a post on which digital camera to get, and i said get ANY canon power shot SD750 or higher. I have an SD750 and my mom has the SD950 and its AWESOME. Takes amazing pictures of cats because you dont need the flash.

You are LUCKY it only took 2.5 days to get him comfortable

[special]

Originally Posted by HelloChester

AND GOOD NEWS!!
I found three pees in the box when I came home.
Thank you for all for the good advice, I believe Chester is finally fully comfortable here, and it only took 2.5 days.

YAY! thanks for the update!

PS what a GORGEOUS boy!