Conference misery::feline_v1

    Cats (not little kittens) can do fine without food for surprisingly
    long periods of time.  BUT THEY NEED WATER.  It is hard to know
    sometimes whether a cat is sneaking a few sips in private when
    she is alone and less nervous.  Are you sure she has not used the
    kitty litter at all?  That sounds bad.  Check the litter:  even
    if she has covered it up, there may well be some damp litter at
    the bottom of the pan.  If you tip the pan and let the litter
    spill out, is there some damp litter left on the bottom surface?
    If so, she is probably drinking.
    
    If you really don't think she is drinking at all, please call a
    vet for "telephone support".  They may ask you a few questions
    about how Ruby's skin fells/reacts when you gently pinch a bit
    of it.  Especially with a history of FUS, I'd suggest you check;
    better safe than sorry.
    
    BTW, sounds like you are trying all the reasonable things about
    feeding them separately.  Adjusting will just take some time.  Glad
    to hear it seems to be getting a little better after only 2 days
    -- it should get even better over the next week or two.
    
    	Penelope

    Laura--
    
    Being the owner (being owned by??) of a neurotic cat, I recognize some
    symptoms!  I'd be willing to bet that Ruby is still disoriented,
    and getting used to her new surroundings, you, and Pollux.  Her
    method may be to not eat until she feels totally comfortable.  The
    fact that she's looking perky, and starting to get to know the other
    cat is a good sign.  Besides, if she is overweight (mine is, too),
    this "fast" really won't hurt her.  My vet says that cats as a rule
    can go 2 weeks without food if they have to (they may not LIKE to,
    but they can).  If it were me, I'd give her another day or so, then
    call your vet for advice.  
    
    Don't worry, tho--it sounds like she's just getting used to things.
    
    Let us know how she does,
    
    Jane

    You might try tempting her with some baby food, veal or lamb as
    the best choice.  Not so much for food content, but for the rather
    incredible amount of water in it.
    
    Dave

    Why veal or lamb?  I've used chicken to tempt whoever needs tempting.
    
    	P

    chicken is good too, but there is a market tendency to put in a
    bunch of salt. Veal and lamb are good flavors that cats seem to
    go for, and lamb is considered to be one of the easiest to digest.
    
    Dave

    Checking the litter to see if kitty has gone may not be conclusive
    of if she is drinking. Cats can "hold it" an incredibly long time
    (close to a week).
    
    Deb
    

    Hold it for a week!  Impressive.  Can they do that if they are
    drinking normal amounts?  (Do they look like little balloons?)
    
    I'd still suggest checking the litter, because if there *is* 
    evidence that the cat is urinating, then that is good news.  If
    not, then it probably should be checked, even though Ruby might
    just be too nervous to use the litter box yet. 
    
    ANY NEWS FROM RUBY???  How is she doing?
    
    	P

    Thank you so much for the excellent information and advice!
    The day I entered the note, I went home, checked the litter and
    did find evidence of use.  Ruby refused dinner that night but about
    half an hour later suddenly got up from her favorite spot on the
    couch, went to her bowl and began eating.  She's been fine ever
    since.
    
    She 's adjusting incredibly quickly and so is Pollux.  They both
    were quite lonesome by themselves and seem to be really enjoying
    each other's company.
    
    I feel like a neurotic mother.  Thanks a lot folks.  You were all
    right on target.
    
    Laura  

    RE: .8
    
    "Mother?" - NO.  Neurotic?" - well - what one of us isn't at least a
    little bit neurotic about our sweet littl fur-faces?
  
    Marion