rescue cat has not gone to the bathroom

We found a cat on the side of the road. We picked her up took her to the vet and everything seems Ok. She is very thin. The vet said she was dehydrated. Since she been home she has eaten some and started drinking water today. Which is good. The problem is she has not gone "poop or pee" yet. We have the litter box near her and have placed her in it so she'll know where to go. But she hasn't yet. It is about 36 hours since we found her. Is there a problem or is this normal because she suffers from malnutrition?

Welcome to Pet Talk! Where is PA are you? (just curiousas I am in PA too)

Perhaps she's still a bit dehydrated. How much has she been drinking? If not a lot, try some tuna juice to interest her. If she still hasn't peed after that, then a return trip to the vet might be in order.

How old is she? Young - kitten aged or older? Its not uncommon for a scared older cat to hold his/her pee & poop when in a new unfamilair envrionment

WELCOME (I am in PA too)

I would not worry yet. If she is malnourished and/or dehydrated there probably isn't a whole lot that needs to come out yet. Combine that with the fact that she might be too scared yet to do her "business". And cats that have been outside for a while will probably only seek out the litte box in the dark of night, holding it all day.

After she gets a few good sized meals, it should start coming out the other end.

I would suggest, however, measuring and monitoring what (and how much) she eats and drinks.

Good luck with her. Please keep us posted.

Thank you for the advice. That makes me feel better. I am in Cleona, PA (near Hershey). She has drank some water, but not a lot. Maybe thats the problem. She doesn't seem to like tuna, or anything but regular cat food. I guess we can only wait and see. I keep thinking also that eventually she will need to go and just go. I hope so. I'll keep you posted.

By the way we don't know how old she is. The vet said maybe as old as 1 year.

Ha! I was probably very close to you today! I went to the opening day for the Renaissance Faire.

Goos luck with her and keep us posted.

Hello! Good news! She "pooped and peed". What a relief. I hope she stay on this course. She seem a little better everday.
By the way (catnapper) we are about 10 minutes from the renissance faire. We try to go once a year, it is really interesting.

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Good news! She "pooped and peed".

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Great news! (bet you'd never think you'd find people that actually REJOICE at such news. ;)

isn't exciting to see that first pee and or/poo from a new kitty:D glad she is doing good for you:) oh ... we are from pennsylvania too...near pittsburgh:)