My Siameses Health

Question
Hi. I just bought a 2 year old Siamese from  the Humane Society. Before I picked her up, they had to spay her, but while spayingher, they found that she had an hernia on her umbilical cord, so they had to remove it. So when i bought her home, she was very lethargic, naturally. But here is my question: she hasnt eaten much in the 2 days since the surgery. She doesnt want to be held, she growls and hisses constantly when held, and the most distubing is that she choose to sit inside her litter box..and nowhere else. Plus, when I have taken her out to show her around, she bolts and then takes a poop wherever she hides. So far I have found cat poop in my husband's closet, behind his toilet, and yesterday she hid behind the TV where I found more poop. I need to know whats wrong with her, because if it's drastic, then Im going to have to return her. Thanks.

Answer
Takisha, this behavior is perfectly normal for a Siamese.  They are very sensitive creatures and do not tolerate change as well as some other cats.  Siamese will often hide for weeks when they go into a new home, and if their litter box isn't right there next to them, they may not come out of hiding to use it.

She's also in a lot of pain from the surgery.  This, coupled with her nervousness about being in a new home, is probably why she doesn't want to be held.  You should call and ask the vet who spayed her to prescribe a pain reliever, and leave her alone for now.  Allow her to explore her new home at her own pace, after she's feeling better.  Keep her confined to one room, for now.  Cats feel more comfortable in small spaces when they go to a new home.  A small bedroom or even a bathroom is fine for her now.

If you aren't willing to give her a few weeks to get used to the situation, then you should return her to the Humane Society.  Siamese cats have very special needs, and this is why there are rescue organizations dedicated to Siamese cats only.  People don't realize the particulars about the Siamese personality, and many people end up returning them to shelters because they don't realize what they're getting into.  You may want to opt for a mixed breed.  They tend not to be as nervous or bothered by change as the Siamese is.