Some of the 4th or 5th instar cats can really wander quite a ways when they run out of food, but 1st instar isn't going very far. Wish I lived close by, I'd have plenty pipevine for that little cat!

I am in the Houston area and I still have lots of nectar flowers and shrubs for the butterflies. The spring and summer were so disappointing, but the fall sure has made up for the lack of butterflies. I had bushy milkweed plants, about 38 of them, until about a week ago: the cats have just exploded in numbers! My plants are just stripped of all the leaves!! Yah! Finally! I have released about 35 monarchs in the last month or so, which isn't really a large number, but considering how bad this year was early on, it is amazing. My mexican sunflowers went nuts this year and reseeded themselves. I had about 500 plants come up in one of the front beds and still have new seedlings coming up and blooming while very small in size. I really think that they did this so there would be plentiful nectar for the monarchs as they travel to Mexico. I have had so much butterfly traffic that it has certainly made up for the slow start this year. Mechelle

Leave your older cat be. She will adjust to the new addition in her own time. I am assuming that you have the new cat cordoned off with its own litter and food? Good idea to do so until everyone is at peace with one another. It also gives your other cat a chance to sniff at the gate of the room where the new cat is being kept. Or, if you shut a door to the room, put up a baby gate when you can be around to supervise what's going on. If you haven't kept them separated, your cat may be angry if the new cat is using its box and food. How long have you had the new cat? We had the same situation this summer and it was horrible for 1-2 weeks. After that period of time all was good. My cat would not even let us touch him while he was adjusting to the new addition. I just left him alone until he came to me, which he eventually did. If your cat welcomes your attention, then give it, but if it doesn't don't be concerned. The existing cat has her nose out of joint and will get over it in her own time. Don't reinforce her behavior by extra attention since she may think you are rewarding her for acting out regarding the addition. Have patience and keep your sense of humor. I am always optimistic. Cats seem to work things out - may take a little while. Keep posting on the cats' progress.

Is he eating now? If not, best to go to the vet. Can you text your cousin to let him/her know what's going on? When cats stop eating, they need to go to the vet very soon. Dogs can go a while not eating, but not cats.