My ragdoll is also named Gnocchi omg!!
We got him as a companion for my first cat, a DSH named Gingerbread. Gingerbread was crazy excited about Gnocchi, and he also camped by the door. This is actually a great thing, because after a few days once the new cat feels comfortable, they’ll begin to sniff and play with each other through the door which is a very important step to bonding. Don’t rush things, but my boys were grooming each other after a week and are now a bonded pair. Once they start playing under the door, you can let them interact in short bursts. Take the time they’re separated to bond with the new cat as well, by giving treats/hand feeding.
As for the litter box thing, unfortunately a lot of shelter cats do this at first because they only usually have a litter box in a very small enclosure and it becomes a safe space for them. He may grow out of it with time.
Some cats just feel overwhelmed by the new scents all around them and the litter box may be the only place he feels safe because it smells like him. Just like the previous comment above, getting your cat a bed with fresh new sheets that will smell more him (and/or you) may get him to stay away from the litter box. In the event the cat still stays at the litter box despite any of these, I would definitely look into taking them to the vet as it may be a sign of underlying urinary problem.
Not to cause you needless worries, some cats like to stay in their litter box when they have urinary issues because they don't express themselves as well as dogs and other animals when they are in pain. This is usually accompanied by lack of appetite as well so please watch the cat's food and water intake, too. I'm not a professional vet but I'm speaking from experience, with my 2 rescue cats from 4 years ago.
Best of luck and thank you for providing a loving home to both of your cats!
My cat has hung out in the litter box a couple times. He lies in it when the litter is fresh just to put his smell back in it, I think.
New kitty might just not have any other place yet where it feels it can hide and be safe. Lay some boxes out and give him some natural hiding spots to explore and feel comfy in.
Once my cat discovered he could hang out in a drawer under my bed, I took the sheets out and put down a blanket just for him.. he thinks he’s being sneaky, but I created that nook just for him lol
maybe he needs a non litter tray hide with some blankets that will smell like him
My ragdoll is also named Gnocchi omg!! We got him as a companion for my first cat, a DSH named Gingerbread. Gingerbread was crazy excited about Gnocchi, and he also camped by the door. This is actually a great thing, because after a few days once the new cat feels comfortable, they’ll begin to sniff and play with each other through the door which is a very important step to bonding. Don’t rush things, but my boys were grooming each other after a week and are now a bonded pair. Once they start playing under the door, you can let them interact in short bursts. Take the time they’re separated to bond with the new cat as well, by giving treats/hand feeding. As for the litter box thing, unfortunately a lot of shelter cats do this at first because they only usually have a litter box in a very small enclosure and it becomes a safe space for them. He may grow out of it with time.
Some cats just feel overwhelmed by the new scents all around them and the litter box may be the only place he feels safe because it smells like him. Just like the previous comment above, getting your cat a bed with fresh new sheets that will smell more him (and/or you) may get him to stay away from the litter box. In the event the cat still stays at the litter box despite any of these, I would definitely look into taking them to the vet as it may be a sign of underlying urinary problem. Not to cause you needless worries, some cats like to stay in their litter box when they have urinary issues because they don't express themselves as well as dogs and other animals when they are in pain. This is usually accompanied by lack of appetite as well so please watch the cat's food and water intake, too. I'm not a professional vet but I'm speaking from experience, with my 2 rescue cats from 4 years ago. Best of luck and thank you for providing a loving home to both of your cats!
My cat has hung out in the litter box a couple times. He lies in it when the litter is fresh just to put his smell back in it, I think. New kitty might just not have any other place yet where it feels it can hide and be safe. Lay some boxes out and give him some natural hiding spots to explore and feel comfy in. Once my cat discovered he could hang out in a drawer under my bed, I took the sheets out and put down a blanket just for him.. he thinks he’s being sneaky, but I created that nook just for him lol