how old is sketchy? and have you noticed an increase in her water drinking, any other changes? It could be stress of moving house and the construction noise but if she is getting up there in years it could also be a sign of old age illnesses such as kidney/thyroid disease etc which is why Im wondering about her age.

Good suggestions. I would also look into anything in the area of 'cleaning/new smells', fresh paint, rug shampoo, etc.. Cats, as you know, are extremely sensitive to that. Did your new place have cats or dogs before you moved in?
For stress (very real in her case -- loud noise is terrifying in itself, let alone new surroundings), you may want to try Rescue Remedy. You can get Sketchy in a small area and little by little open up her area. How about taking her food away (to make her hungry) and just put it out 2/3 times a day? If she is not eating, you can try baby food (no onions), tuna juice on her soft food... Can you get her to play? (exercise is a great appetite stimulator). If all fails, a vet visit will be in order.. SOONER than later!
and give her as much attention and reassuring as you can-- of course, you know that.
My very best to you both, and keep us posted.
Anne-Marie

I am also wondering what age Sketchy is. My girl was 11 around the time our DD was born. She had lost quite a bit of weight and we figured the baby stressed her. Turned out she was hyper-t and the timing was purely coincidental. It's an easy blood test to see where thyroid and kidney values are.

OTOH, since you have had serious disruption in your household for so long, perhaps she is just stressed from having workmen around. The few times we've had workers in our house, our cats have acted very uncomfortable for a time around that. Maybe give her a couple more days and some extra comfort cuddling to see if she settles down and goes back to her old routine.

One thing that I remember very strongly about my cat at the time she was diagnosed with hyper-t was that she obviously hungry, and you could hear her stomach growling, and she would beg. But when you put the food out for her, she would not eat much. That's a sign that they are nauseus and not feeling at all well. If you notice her doing this sort of thing, then I'd just get her to a vet without wait and see.

My guess would be the change in her environment plus the noise and confusion remodeling can bring. That said, stress can exacerbate medical conditions otherwise not noticed. I'd give her a few days and try baby food to entice her, and if she doesn't improve, take her to the vet.

I wouldn't wait. Take her to the vet tomorrow and have bloodwork run to check kidney and liver function, as well as a Total T4 to check her thyroid. A plump cat who doesn't eat adequately is at high risk of developing potentially fatal hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), which is why it's so important to get bloodwork done now to make sure her liver's OK.

It also might help to go to a pet store and buy some Feliway or Comfort Zone spray and/or diffusers to use around your house. That may help calm her nerves.

Laurie

Any cat that loses weight that fast has something wrong with it... and a cat that was 'plump' and now is said to be still be drinking her water well puts diabetes high on the list of possibilities along with hyperthyroidism and various disgestive abnormalities (IBD etc.). I agree with testing SOON.

Okay.. It sounds like I am going to the Dr. It is so odd that she was in perfect health until a day into this move, it was like a switch was flipped once we moved into what I would describe as a WAR zone, after living in the same place for 7 years... And allow me to clear something up, she was not an obese kitty, she was real healthy looking you could tell that she had a good appetite, but she looked good, kind of like she would whup your ass if she took a mind to.. A big girl, pretty "white tabby, although she is a powder gray with tiger stripes, a white blaze a pair of spats, and a pair of boots.. Gorgeous kitty, and she knows it too.