I have a 4 year old cat, and for his first two years, he seemed normal, only slightly shy. About two years, two of our others cats died, and now he seems afriad of his own shadow. He won't come near with a lot of coaxing. Once he's being petted, he seems fine, but if I leave him for more than a second or two, the cycle starts again. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to deal with this?
2006-07-05 07:30:45 · 10 answers · asked by mury902 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have another cat, female, who is perfectly normal.
2006-07-05 07:36:31 · update #1
I'm taking him to the vet in a few hours, thanks, everyone for your answers, I'll be sure to ask the vet what he thinks.
2006-07-05 07:40:20 · update #2
The reason I worry about it is because it was such a drastic change. I thought if were missing his brother, he might get over it in time, but it has been two years. I do wonder if someone is hurting him. There have been some terrible cases of animal cruelty in my area recently.
2006-07-05 07:55:22 · update #3
Thank you, everyone who answered. I talked to a vet when I took him in for an unrelated problem, and she told me it's not uncommon for a shy cat to become even more so when they lose an outgoing housemate.
2006-07-06 02:21:39 · update #4
I got my kitten when she was only a month old. She was very curious and not scared of anything. Now she is afraid of almost everyone and especially loud noises like fire crackers or cars back firing. I just talk sweetly to her and pet her telling her not to be afraid--if I didn't, she probably would still be under the bed. Just talk gently to her and don't make sudden movements. Perhaps she is just afraid that she too, will disappear like the other cats did. Just cuddle her and tell her how much you love her--good luck to you and your kitty!
2006-07-05 07:36:26 · answer #1 · answered by Elizabeth S 3 · 16⤊ 2⤋
It's probably in losing his companions! Getting a new kitten may help, or it may get worse, tough to say...all cats are different with age, definately do not get a new adult cat! Some cats are like this all the time, hence.."scaredy cat"!
I have a timid female, she loves us but noone else and no loud noises! She would hate another cat, if we got a third one, but our other cat does calm her I think...but they have been together since she was a tiny kitten!
I would just let him be and keep doing what you are, as long as you don't mind hardly seeing him and if he seems happy when he is out!
You may want to have a check up done just to make sure there is no hearing loss or anything else causing this...if you haven't done so already!
Good luck!
2006-07-05 14:44:34 · answer #2 · answered by Jaylyn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Often if there are other cats in the household, a cat will bond with them more than humans, and get most of their affection from them. Then they just never seem able to get quite as close to humans or relax around them as much. Perhaps a kitten friend would help him mellow out again.
2006-07-05 14:34:44 · answer #3 · answered by pugrc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should get another cat. If this behavior started after the other two died maybe he's depressed. The other consideration would be how the other two died. If they died of something that scared the cat you still have maybe that needs to be addressed.
2006-07-05 14:35:32 · answer #4 · answered by JENNIFER 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe he's scared, you said your other two cats, he doesnt understand that, he just knows they disappeared, and they never came back, so he's terrified that, what happend to the other two cats may just happen to him, try spending more time with him, like dont always try to get him to go to you, if you walk into another room, and he follows you, just keep your walking pace slow, so he knows that you want him with you, cuz if you just walk away without acknowledging him then he's going to feel like your going to leave him to, and if he's in the same room with you, just tell hi pretty boy, and talk to him a few minutes thats a lot of comfort to an animal believe it or not, just talking to them without approaching them or getting them to come to you, they just want to hear your voice and know that you still care about them and notice that they are there
2006-07-05 14:37:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds odd. Is it possible that a neighbor or someone is abusing him?
2006-07-05 14:34:24 · answer #6 · answered by lildarlinkristisue 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get the cat more tough
2006-07-05 14:37:01 · answer #7 · answered by Lawlrus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get him a female companion. He will come around.
2006-07-05 14:34:05 · answer #8 · answered by endosmoka 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe u should tame him or get him out of the house more
2006-07-05 14:36:29 · answer #9 · answered by sam 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
iTS PROBABLY UR FACE THTS SO SCARY
STOP SHOWIN HIM UR FACE
2006-07-05 14:34:45 · answer #10 · answered by Thewall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋