Cat scared of floor?

Question

Hi,
My cat of 14 yrs (had her 13 from cat protection league) no specific age given, not known, has sudenly started acting extremely bizzarely. She won't stand on any flooring, beit carpet or laminate. She would rather starve on a higher surface or cardboard box. Her paws are fine.
We have lived here for 2 yrs no problem, eating area exactly the same, no new babies or people. To feed her I have to put her in a box and put a bowl with her. No new house changes etc. If she has to be on the floor (which we;ve tested) she skips across it no matter what the surface. This started 2 weeks ago. She also clings to us much more tightly than before. Almost hugs us if she is picked up by any of us. She is very agile, you wouldn't know her age unless you were told. There are no physical ailments.
It's like something happened which we don't know about and she is freaking out about since, it's getting more extreme by the day. We don't have young children or have had any changes in the house.

Hi, thanks for the suggestions, just to add that I took her to the vet several days ago and they gave her a clean bill of health, they have never heard of it before. As baffled as me. Still sleeping badly and really tired, sleeps sitting up a lot. Head lolling.

Answer 1

Hi there...generally when there's a dramatic change in a cat's behaviour it's indicative of a hidden medical problem. Consider ringing your vet to discuss your concerns and see if this would merit a trip for a further evaluation. Senior cats are prone to many disorders such as hyperthyroidism and chronic renal failure, however you didn't mention any of the symptoms related to these two disorders.

Traumatic experiences can contribute to odd behaviours, however they usually subside after some time with reassurance and desensitization.

Answer 2

I would lie on the floor next to her feeding bowl - full of her next feed of course - and entice her to come and eat; and I wouldn't not let her sit on me while she eats! - (Cats are very good at making up their own rules!)

If she won't stand on the floor to eat; walk away and leave her for an hour (or two - if you think it appropriate) then try again. Sooner or later she'll be hungry enough to eat whilst standing on the floor - when she does, stroke her and tell her what a good girl she is - then finish her mealtime by giving her a treat she's particularly fond of.

Whatever it was that scared her off the floor will eventually become a distant memory - which pales into insignificance when compared to the praise and treats she gets for standing on the floor.

You should also notice anytime she stands on the floor without being 'bribed' and reward her then too...

Actually - I think your cat could be PRETENDING to be scared of the floor as a way of getting lots of extra praise and extra treats... I warned you cats love to make up their own rules didn't I!!!

If, after all your efforts, she STILL isn't happy with the flooring; have the laminate and carpets ripped up and have cardboard laid everywhere... she's worth it!

Answer 3

No changes at all. That is weird, but, here, where I live, it is winter time now. Depending on where you live, could it be that the floors are suddenly not quite a warm? I couldn't think of anything else. Have you had to treat for fleas, like so many animal lovers at this time of year? Some of them leave residue around. The smell or the taste of it when she licks her paws might offend her. That is a real puzzler.

Isn't that just like a cat. They can't let you get too comfortable in the relationship. They always keep you guessing and on your toes. LOL

Answer 4

That is really weird behaviour!! I've had cats for over 50 years and never heard of it. I had one who didn't like wooden floors or lino but was ok on carpet but she was 17 and unsteady on her feet so it made sense! Phone your Vets! They may have heard of this before or the vet might think it better to examine her themselves. Note down all the changes in her behaviour beforehand so you dont forget to mention anything. Good luck!

Answer 5

I have had cats that would never walk on the floor. They would walk all over the house jumping from one piece of furniture to the next. The Vet said they do that when they are insecure. I know it is a very vexing problem. I wish I had a good solution for you.

Answer 6

I've got to agree with another commenter. When cats start acting odd (especially old ones) it's time to go to the vet.

Although...just as a wacky guess...is there any chance at all she's getting or has gotten nipped by static electricity as she trots across the floor? The cats here frequently get nose zaps, especially as winter starts to set in and the air becomes dry.

Answer 7

my fiance's cat is scared of grass...i think this is just a case of a stupid cat. my cat got scared by the kitchen floor the other day...don't put her in the box anymore to feed her. put her food where it always is and once she realizes that she has to walk on the floor then she'll snap out of it. if she starts acting funny like not eating for a long long time then take her to the vet. she may have something wwrong with her brain(seriously!!)

Answer 8

maybe its just being a cat! they can do the most strange things for no reason, a cat may just decide its going to just keep off the floor for ages just because it can, or just because it feels like it. Try not to give it food above ground, it WILL come down to eat if left long enough and it wont starve itself! dont pander to it otherwise it will get worse.xx

Answer 9

try steam cleaning the carpet--my kitties feared the floor when there were fleas--surface spray the areas not carpeted, steam clean the carpets. if you are using those carpet freshener powders, they do not like those--irritates their noses and they sneeze and keep off the floors--steam clean the carpets. buy a bissell or other inexpensive brand home steam cleaner at costco or whereever and when kitty tells you the floor sux, steam clean it--kitties are smart.noxious stuff makes them act out.

Answer 10

You are obviously worried about your cat so I think it would be better for everyone including the cat to take her to the vet. It may be that something traumatised her recently but it is better to ask