Cat changes behaviour, loses interest in things he once liked, but the rest is ok?

Question

Hi-
My 5 year old cat has changed behaviour dramatically lately and I'd like some advice on what to do to have my old kitty back . A lot has been going on and I really hope he will return to his normal self soon: one month ago we moved into a new house, and since then, from an active outdoor cat, he is an indoors only kitty. Also, two weeks ago, he ate a string that got stuck into his intestines, had emergency surgery and been into the hospital for 4 days and on daily trips to the vet for a week. He used to be a very friendly, playful kitty, he always slept with me on my pillow and now he is hiding under the bed the whole day and gets out only to eat/drink/use the litter box and stare at the window! He acts like he is angry with me, the moment I try to touch him, he runs to his hiding place and he really shows no interest for things he once liked like his fur brush. He comes out, plays sometimes, but returns quickly under the bed. What can I do? Shall I let him out? Thanks a lot

Answer 1

Poor baby's been traumatized by his life being turned around. The move, the surgery and the visits to the vet. He's feeling really insecure and his world isn't the same as it was. Give him time. Keep him inside where he feels safe. Try to keep some kind of routine for him. Once he understands he is back in an unthreatening environment and his world has stabilized, he'll slowly come around. Be patient.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

What a month you've had!

At the age of about 5 years, cats tend to "settle down", as they are approaching the equivalent of human middle-age. I have noticed this more with male cats, than with females. So a slight behavioral shift will not be uncommon; although, for you it will be unwelcome.

As for the venue change, each cat takes a different amount of time to adjust. The older the cat, the longer it takes. The less frequent the moves, the longer it takes. They are truly creatures of habit, and do not embrace change.

Since he has also spent time in the hospital, he will take longer to adjust. He may be feeling scared and anxious over not having been around you (his caretaker) when he needed you most.

Also, much of cat behavior can be modified by the cats physical well-being; again, most especially male cats. They even have a tendency to start spraying (even if they didn't before) if they get a urinary tract infection. Keep this in mind, in case his behavior turns to this--a cat will urinate in a heavily "caretaker" scented area (usually the bed or clothing left on the floor) when feeling anxious; as the vets put it, 'they perform a normal activty (urinating) in your scented area (bed), and this provides the feelings of normalcy and comfort which they are lacking, with regards to YOU."

As for letting him out--NO!
He is still recovering, and may not be able to defend himself, or move at a speed that will keep him out of harms way.

So give him time, at least 4-5 weeks to adjust, and introduce a new toy or add some wet food to his meals to entice him out of hiding. In the meantime, you may want to take him back to the vet to make sure he is healthy, and is not feeling pain or discomfort.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Poor kitty. He sounds depressed. No don't let him out, he is safer inside but try to make his inside life better. Try some catnip. Or some new toys. Or get him a cat tree. the ones in stores are expensive but if you can drive a nail you can build one of your own. Type "cat tree" in to your browser and all kinds of plans come up.
He needs lots of love. And some time to get over the surgery. Talk to him while he's under the bed. Tell him you understand why he feels bad but that if he comes out and lets you groom him and make him pretty he will feel better. Not that he understands every word you say, but he will read the tone of your voice.
If he doesn't get better take him back to the vet. Maybe an infection is making him feel bad or they can put him on cat Prozac

Answer 5

I agree with fajita....
Your baby's been through alot, and a new environment is not helping him to settle from the vet trips. Keep him inside. All cats are better off being inside pets anyway....less disease and pain from other things. Just love him and keep a semi-schedule of things for him and you.
He will come around, it just takes some time. It may take longer for him, being the trauma he's had.
I've moved several times with my cats, and they take awhile in each new place. But, they also have each other, so that makes it easier for them. Maybe you should get him a friend after he chills for a bit.
Good luck!! :)

Answer 6

First of all you have one smart cat on your hands...he doesn't want to go outside and that's a very good thing.
There's no reason that any cat HAS to go outside, they live longer healther lives when they are indoors only.

Cats don't like change, and this poor little guy sure has had his share lately.
The move, eating the string, getting sick, going to the vet, having surgery any one of those things alone would be upsetting but your poor little guy has had them all.

Just give him time, once he gets used to his new surroundings he should be fine...and PLEASE keep him inside.

Answer 7

catnip and a vacation