My cat used to be a happy cat, she liked running around the house and stay pretty active. Recently, about two weeks ago (after we left her home alone for a weekend trip), she started getting very clingy and always want to be around my bf and me. She won't get out of our laps, and she even sleeps on our bed, when she usually doesn't. She used to always sleep on her bed. She won't be away from us, always has to be really near, and she cries quite a lot lately.
She had problems with her previous food, she puked when she woke up in the morning. Now we've changed her food, and she seems to be doing better and not puking anymore. Not that it's any relevant information, but thought I'd add it in case there is any relation.
So what do you think is wrong with her, emotional depression, or anything else? Any advice will be appreciated, thank you very much.
2007-11-01 13:32:36 · 9 answers · asked by miss w 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Being left home alone for a few days without any warning has traumatized the cat. Her clinginess, crying, and her subdued manner relate directly to her being frightened at being left. (I wonder if something happened, like a storm, a loud truck, or someone at the door that may have really scared her, while you were gone...) She is now worrying about being left again.
It will take some time to get her reassured. Play with her every morning before you go to work, and come right home and do the same. Make extra time to interact with her, playing with balls, strings etc. Talk to her a lot. You can even call during the day and talk to her over the answering machine. (It sounds crazy but one of my cats races to listen every time the machine kicks on, so my friends always leave a message then say hello to her. When she's lonely, she knocks the receiver off the hook and hits buttons to kick on the machine.)
If a few weeks of reassurance doesn't work, the vet may put her on an anti-depressant until she normalizes.
The above routine worked for me when I moved to a new house with my cats. They adjusted well with a bit of attention.
I would consider having someone stay at the house and kittysit if you go away again- it's too much trauma for her to experience being left alone overnight again.
2007-11-01 15:43:59 · answer #1 · answered by CYP450 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first impression was that you dear cat had experienced trauma when the daily routine changed and she found herself alone for longer than normal. What you have described is a cat that is suddenly exhibiting signs of insecurity.
I believe that leaving her alone and her not knowing what was up, could be the reason. Poor kitty.
Try leaving the radio on for her, a talk show.. when you have to leave her alone.
Secondly, when I read about her throwing up, I thought Hm, is Your cat pregnant..? Although I am not sure that cats get 'morning sickness'.
If changing her food helps this problem, perhaps there was something in the previous food that simply made her sick.
Frankly I'm not sure what is wrong with your cat but strongly feel it was due to the cat suddenly finding herself all alone, like never before.
Think about it, how you would feel if you were a cat and suddenly your lifeline disappears.
For days.
Wouldn't you be stressing?
I think she really missed you and is possibly why she is all over you since reuniting. Maybe she was even worrying about you and is why she now sleeps on the bed, keeping an eye on you.
My advice would be that once she settles down some, book your next weekend getaway but try to make prior arrangements so that she is left with someone. Either at their house or hers preferrably. Just so she isn't alone.
Have you ever thought about getting another cat, or a dog? Then she'd have a companion.
Maybe she needs to have kittens.
2007-11-01 14:14:38 · answer #2 · answered by Casha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was this the first weekend you've ever left her alone? If she's never been away from the two of you significantly, she was probably convinced for a short time that you had left for good, and that's always going to leave a mark. She'll be better after a while, but depending on her personality, you might need a sitter next time you leave on a trip.
2007-11-01 13:39:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does sound like she may not like being left alone. Is she left alone during the day as well when you go to work? It sounds like it could be separation anxeity.
One thing you may want to consider is getting another cat for her to hang out with and play with. You can adopt cats fairly inexpensively. If you are against that then talk to your vet and see if they have any ideas.
Good luck!
2007-11-01 13:47:15 · answer #4 · answered by Reba 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any behavior changes require a visit to the vet to rule out anything medical. Some cats can get so stressed when their owners leave that they can get UTI, URI, or other illness. I would visit hte vet just to check thinks out.
2007-11-01 13:49:08 · answer #5 · answered by Crystal 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe she does not like being alone. Some cats have that problem, and they become very clingy. Just try and spend time with her and maybe she will stop being so clingy and just spend a normal amount of time with you.
2007-11-01 13:37:07 · answer #6 · answered by Gracie♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same thing happened to me. She'll calm down once your regular routine starts back up again.
2007-11-01 13:47:32 · answer #7 · answered by bekka7906 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just give her some more attention, some cats need alot of attension after their owners leave them for a while
2007-11-01 13:50:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
But have you had her CHECKED BY A VET???!
2007-11-01 14:02:34 · answer #9 · answered by D 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋