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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Sudden Change in Behavior
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Question
Dear Tabbi,
I have two cats my wife rescued when they were kittens about 6 years ago. One is a Tuxedo? (not sure if that is a proper name for the breed) She is normally very friendly, good with my kids, very playful, and never fails to let me know it is time to eat. Just the other day, she has become very cautious around the house. She is sniffing and looking around like she is trying to find something. If she hears an unexpected sound or you make a sudden move, she jumps in the air. (funny at first but not really) She has traditionally been a very good hunter. If a bug is in the house, she will find it. I have to kill it, but she will identify the intruder. She has even found scorpions. (we have not had one in almost 2 years but we do get a lot of spiders outside) We had the exterior of the house sprayed for bugs, but not inside. Maybe something made its way in the house and spooked her? But normally she is more of a search and destroy cat and does not back down. She is not interested in playing, she does not do her normal reminder for food, and is walking in egg shells. What can I do to help her?
James,
A tuxedo is a color combination and not a breed. It is usually what a black and white cat with a white chest and white feet is called.
It sounds as if something may have fallen near your cat and startled her, and she is spooky that it may happen again. Give her time to get her sense of security back and she should be fine.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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