Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Change in behavior

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/18/2008


Question
My cat went out yesterday during the day and into the night,he always stays close and always comes back but after frantic calling we gave up and went to bed. During the night I gave one last call and he reluctantly appeared and came in.  He was very anxious and slow walking around.  No obvious injuries and he is eating and drinking but his behaviour has changed very distant and shy.

Answer
Emma,

It sounds like he had a bad fright of some kind. Maybe he was chased by a dog or some type of wildlife. I would keep him inside for a couple of days and give him some kitty treats and lots of attention. He should get over it and be back to normal by then.

If he is not, and/or he starts getting aggressive then I would take him to the vet to have him checked. All injuries are not apparent.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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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).

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