Expert: Dear Tabbi - 4/27/2008

Question
Dear Tabbi,

I have a ten year old cat who I raised in the country; he went outside every day. He was a very social cat, talking to strangers and happily exploring. This fall, my mother brought him from the country to my house in the city where he can't go outside. Since he arrived, it is like having a different cat. He hides from my male roommates and spends most of his time in my room. Over time, things have gotten gradually better, but he is still very antisocial, particularly towards men. I don't know what he is frightened of, or how to convince him that my housemates mean him no harm. I've tried having them feed him and talk to him in my room, but nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Cassandra

Answer
Cassandra,

You have a miserable, stressed, unhappy cat! Is there a reason why he had to move to the city? He is 56 years old in human years. Older cats do not take change well, and they do not handle stress as well as a younger cat. It could permanently change his personality and lead to health problems.

If he was an indoor/outdoor cat who could happily hunt and explore outdoors, making him an inside cat will make him depressed. He was taken away from the life he knew, the territory that was his, to a new home where he can't go outside, has people around that he doesn't know, new routines, new smells, lots of noises, and nothing is familiar. He is used to being in the country without people being everywhere. It's overwhelming, frightening, and confusing to him!

It may take him a long time to accept the situation, if he ever does. You can talk to your vet about putting him on 'kitty Prozac'. It's popular for calming cats that are stressed and have emotional problems.

Let him hide or be in your room. That is where is feels safest and most comfortable. Don't try to force him to be sociable. He will come out when he is ready or wants to. Give him lots of kitty treats, and lots of love and reassurance.

OR take him back to your mom's.

Tabbi