Expert: Dear Tabbi - 5/27/2008

Question
Hi.oold and has had the speying operation 3 weeks ago. Since she has had her stitches out she has gone nearly wild. She will not come in the house unless there is food out and she runs back out the door or jumps out the window as soon as she can. She seems to be scared of my husband but does not really come to me either. She is living in a sort of nest in my neighbours bush and I dont think she is getting food from anyone else. She does not come in the house for any length of time and wants to be fed outside.
I am really upset as I have waited for 8 years to get another cat. Would the fact I am 4 months pregnant have anything to do with this - I already have an 8 year old daughter. I would appreciate any advice on this but realise this may just be the way the cat is going to be.
Many thanks
Susan

Answer
Susan,

It could be a number of reasons causing her behavior. Have you checked her incision site? She may be having pain or have an infection. Is the area warm?

Has someone accidently scared her or stepped on her (or something similar)? Could a little friend of your daughter's been mean to the cat? Or picked her up holding her too tight in the area of her surgery?

She could be still sore from the surgery (she had a kitty hysterectomy!) and blames you for her pain and is copping an attitude. If that is the case she will get over it but it will take time, patience, and LOTS of kitty treats!

I am including a couple good links to articles about being pregnant and getting the cat used to the idea of a baby:

http://www.sthuberts.org/petpouri/articles/catmeetsbaby.asp

http://www.petplace.com/cats/helping-your-cat-and-new-baby-get-along/page1.aspx

The cat is where she wants to be right now. Forcing her to be inside with you will only stress her if she doesn't want to. Hopefully with love, attention, and treats she will revert back to normal when she feels normal again.

I hope this was helpful. And congratulations on the baby!