Expert: Dear Tabbi - 5/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi we moved into a rental property about 6 mths ago and some previous tenants before the last ones had abandoned a cat which made itself at home with us.  In the beginning it was quite scared but got to know us and was ok.  At one point it was staying in most of the night almost every night and sleeping on our bed but something seems to have happened and it now will eat its meals then run back outside.  We tried shutting it in for a bit after he's eaten to see if he will settle down but he usually just runs from door to door.  Last night for no reason he ran and hid behind the couch.  Is there anything we can do to help him relax and not be so scared. Hes usually an affectionate little thing and we'd like to keep him.  He does sometimes get bullied by the neighbours cat too.

ANSWER: Haidee,

Is the cat neutered? Getting a cat fixed solves alot of behavior problems.

Are there stray cats outside that he is defending his territory with? Are there females in heat outside? Those would cause that behavior.

Try to distract him when he behaves in that manor. A pet laser light works well. You can get them at Petco or Petsmart, etc. The LOVE to chase the "the little red bug' on walls, ceilings, and floors.

There is a calming product that you can add to the cat's food or water that reduces anxiety called Bach's Rescue Remedy. It is available on-line and in health food stores. Here is a link about it: http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm

For the cat's stress you can get what is called Feliway (or Comfort Zone with Feliway). It is a spray (or you can get plug-in diffusers). Try PetSmart/Petco, etc., a vet's office (they use it too), or on-line. It is very popular and is good for calming cats and reducing stress. It copies the relaxing pheromones that cats produce from rubbing their faces on things.

Another option is to talk to your vet about getting a prescription for "kitty Prozac". It is commonly used for cats with stress and emotional problems to calm them. For some cats a short term therapy works (about 2 weeks), and others need it for a long period of time. But that is kind of a last resort option.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tabbi
He is neutered.  He has 2 cats to defend his territory against - actually saw him stand his ground yesterday against one them a young cat and was very proud.  I have tried putting some cat calm in his dinner the last 2 nights and this seems to have helped as he has been happy to stay in after his dinner.  
He gets spooked a lot and we think he's been shooed off or scared off by other people in the past.  
He used to play a lot but now gets scared on his toys - his favourite was feathers onthe end of a stick but he chewed it to bits and we got a new one a different colour and he's scared of it. He doesn't seem all that interested in playing.  Also he Sometimes tries to bite when you pat him but i think he's telling us he's had enough patting.
might try one of those laser lights.
Thanks heaps for your help!

Answer
Haidee,

I'm glad he is a little better. It will take time and patience. If he had a feral mother then it's inherited that they don't like to be touched. It comes from not trusting humans. If he was abused previously then that compounds the problem.

Be familiar with your cat and his body language and stop petting before he becomes overstimulated. The tail is the key: If your cat starts twitching his tail in a jerky fashion, time to call off the petting is now!

If he is jumpy about the feathers touching him then the Pet Laser light is probably a good solution. It helps the cat bond with you and builds trust and confidence. Plus it is funny to watch.

Good luck with him. He's lucky to have you for his owner!

Tabbi