Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/25/2008

Question
After we moved apartments last month, our 6 month old, feral siamese immediately stopped purring (or changed it to a rare and barely noticeable vibration when he did purr). The only thing that makes him purr now, is a creepy wool-sucking and kneading habit has always had. He'll suckle a sheepskin sofa cover at any hour of the day and purr loud enough to wake the neighbors. Other than that, he doesn't want to be touched anymore, though he was never the touchy-feely type.

We had rescued him from the side of a highway where he had been abandoned (it seemed pretty deliberately) about four months ago. Once he recovered, he reversed course completely from being scared of his shadow and became both playful and affectionate, always purring when pet; and, on occasion, curling up on your lap. He seemed to like deep belly rubs, like a dog, the most.

Is this just a teenage cat thing that he'll get over, or is he really unhappy in the new place? He definately seems less interested in his surrounding, sleeps more than before, but we're looking for a buddy for him to help him cope.

Answer
Levi,

He sounds like he is depressed. He had a traumatic kittenhood (wool sucking is a sign he was weaned too early also) and then, when you saved him (very kind of you!), he adjusted to his new home and was happy. Now he is uprooted from what he became to know and trust and it is confusing him and upsetting him.

Be patient and loving with him and reassure him that he is still loved and will not be abandoned again. Try to give him as many things as you can that have the 'old house' smell to him for security. Give him lots of kitty treats, like tinned sardines in oil, tuna, etc. Food is a great bribe!

AND give him time. He will adjust as he becomes more secure and adapts to the new home.

Ferals are known NOT to be cuddly creatures that want to be held so his behavior is normal.

A friend would be a good thing for him too. Try to find one about his same age and temperment. After an adjustment period they should get along. Quite a few of my past answers have how to do the introduction process correctly. If you can't find them, write back and I will give you instructions. Don't wait to long to get a friend. You don't want him to get too territorial about the new home.

Tabbi