Expert: Dear Tabbi - 1/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: A month ago our house cat got out and spent the night apparently in our neighbors backyard.  We finally found him the next morning in freezing weather.  Since then he goes around the house meowing a lot of the time.  At night we finally let him in our room with the other pets and he seemed to calm down.  Now he has started the same behaviour all night, jumping from the bed to the window, sitting on the floor batting at the blinds with his paws etc., walking around the room meowing.  We have another cat who he ignores, but he does get along with the dogs.  We have closed him out of the bedroom now and he sits at the door a good deal of the time meowing to get back in.  What we do we try now ?  Please help.

gc

ANSWER: Gordon,

Is he neutered? If not, get him done as soon as possible. That could be most of his behavior problem.

When cats discover that there is a whole new world out there and they want to go back outside. That is normal. If you don't want to let him go outside again, he will eventually calm down about it...but it may take awhile.

Play with him right before you go to bed. A pet laser light is an excellent interactive toy (you can get them at PetSmart, Petco, etc.)  A good play session before bedtime will tire him out, which is essential for a good nights sleep for you both!  

Then give him a can of catfood (or his big meal) after you play with him, just before you go to bed. That way he will have a full tummy, be tired from playing, and will sleep longer (hopefully!).

The way to stop him waking you up is to ignore him. COMPLETELY! It is very difficult to do and annoying, but you can NOT acknowledge his actions in ANY way. He will EVENTUALLY stop when he doesn't get any reaction or attention from you. You have to be consistant though. If you even react once to him, then it won't work and it will be worse because the cat will know if he does it long enough eventually you WILL react, so he will keep it up longer.

DO NOT punish the cat.  He is only trying to get your attention and tell you his wants the only way he knows how. If some behavior got your attention before, then that is how he will do it again...and again.

It also sounds like your kitty could be bored. Getting another kitty about his age and temperment might help. Cats need cat mates to play kitty games with, cuddle with, and keep them company.

I hope his helps.

Tabbi

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

QUESTION: He has been neutered.  We do have another cat but he totally ignores her.  He plays with the dogs quite frequently.  We are trying to totally ignore himn even though it is difficult.  Are there any other suggestions?  Thank you for your help.

mc

Answer
Gordon,

He may ignore the other cat, but he might like another cat his age to play with. You can try to tire him out too. A pet laser light is good for that. You can get them at Petco/Petsmart/etc. They love to chase the little red 'bug' on the floor, ceiling, and walls. My cats love to watch cat videos on TV. Here is a link for them:
http://petsittervideos.com/index.html

Other than my previous suggestions it will take time and patience with the cat but he will grow out of it and settle down, though it may not be in the near future.

Tabbi