Expert: Dear Tabbi - 3/9/2009

Question
I was wondering if you could give me some advice with recently adopted middle-aged kitty. I have had him for two weeks, and he's been a complete LOVE , he even follows me around like a puppy...until yesterday!

He had a bit of a bad weekend, and is still upset with me. I'm just hoping someone could offer some assistance to help comfort him.

We were playing and having a lot of fun yesterday. Things were great… until I cleaned my house (using cleansers I usually use), and because it was nice out opened the windows. After I scooped his box I put the trash out. When I came back in he starting attacking me pretty violently (just my legs and feet though) I tried to leave him alone, but he kept following me and attacking me and schreeching. I closed up the windows thinking maybe another animals scent was freaking him out. He warmed up a little bit after a lot of quiet time and even came over for a little snuggle, but then got scared/freaked out again when I tried to get up and walk around. I thought that maybe my shoes picked up a scent, so I put them outside. That didn’t really help, he finally stopped following me and attacking me, but then just growled an hissed if I moved. So I went and took a shower thinking it was from the cleaning products...when I got out he freaked again, schreeched...peed everywhere and is now hiding under my bed growling and hissing (and screeching if I go in there as well as peeing). I put his food and litter box by the bed and closed the door. This morning he was crying like he was asking for food, but when I brought up some fresh food he went back to hissing and growling. I am beside myself. I have had cats before, and NEVER experienced any of this. Help!


Answer
Cara,

Unfortunately with an adopted cat, you don't know what kind of trauma or frightening or abusive experiences the cat has had previously. It sounds like something you did cleaning your house, or your actions related to it, triggered some kind of terror the cat has. Maybe someone once threw household cleaner on him, or threw him in a bucket of it. You never know. There are some cruel people out there.

His actions could also signify pain. A cat gets very aggressive when he has pain. Could he have gotten hurt some how when you were outside?

If you can, I would take him to a vet for a checkup. If the cat's behavior continues, the vet can prescribe a temporary prescription of kitty Prozac. It commonly used for cats that are stressed or who are having emotional problems. Usually a 2 week dose will work. I would speak to a vet about it.

They IS really bizarre behavior! Just try to keep him calm, using kitty treats if you have to, like tuna, or sardines in oil. Get him to associate you with something pleasant instead of something unpleasant to him. Let him know that whatever happened to him in the past won't happen to him now. It may take some time and patience. And next time you clean house I would put him in a separate room until you are done. And to be on the safe side, I would have him examined by a vet.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi