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Cats/new and sudden fears

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Expert: - 2/16/2008


Question
We have a light grey tabby who is 2 years old.  My husband has always been his "favorite" person. Suddenly 2 weeks ago he is totally petrified of him and runs/hides every time he is in the room. We can think of nothing that has changed recently and there was no incident to set this off.  He also just had a clean bill of health from the vet 3 weeks ago. This evening he even spent 30 minutes howling to me because he was hungry and "Daddy" was in the room with his food bowl.  Any Suggestions?

Answer
Hi Sarah,

It sounds like your cat smelled something on your husband that scared him. I would suggest that you figure out what smell got on your husband that freaked out your cat. He may have picked up another cat whose scent is confusing your guy. I would suggest that your husband keep a set of sweats where the cat is and change into them. He then needs to reintroduce himself to the cat again. Try using some deli chicken or something your cat can't resist. Have him talk slowly and quietly to your cat. If he starts to panic, back away. Keep this up until he is used to him again. It won't take long, maybe a week. Good luck. And tell your husband to stay away from other cats.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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