Expert: Karen Craft - 12/22/2009

Question
I am writing to you about my male cat. He is 4 years old and was weighing about 18 lbs. About 3-4 months ago, we added a fish tank to our household (we also have a female cat that is 3). Ever since we have gotten this tank, our male cat will not stop stalking it. Every time I turn around he is sitting there starring at it. He runs back and forth following the fish. I think it is causing him stress or anxiety. He seems to be losing weight, but hasn't stopped eating and is still using the litter box regularly and other than this seems himself. I just look at him and he looks thinner and his coat doesn't look as shiny, even after brushing. Our other cat doesn't even care about the fish, just our male. I'd say he's at the tank 1/3 of the day. Mainly during the day or when the light is on in that room. We thought about removing the tank, but were going to wait until the fish die off. But it was a lot of money I don't want to waste. He was at the vet in August and got a clean bill of health and all his shots up to date. Plus, ever since we moved into our home (about 2 years ago) he has acted out at everyone & anyone that visits. Nobody but me & my husband can go near him without getting swatted at (he still has his claws). He doesn't attack us, just visitors. He won't go after anyone, just if they get too close to him (he also growls a warning first if he is unhappy). This includes little children. We don't have any kids of our own yet, but it is in the near future. We are worried about him with the children when they come. We are hoping he will like them since they are a part of us. And don't want to have to declaw him at an older age. Do you have any suggestions to any of this? Or ideas as to what it could be? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Amy,

It sounds like your cat, like most others, doesn't like sudden change in his household. Try using a product called Feliway Comfort Zone. It mimics a cat's happy pheromones and calms them down. This should help. You might also want to take him back to the vet for some blood work to see if he has Thyroid disease. His age and what you have told me could signal that he might. And this might also explain his behavior.  Here is a  link about getting your cat ready for a new baby. It has a lot about dogs and cats. http://www.kingstownecatclinic.com/New%20Baby%20Intro.htm

Good luck.

Ciao, Karen