You are here:

Cats/Senior Cat

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/22/2009


Question
I have a 13yr old male Siamese.  I recently moved to another State and he's developed allergies.  He is on medication to reduce his scratching/licking.  To add further changes, my Sister bought be a male Bengal cat.  It's been two months and I'm still working on my Siamese adjusting/sharing his territory. For three days now, he wakes me up at 3a.m. carrying his toys in his mouth and meowing loudly.  He will do this until all his toys are by my side.  Though I'm tired, I try to accommodate him but he wont play back.  He just sits and stairs.  I know ignoring him should make him stop this behavior, but at his age and with the move, a new play mate and the medication he's on, I'm not sure if it's another issue since he doesn't react.  I also know the medication may cause depression.  But he's never done this.  This is the first time I can't read him.  Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Shawn,

It's been two months since the move.  I don't think these problems are from the changes that happened. This may be the signal of something else. But first, don't reinforce this behavior by accommodating him. Just pet him and reassure him. Don't start playing at 3 a.m. with him. He is looking to you because you are his stability in his life.

What allergies did he develop? Is it a flea allergy? This is the most common type of allergy cats develop. Best treatment for that is a topical flea treatment like Advantage.

There is one thing you might want to do with him. Take him back to the vet and have him checked for Thyroid disease. Cats develop this about this age. His night time crying could be a sign of this. It is a symptom of something bothering him. Have him checked. His behavior is definitely related to something being wrong. It is hard for me to say what though. Your vet will be able to help here. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen  

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.