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Question
My Main Coon is 5 years old. He is your typical well behaved, very easy going cat... but he's been missing suddenly 2-3 days at a time.... he's fixed, so he can't be chasing females, I would suppose. I had to lock him in the house this last time he's returned, and he desperately wants to leave, he's doesn't want me around him now, he's hissing, anxious, hiding, wants to fight the other cat we have, a 13 year old. I am afraid that he's gotten jeleous or I have been neglecting him, so...maybe he just wants food from me now, and then wants to leave to a neighbor's house where they pet him more.. don't know..... he seems healthy... help! Is it something I did?
Glen,
I can't really offer an opinion about what's happening with this kitty without having a more complete picture of your relationship with him. I have a few questions that will help me to have a better understanding of what might be going on here.
- How long has this behavioral change been evident?
- Have you had any major life changes (moving, getting married, having a baby, a death in the family (human or animal), turbulence in your marriage, etc.) recently?
- Have you had the cat examined by a veterinarian to determine whether this behavior could have a medical cause (sometimes cats are so good at hiding illness or injury that we don't know they're unwell or hurt)?
- Is the cat eating, drinking and eliminating appropriately?
- Have you considered taking the time to follow your kitty (at a distance of course) to see where he's headed?
- Have you had a significant reduction in the time you're able to spend with this little guy (Maine Coons are very social animals and will seek out affection and attention elsewhere if they're not getting enough at home)?
- Are there any other obvious issues that you've noticed since this behavior has started?
Hopefully once I have a clearer understanding of the issues I'll be able to help you figure out how to get your relationship with this kitty back on track. Until then I look forward to hearing from you.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you. Yes, I have been staying at my girlfriends over night and I don't get to sleep with my kitty anymore. And I suppose he must have found a better home, but why does he come back once a day to eat a little.... and then just bolts out again? I put tags on him so whomever he's spending time with at least konws he's not a stray. I think I should put a note on him, asking hte people to call me..... what do you think? seems like a sneaky way to learn what he's up to. I tried following him yesterday, but he jumped a neibhbor's fence...and i lost track of him..... Will he ever back normal with me again? Should I lock him indoors for a few days to rebond with him? I don't see how I can force him to stay without closing the door once he's back in. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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