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Cats/Sudden change in behaviors.

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Expert: - 8/13/2007


Question
We have had a pudgy neutered male in the house for about a year, now, and recently brought in a new female kitten. The two seem to get on fine, but I've been noticing a real change in our male cat's behavior. Before the kitten, he was very affectionate and would basically let us hold him and cuddle with him until we stopped. If we got out a cat toy, he would play continuously. Now he's very tetchy about being held, sleeps a great deal more, and seems to be experiencing some severe lethargy. The kitten is incredibly active and, when she first came into our home, would constantly play with the older male. Her interactions with our male cat now are mostly very gentle. She'll groom him, whereas before she would try to get him to play.

Is this normal behavior in such a scenario, or should I take my male cat to the vet to get him checked out?

Answer
Hi Bridgette,

Changes in behavior when you bring a new kitten in sometimes happen. But what concerns me more is the severe lethargy. That shouldn't be happening. Take him to your vet to get checked out. He could have something wrong with him. With being overweight and lethargic it could be something wrong with his thyroid. Good luck and let me know what the vet said.

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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