Expert: Tina - 4/12/2004

Question
2 days ago my Maine Coone cat came running into the house, obviously terrified of something. he is usually Mr relaxed, loves everyone, very friendly and cuddly. He came in, hid and since then has growled and hissed at EVERYONE who has come in to the room. After 48 hours he seemed to relax and wanted to go out so I let him..he didn't return. 24 hours later I found him in a nearby garden, obviously scared and totally bewildered. he recognised my voice but I wasn't sure he recognised my face. Since then he has stayed in. he knows me, and cuddles me but he'd scared of the children, of anything that moves. I can't find any injury but am wondering if he has either been hurt or
abused by someone..either that or something has scared his soo badly. He seems to be able to see Ok but is acting like everyone is a stranger. My children are devastated and I'm worried sick.
I shall take him tlo the Vets but any suggestions!?!?
Thanks!


Answer
HI Julie,

For soem reason I just got your question now, so I hope by now your cat is back to normal...

You are right, he must have been absolutely terrified. He could have been chased by a dog, hurt by a human or maybe had a near miss with a car. If you don't see any signs of pain or obvious injury (no bleeding or limping or soreness) keep him at home - and INDOORS for now. If he doesn't start to eat or use the litterbox in 24 hours call your vet. If he was grazed by a car he could have internal injuries.

Chances are since he made it home, your cat is not injured but very traumatized. Put him in a quiet room with his litterbox and food and water and just let him be for a day or so. It takes time for the shock to wear off. His body is flooded with hormones such as adrenaline which prepare the body for "fight or flight" when scared. These hormones cause pupil dilation and heightened senses, so everything seems very loud and bright to him right now. These same hormones effect humans under extreme frigth or stress - you've probably heard of mothers who have completed superhuman tasks when their children are in danger, like lifting something 3 times their weight to free a trapped child. Once the hormones subside he will recognize you again and start to be his normal self. He is in self-preservation mode right now.

Your kitty is lucky because whatever scared him he survived! Many cats are not so lucky. Cats allowed outdoors live an average of 5 years vs. indoor only cats who live an average of 15 years. If you love your kitty (and obviously you and the kids do love him!) start keeping him indoors. It can be an adjustment for him at first he may ask to go out, but for his own safety you ahve to say no. Cats live long happy lives indoors and there they are safe from cars, dogs, nasty humans, and diseases they can catch from other cats such as leukemia and FIV which are often fatal and have no cure.

I myself have built an outdoor enclosure for my cats - they can enjoy the sun and fresh air but I know they are safe! They access it through a cat flap in a window. Following are some references on how to build your own cat enclosure or buy a pre-made one. Also some articles on how to transition a cat to indoor-only life and keep him happy there!


Pre-built enclosures
http://www.cdpets.com/enclosure.html
http://www.classicpetenclosures.com/cat.htm

Build your Own
http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-worldenclosures.htm
http://www.just4cats.com

POrtable
http://www.midnightpass.com/kittywalktm.html

Add-to_Existing Fence Systems (Not comepletely enclosed)
http://www.catfencein.com
http://www.friendlyfence.com/ff/prod_fence_cat_houdini.asp


More links and tips:
http://www.flippyscatpage.com/enclosures.html
http://www.thecatsite.com/cat_care/care.php?a=enclosures
http://www.petplace.com/Articles/artShow.asp?artID=2974

Keeping your Cat Happy Indoors
• Grow "cat grass" (barley or wheatgrass) in a pot for your cat to chew. You can buy sprouted cat grass at most pet food stores, or you can grow seeds of barley, wheat, and/or oats. Some cats may vomit if they eat cat grass, if your cat does don't feed her grass.

• Build or buy a "cat tree" for climbing and watching the world. Cat trees provide fun and a lot of climbing exercise. They can compensate for a small apartment by providing vertical space. Ideally these can be placed near a window for a great view.

• Get a cat condo and/or bed so your cat has a safe "den" in which to sleep or just hang out.

• Provide lots of toys - both interactive (such as feather wands or cat charmers) and toys that the cat can play with safely herself, such as catnip mice or balls. It is best to "ration" toys or rotate them, if the cat loses interest you can hide the toy away for a while and use another one.

• Provide companionship - human or animal. Playtime and petting are very important. If your cats get along well with others, consider getting a friend - cats are social animal contrary to popular belief.

• Bird feeders can be placed in an area outside a window, to serve as a "kitty TV". Just be sure the screen and window are very secure (as they should be in any case), to avoid cats going through the screen! Fish tanks (sturdily covered) also provide great entertainment.

• Leave windows open (with very secure screens) for fresh air, sounds, and smells from outside. If possible leave a window partly open while you are away, too. But make sure the cats can't claw out the screen!