Cat habits is a secret to everybody — other than the cat. (Getty Images)
DEAR JOAN: A year ago my spouse and I befriended a cat throughout our late night strolls. He looked well fed, and we believed he was from the community, however still felt we want to understand to whom he belongs. We left notes at numerous houses, published on Nextdoor and lastly discovered the owners.
He had actually been missing out on for 2 years. They live 5 miles away and believed he had actually passed away, given that his collar was discovered in a street.
I bonded right away with him and was rather tearful when they chose him up. The family corresponded with us, so we might visit him whenever we wished to. Initially we were informed he was still shy and in a box under their bed. They have 2 other cats that he has actually not made peace with yet, and he has actually battled viciously with both a couple of times.
I informed her we would happily take him if things do not exercise. That was 10 months back. The cat has actually been to the veterinarian for medication for stress and anxiety, however it has actually had no impact. I recommended all he most likely required was liberty and workout.
When we went to just recently, he looked various. He had actually gotten a great deal of weight and was still mainly in hiding and needed to be obtained from under their bed. The 2 other cats need to be kept away when they bring him out.
Why would a cat continue concealing when he is back with his family? They are at a loss about what to do about the problem. He is getting a great deal of love, which is most likely all he desired from us in 2015. I cannot picture it being okay for a cat that was utilized to being outdoors, not seeing much sun or smelling fresh air.
I would value your ideas on this.
— B.G., Livermore
DEAR B.G.: Cats conceal under the bed for 2 primary factors – worry or health problem.
Although it may appear like roaming areas, checking out the outdoors, breathing fresh air and delighting in the sunlight would be a picturesque life, it’s not. Cats that live their lives outside face a great deal of battles, searching for sufficient food to make it through while evading traffic, dogs, upset individuals who don’t desire roaming cats in their lawns, and other cats that are completing for resources.
For a cat that had a protected life prior to discovering itself on the street, it can be rather a frightening experience. In the case of this little darling, it would appear he had an especially traumatic time and is struggling with a form of cat post-traumatic tension.
It has actually left him careful of his environments and afraid of his housemates. It will take some time for him to recover. Although it may appear harsh for the cat to spend a lot time under the bed, it clearly is a location where he feels safe, which’s the most crucial thing. It sounds as if he is getting more at ease, however retreats to his safe location when something modifications, such as visitors showing up.
