my cat is more insane than normal

[joshandjamie]

my cat (male, neutered, almost 2 years old) seems to have some issues. We went away on holiday for two weeks and he went to a cattery. Then we were back for two weeks and he seemed ok. Then we went away for a week and had a cat sitter look after him (we've used her before, no issues).

Since returning, he is very skittish, mewing all the time, not quite sure what to do with himself, going in and out and in and out, he attacked my DH's leg with his claws (not normal) and then we discovered that he had pooed on the floor downstairs about 8 times.

I asked the catsitter if she didn't notice a lack of poo in the tray and she said there was poo in the tray every second day which to her is normal.

The cat has always been housetrained - so this is brand new.

Any ideas as to what is going on? Is he just confused with us going away or pissed off with us? I feel like I need a cat shrink!

[cozietoesie]

He sounds insecure and stressed. (You went away twice in a short period and with different solutions to his care.) How long have you been back and seeing this behaviour?

[joshandjamie]

back today so it hasn't been long enough I guess for him to settle down. I agree he sounds stressed. I actually opted for the catsitter over the cattery as he seems to find that more stressful. I thought having the sitter and being in his own home would be better for him.

[cozietoesie]

Could well have been easier for him normally - but it was different to the two weeks previously and Lo and Behold you weren't there again. Some cats are very phlegmatic about absence but some are nervy and anxious with too much or too frequent a change.

I reckon it's still too early to tell. Does he sleep in your room with you? If so, I'd take an early night and get him to bed.

[cozietoesie]

PS - even if he doesn't sleep with you, I'd try to reestablish normal routine as quickly as you can.

[joshandjamie]

thanks I'll try. hopefully he'll come round

[cozietoesie]

Best of luck. Let us know how you get on.