Help! Missing cat has returned but...

[ZoZoJumps]

...we have a new kitten and he is really pissed off at us!

Our 4 yo boy (neutered) Cat went missing 5 months ago. He is chipped. We called the vets, posted on local FB pages and put up posters and never had any luck.

It was pretty out of character - he was very loving. But he was very friendly to others and used to walk the school run with us in the morning to lap up the fuss he got. He is long haired and beautiful so had plenty of admirers. Because of this, I assumed he'd been lifted and there wasn't much I could do.

Yesterday, walking home from the shops he just suddenly appeared next to us! He seemed a little hesitant to be picked up but followed us right to our garden so I grabbed him and bought him indoors.

He immediately started howling and hissing at us at the front door obviously wanting to get out. Unfortunately, this bought out our curious rescue kitten! She came bounding over to him and he hissed, howled and clawed at her.

I am keeping them separate but the kitten is pretty unhappy about this too.

He won't let us pick him up or touch him. He doesn't seem thin so is obviously being fed.

What should I do? He is so unhappy and desperate to get out.

Should I just accept he's traded us in for another family?

Will he ever settle back in and possibly even tolerate the kitten?

[thecatneuterer]

Oh my word. I wonder where he's been! I wouldn't let him out for about three weeks. He will get used to the kitten, don't worry. Can you keep him in a spare room for a few days to let things settle and then gradually introduce them?

[hiddenhome]

I agree about separating him in a quiet room away from the kitten. Keep him quiet, but give him treats and let him know you're nearby.

A Feliway diffuser might help too.

[ZoZoJumps]

Right, I've ordered a felliway thing.

He's poo'd in the bath so I'm going to get another cat litter tray and a million bags of dreamies.

I'll keep him in another room for the time being. He is very very unhappy at being kept in though. Hissing and swiping at us if we go near him.

He was standing up testing the top window to see if he could escape and I noticed a patch of sore looking bald skin on his tummy. He's never had anything like that before. Seems scabbed over in places so I don't think it's from the last day or two. I need to get him to the vet but not sure how I'll get close enough to put him in the basket tbh.

I feel so happy he's home but so sad because he's not my loving cuddle mad boy

[code]

I'd leave the cat carrier in the room with him so he gets used to it. Then herd him into it and get him to the vet. My first thought is he may be injured or unwell and that's why he's so upset.

[hiddenhome]

It sounds like he's had quite a trauma being away and he doesn't know how to adapt to being back. I think a trip to the vets is a good idea too.

[negrilbaby]

Just one thing - do double check he is your cat - I have heard of mistakes being made. Maybe if you take him to the vet for a check-up you could double check his microchip!