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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Rescue cat terrified

26 replies

Cleanmean · 07/02/2022 11:01

We've had our lovely rescue for 7 months now, absolutely adore him. He's not overly affectionate, no lap sitting or affection from him but he likes to be near us all the time. Every so often he goes a little crazy doing zooming, chasing his tail, going crazy running around and scratching. Again, this is OK but I've noticed he seems absolutely terrified when he does this sometimes. Recently it's every evening. He will chase non existent flies on the carpet, look terrified, hide under the table, and not want to be touched or looked at. It's heart breaking. He was a stray before the rescue took him in, so I wonder if he's had some trauma.

I've tried catnip but it doesn't relax him, just makes him hyper. Feliway doesn't seem to do anything. It breaks my heart to see him so so scared. Is this something he might grow out of when he feels more secure with us or is it something we just leave him to deal with? The episodes don't last long, about 30 mins and he's usually fine after. I wish I could scoop him up and cuddle him but he's not affectionate and hates being carried (sob!).

I've tried buying him toys to play with to release some of his energy but he doesn't play with anything, just seems scared and suspicious of everything. Normally, he spends his day eating and sleeping so he can be a pretty chilled little guy.

OP posts:
SallyWD · 07/02/2022 11:06

I genuinely believe he's not terrified. I think all cats do this - there's a name for it, I can't remember what (zoomies or something?). My cat does this about once a day - running around like a maniac, chasing non-existent flies, hiding under the table, behind the sofa etc. I think it's just playful - they're pretending they're hunting and using up excess energy. I know they look scared when they do it but I think they're just in predatory mode.

Original poster
Cleanmean · 07/02/2022 11:09

Oh that's good to know. Maybe you're right, I few dreamies in his fave flavour do seem to get him to act more calmly so maybe he isn't as terrified as I think.

OP posts:
Dibear · 07/02/2022 11:14

My rescue cat does that as well she's just playing we had her for about 4 years now . She's never been a lap cat and only started to sleep on the bed at night but she's a loving purring cat. Have your tried pet remedy we use it as we have 2 cats and like to pick on each other plus we use feliway as well

SalsaLove · 07/02/2022 11:21

I’m not sure he’s terrified either. Check out Curious Zelda on Facebook. However, if he’s constantly chasing his tail he might be experiencing some skin discomfort. Make sure he’s up-to-date on his flea and parasite medication, the kind they get on the back of the neck every few months.

Original poster
Cleanmean · 07/02/2022 11:32

He's fully up to date with flea medication but will keep an eye on him. I'll have a look at pet remedy. He's actually a lovely cat and we love treating him like an absolute king.

OP posts:
Beamur · 07/02/2022 11:35

I have 3 cats and 2 of them frequently behave as if they are possessed in the evening. Spend most of it snoozing somewhere and then go briefly insane. Lots of dashing about, ears back, behaving as if they're spooked. Then fine again 😁

SalsaLove · 07/02/2022 11:44

@Cleanmean

He's fully up to date with flea medication but will keep an eye on him. I'll have a look at pet remedy. He's actually a lovely cat and we love treating him like an absolute king.
Aww, that’s lovely. Do you have a picture of him? There’s a cat tax on MN. 😆
Susu49 · 07/02/2022 11:50

Twitchy cat syndrome maybe? Have a Google...

Original poster
Cleanmean · 07/02/2022 13:14

Here he is

Rescue cat terrified
OP posts:
Original poster
Cleanmean · 07/02/2022 13:15

He's got a massive head/jowls and is the cutest cat ever.

OP posts:
minipie · 07/02/2022 13:19

Yep completely agree, it’s normal for cats to have brief bursts of insanity! Mine often chases a pencil round the floor or starts a fight with the rug. And then goes back to snoozing.

SalsaLove · 07/02/2022 13:28

He’s gorgeous. I love his pink nose! 😻

MarchFourth · 07/02/2022 13:32

He is gorgeous! Like the others I think this is normal too. I've heard it called the rips. Our rescue boy took a year or two to be really comfortable but turned in to the most lovable and delightful chap.

Original poster
Cleanmean · 07/02/2022 13:46

Ah that's so good to hear! Yes, I love his pink nose and he also has pink ears to match. He brings so much joy to us all and I really do hope he becomes a bit more clingy. I am so jealous of seeing cats cuddling their owners on social media!

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Yoyokitten · 07/02/2022 18:04

Totally normal, my cat does this. We call it his funny half hour, or the Zoomies!
He chases his tail races through every room as if his tail's on fire, ears flattened to his head, eyes wide. Looks so funny but can be alarming the first time.
Then he stops and look up at me as if to say " And, you got a problem?? Grin

Yoyokitten · 07/02/2022 18:10

This is my nut case cat

Rescue cat terrified
SallyWD · 07/02/2022 21:14

@Yoyokitten

This is my nut case cat
Gorgeous!
Judystilldreamsofhorses · 07/02/2022 23:50

We call it the mad half hour. Sadly during my morning meeting today. Our cat is the most chilled, good natured, friendly wee soul, but once a day (usually after eating/going out/coming in) she turns into a whirling dervish.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 07/02/2022 23:52

Non-whirling.

Rescue cat terrified
SoftSheen · 07/02/2022 23:55

This sounds like normal cat behaviour, especially for a young cat!

AwakeAgainNaturally · 07/02/2022 23:59

That’s normal. My cat does it regularly.

Mumsgirls · 08/02/2022 00:14

My 13 year boy old still does this each evening. Just let him get on with it. Thought he would have grown out of it by now, but no and he is still very agile.

OneCuppaChar · 08/02/2022 12:38

One of mine does parkour!

Fluffycloudland77 · 08/02/2022 16:33

Even my old girl has zoomies now and then. The bengals zoomies were legendary.

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 08/02/2022 16:50

Aw, bless you - I agree with everyone else though, this is totally normal and he's 100% not terrified. In fact, I bet you he's having the time of his life Grin

My three - aged 1, 5 and 6 all do this, either alone or together. They're all having a great time!

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