I rescued my cat Percy who is around 10 years old from a Sanctuary 8 months ago. He was in the sanctuary for a year before I got him, and was maltreated prior to that. He is a bit timid, but have grown to love him as he can be very affectionate, when he wants to be, and normally would get to pet him once a day. He has always liked to go outside and spends most of the day out, at least if the weather permits it.

I went on holiday for a week 2 weeks ago. Rather than taking him to a catery, I got a cat sitter to come and feed him, so he had free reign to come and go as he pleased. I had used her before when I went away for a long weekend, and he seemed fine afterwards. About 2 weeks before I went away, I noticed he was scratching and then I saw a flea. So I treated him with the spot on flea treatment and he seemed fine.

However, since returning from holiday he has been scratching and licking a lot. I couldn't see any fleas, but to be sure I treated him again. He has also been outside all the time. He would normally come in for some or all of the night, but has stayed out all night for the last week. He literally only comes into feed and hasn't been his purring-self. He is still eating OK, but seems less interested in being around me and seems scared of coming into the house. Last night I coaxed him in with some cat treats and then he let me stroke him for 20 minutes, while he fell asleep. He then got up and wondered outside again, and I didn't then see him until this morning.

He seems to be on edge. There is another tom cat around our area and they have got into scraps before, and I think Percy has lost. I think I probably need to take him to the vets to make sure that he is healthy, but if anyone has any words of wisdom?

Please help! I don't know if this is to with the scratching and is health related or if it is to with me being away for so long and is behavioural.

Thanks

Mark

I don't think cats react to situations of lonliness from their people being away for a long period. There could be a female in heat in the neighbourhood (he is not neutered is he). Maybe he doesn't like that other tom around his territory even though he has lost a fight, that doesn't deter them from trying again.

Only things I can think about for now, lordpercy.

Tick