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samonmars · Oct 10, 2007, 04:33 PM

Ok, about four or five maybe six years ago my cat Murphy's cat girl-friend died. After her death he kind of looked sad, until he started hissing randomly and hiding and lashing out at other animals. He really loves me, he used to practically stand guard over me when I was a baby and we had to keep him in my room to keep him from attacking other animals. Now he's a little better, but if I take him out to look at birds or bats outside(he love shunting) he gets really scared

is he mental or something? I don't want to put him to sleep over nothing, and he's OK when he's in my room.

ADDED: Can I please have an answer ASAP? I also want to know how to make him happier.

colbtech · Oct 11, 2007, 02:44 AM

If Murphy has been kept as an indoor cat for the last few years he may just be frightened of everything new. Is he OK when he prowls around inside the house? Is he off his food? How old is he? If you are genuinely concerned take him to the vet for a check up and explain the situatiuon.

samonmars · Oct 11, 2007, 07:43 AM

He's around 13 years old, but he's lost all his teeth and still loves eating so I'm not worried there. He seems OK if I'm with him when he goes around the hhouse every once in a while, but otherwise he gets scared and scratches on my door. Yeah, I think I'll take him to the vet. He hasn't beenchecked out in AGES.

colbtech · Oct 12, 2007, 12:12 AM

He just sounds nervous, maybe nothing wrong with him. One of my cats is very similar to yours, she is around 15-16 (she was a stray) and sleeps on my bed. Definitely not happy when I go off to work, always wants wet food ( I only leave Science Plan Dry food for the cats while I'm at work). That's their Saturday-Sunday treats. Sometimes I weaken and they get a midweek treat. Let us know how you get on with the vet.

grammadidi · Oct 12, 2007, 12:48 AM

Cats (and dogs) try to hide it when they are not feeling well, it's a natural instinct to protect themselves. It is possible that your cat may be in pain or something. I would definitely make that vet appointment for a thorough check up. You say that Murphy hasn't been checked out in ages. Does that mean he hasn't been vaccinated or anything?

I am presuming that Murphy is a male. Is it possible that he is having some urinary problems? Does he seem to be spending a lot of time in the litterbox? Is he urinating or drinking more or less than usual? Sometimes that can be an issue. Does he have any unusual lumps or injuries? Does he scratch at himself a lot, or shake his head quite a bit? All of these symptoms could indicate a problem.

Hugs, Didi

samonmars · Oct 12, 2007, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by grammadidi

Cats (and dogs) try to hide it when they are not feeling well, it's a natural instinct to protect themselves. It is possible that your cat may be in pain or something. I would definitely make that vet appointment for a thorough check up. You say that Murphy hasn't been checked out in ages. Does that mean he hasn't been vaccinated or anything?

I am presuming that Murphy is a male. Is it possible that he is having some urinary problems? Does he seem to be spending a lot of time in the litterbox? Is he urinating or drinking more or less than usual? Sometimes that can be an issue. Does he have any unusual lumps or injuries? Does he scratch at himself a lot, or shake his head quite a bit? All of these symptoms could indicate a problem.

Hugs, Didi

Yeah, he is a male. We had him through the usual vaccinations when he was younger, and he seems to be drinking a bit less but asking for more food.He is going to his litterbox quite a bit.

Thanks, I'll see if I can get him checked out this weekend.

grammadidi · Oct 12, 2007, 02:00 PM

If he has a urinary problem it could be imperative that he sees the vet very quickly. Please don't delay if you think this might be the case. Also, I wanted to say that I know everyone has different beliefs and abilities as far as their pets vaccinations. A lot of people choose not to vaccinate an indoor cat. I ask you, if nothing else, PLEASE get your cat vaccinated against rabies once the vet feels that he is healthy enough. This protects humans so, if nothing else, could save your life. There are often free rabies clinics if you can't afford it, and I would talk to your vet openly and honestly about that. Some vets are much more willing to see an animal vaccinated then to see a beloved pet die, so are willing to help work out special discounts or financial arrangements with you.

I hope Murphy gets a clean bill of health, but if not, at least you will be helping him feel better. Please let us know what the vet has to say.

Hugs, Didi

samonmars · Oct 12, 2007, 03:40 PM

I don't think he has rabies, hasn't gone near any other animal in years, and he's getting old..

N0help4u · Oct 12, 2007, 08:21 PM

Just like when people get old they often tend to just want to sit around in peace and no disruptions. He probably just wants to rest and not be bothered with anything but his usual stuff and is content to stay in your room with you. It would be good to take him to a vet for a check up to make sure he doesn't have any problems and for your peace of mind. The Pet Smart where I live has a clinic that is reasonable you might want to check with one near you.
If he were younger I'd say get a female cat around the same age to keep him company.