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sue_anna · Jul 2, 2012, 04:29 AM

My 11 months old cat went missing when I moved to a new place (there was another cat on the property so older cat chased him away). He used to be a very affectionate and loving cat. He was suckling and enjoy being with me at all times (playing & suckling on my hand). He loved me to bits. He was a very timid cat and scared of everything (seriously even from birds). I found him a month later (took 150 fliers, contacting local animal rescue and veterinaries). He doesn't seem to remember me at all or any furniture. He is hiding most of the time and doesn't look like he wants to be in the same room with me. That's why I think he is traumatized as he was such a loving cat.

I know I should be patient and wait for him to come to me. But does anyone have any advice for my situation? It is really breaking my heart to see my beloved cat like this.

joypulv · Jul 2, 2012, 07:27 AM

Oh, I think he remembers you. But the place is different, and cats are unusual creatures. He needs time, I'm going to guess 2 weeks max, because that's how long my cat took to adapt when I got her new. I suppose there might be some trauma but you just will never know, so there's no point in speculating (unless you can trace back to who found him where). Provide empty boxes on their sides with the flaps partially open around your bedroom, living room, and any other room you spend time in. Be consistent about where they are and put a towel in one, with a toy or catnip. Try to keep noise down (no vacuums!) and your schedule routine. Pat him when you feed him, maybe on a low table where you can get close and coo and pat. Close off rooms you don't use much.

msdebdardx4 · Jul 2, 2012, 07:42 AM

Are you sure he's your cat? My neighbor's cat looks just like our cat. My son can tell the difference because one is bigger.

sue_anna · Jul 3, 2012, 04:32 AM

@ joypulv : It has already been more than 2 weeks. I found him at a rugby stadium; a lot of cars, drunk people and of course noise. That is why I think he is traumatized badly as I said earlier he was even scared of birds. Thank you for your advice.

@msdebdardx4 : When I went to rugby field to look for him, I called his name and he came to me (not closer of course) and when I call his name he looks at me or any other person who calls his name. And he is neutered. Here the chances of neutered cat at a stadium is pretty low. But you never know :S

joypulv · Jul 3, 2012, 05:07 AM

Has he shown even the tiniest sign of adapting, other than knowing his name (that's a good sign)?
Cats universally love places to hide, often the smaller the better. My un-traumatized cat finds places I didn't even know existed, right in my own house. Boxes work very well but you can also buy those cat hotels, and the tall ones are good for cats who like to look down on what's going on.
I still think he is appreciating the fact that you found him, that he is with you again, and that between trauma and a new place, it will just take longer. There are stories of cats who are never the same again, but they are rare.
Dogs too. You can't predict. My sister had 2 nice friendly mutts, but as soon as her baby was born, one dog went off the deep end with jealousy.