My cat is an 8 year old Bengal. He recently went missing and was lost for 4 weeks. Thankfully, we now have him back but he is very withdrawn and spends much time under the duvet in the spare bedroom. As much as I have tried to interact with him he really wants to be on his own. Should I just let him be and take his time to get over this? I have already been to a vet twice to get him checked over. Clinically, I was told he is fine so hope he will be over this soon though suspect this may take some time. Any advice gratefully received!
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How long have you had him back?
Is he eating and drinking normally?
We had him back last Tuesday evening.so just under a week. He is having to be encouraged to eat and drink. He has had small portions but on a fairly regular basis.
That is not very long. I think he will come around eventually. Most likely he is having "post traumatic stress." I would give him at least 2-3 weeks. If he continues to seem distant and upset, then I would start him on an anti-anxiety medication. The medication would be an anti-anxiety medication similar to prozac.
If his favorite room is the spare bedroom, you can purchase a "feliway diffuser." The feliway is an analog (same) pheromone of the scent cats produce when they are happy. It helps calm them. They sell the feliway online and at pet stores.
I would also try to engage him in play. This is to distract him and keep his mind busy. Try one of those stick toys that has a sting, and a toy, on the end. It sort of looks like a fishing pole with a toy at the end. They sell them at pet stores. You can also try other toys, and toys filled with catnip, to get him to play.
thanks - I am probably expecting too much of him at this early stage. I bought one of those diffusers today and have put it in his room. He has been in the bed under the duvet almost all day but just recently has moved aroundWill his appetite pick up when he gets over the stress? If I shake a packet of Dreamie biscuits he perks up but then does not eat many.
I think he is going to be alright. He just needs a little more time.
Yes, his appetite should pick up after the stress is reduced.
Try heating the food in the microwave. It makes it more fragrant which will help him eat.
You can put a little tuna on his food. If he likes canned food, you can offer that as well.
Your vet could also prescribe and appetite stimulant. But I think trying to pill him, at this point, would probably stress him out further.