Outgoing cat is suddenly scared and paranoid

by Anush Avejic
(Sunland, CA, USA)

My cat Mati is 4 years old and normally a very aggressive "big boy" kitty that is a lot of fun, lounges around the house, and controls our other kitty Zelda, a female, who is 7. Both are fixed.

Since Christmas, he has been acting scared. He'll sit in the closet all day and not come out. We just got him to come out at night two nights ago and he slept between us rather than on the dresser by the window where he usually sleeps.

It's very odd behavior for him. On Christmas day we had company over and had both cats in our room with their food and litter box, so they wouldn't be freaked out.

What would cause this behavior? Zelda is now in her glory because she has free reign of the house without Mati's bullying. And Mati is hiding in the closet.

Any clues?

Answer from Kate
Hi
cats as you know are very sensitive to change and Christmas can bring lots of little changes, smells, people, decorations, noise etc. Some cats simply find this all too much and can feel anxious over this.

My advice would be to give your cat a few days in a room with his litter tray, bed toys etc so that he can have a couple of days of peace and quiet. Visit him regularly just to sit quietly with him for awhile perhaps if he wants play a game.

Then after a few days allow him access to the rest of the house but don't force him to do anything. he will find his confidence again as things around the home return to normal.

best wishes Kate

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