sudden strange cat behavior

by jessica
(ohio)

My cat Stewart is only five years old. A few years ago he ate a toxic plant and almost died but thanks to the wonderful care of our vet he has been okay ever since. When my dad was in the hospital last year he started taking my dads laundry in his mouth and wandering around making this low howling noise. I'd always see him with a sock or pajama pants in his mouth and he'd walk around in circles all slow and howling. Our other cat died about a month ago and ever since pretty much every night he grabs this towel we keep by the door to wipe my dogs feet off with and carries it around in his mouth howling and hovering real low, and meowing incessantly real low. He'll do it for like 5 or 10 minutes and then just lay down. We have another cat for him to play with, which is his brother, but the only thing I can think is that he's depressed or something. I'm just worried because he just seems so strange when he does it but the rest of the day he's normal, aloof but normal for himself. What do you think is wrong with him, should I take him to the vet?

Answer by KAte
Hi
no he doesn't sound ill it is more to do with the recent changes I think. he may be feeling a little anxious and unsettled and so his calling and carrying is a sort of comforter for him.
This is not unusual and as things settle down over time he will too.

In the mean time try buying him a new toy to distract him from the current situations. Spend some time every day with him having a game.

best wishes kate

---