Cat Suddenly Terrified Of Bedroom

Hi, everyone! We recently moved into a new apartment — about three weeks ago. Our cats (a three-year-old male and a seven-month-old male) adjusted just fine. Then, two days ago, our youngest cat was in the bedroom when we heard a commotion. He ran out into the living room and froze — shaking, scrunched up with his tail between his legs. We examined the bedroom and can't find anything that might have fallen or made a big noise. Since we live in a small apartment, he's basically terrified of the bedroom and living room. I saw him slowly going into the bedroom today. Then, I noticed he saw his reflection in the big bedroom mirror — sending him jumping about halfway up the wall and running back out into the living room. So, we're back at square one. He's just terrified of everything — toys, any noise... you name it. I covered the bedroom mirror for now, but I want my lovable and playful guy to get back to normal. He's basically taken up residence on a bench in the kitchen. I've sprayed that pheromone stuff around the apartment to calm him down and gave him an all-natural calming treat. Does anyone have any suggestions? Or, will it just take time?

If you can confine him to just one room, that might be best. Our anxious old man hates being behind a closed door, but we kept him in one room when we moved and now this is his safe space if anything happens.

Can you give your baby boy places to hide, so he feels safe and cozy?

By all means, try to give him a "safe place," if there is one in your new apartment. Even if it is the kitchen. Allow him to take his time getting accustomed to the sounds and sights of the new apartment. You may have luck with chamomile tea, which can work wonders. It is gently calming without being sedating, which makes it great for situations like this. Buy commercially prepared bags from the coffee/tea aisle of your local store. This ensures that you are using German chamomile, NOT English, which is toxic to cats. Brew a cup, chill it, and administer via syringe or medicine dropper. The dosage is 1-3 teaspoonfuls (up to 3 Tablespoonfuls for cats 11 pounds or over) up to 3 times a day.

Meanwhile, keep the mirror covered! Are you downstairs? Is there any chance that he might have seen a neighborhood cat staring in at him from the window? That could certainly do it!