Can someone help me help my cat?
Angel is a wonderful cat and a beloved part of our family. He's two years old and we've had him from a kitten. He's always been good natured, affectionate and easy going. He's has always been an inside and outside cat.
We moved about six weeks ago, and since that time he's developed some behavior problems. He started with hiding under our bed for hours at a time. Then he started urinating around the house. He's not spraying. He finds box-like things like open drawers and such to use. Of course, this is a problem. He has a litter box and knows how to use it, but doesn't do so consistently.
After a couple weeks we wanted to let him go outside, but he wants nothing to do with it. He's obviously terrified of going outside. If we do put him out he sits at the door meowing loudly or climbs the screens trying to get in. He used to love to play in the garden, chase bugs and stalk the birds.
He has a couple safe places that he likes in the house, but if he ventures out from there and something startles him, (like the doorbell) he runs back to hide. He's visibly very nervous and agitated.
Other than that, he's still lovable and affectionate. What can we do to help him settle in?
Carolyn
Angel is a wonderful cat and a beloved part of our family. He's two years old and we've had him from a kitten. He's always been good natured, affectionate and easy going. He's has always been an inside and outside cat.
We moved about six weeks ago, and since that time he's developed some behavior problems. He started with hiding under our bed for hours at a time. Then he started urinating around the house. He's not spraying. He finds box-like things like open drawers and such to use. Of course, this is a problem. He has a litter box and knows how to use it, but doesn't do so consistently.
After a couple weeks we wanted to let him go outside, but he wants nothing to do with it. He's obviously terrified of going outside. If we do put him out he sits at the door meowing loudly or climbs the screens trying to get in. He used to love to play in the garden, chase bugs and stalk the birds.
He has a couple safe places that he likes in the house, but if he ventures out from there and something startles him, (like the doorbell) he runs back to hide. He's visibly very nervous and agitated.
Other than that, he's still lovable and affectionate. What can we do to help him settle in?
Carolyn