Extreme fear of new people

[bg2000]

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to have to be a behaviorist. This morning he got on the bed with me and curled on my chest like he usually does, but when I got up to feed him and the other cats he immediately went feral and hid. He's so terrified he won't eat. It absolutely astounds me that he is still so terrified (of me and everything around) on Thursday from an event that lasted 10 mins, that he won't eat, walk around normally, or play with the other cats.

 

[heatherwillard0614]

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to have to be a behaviorist. This morning he got on the bed with me and curled on my chest like he usually does, but when I got up to feed him and the other cats he immediately went feral and hid. He's so terrified he won't eat. It absolutely astounds me that he is still so terrified (of me and everything around) on Thursday from an event that lasted 10 mins, that he won't eat, walk around normally, or play with the other cats.

I have a girl who I have had almost a year and still to this day if I walk to quickly she is skittish. If I have shoes on she hides.. (she was abused though) so slow movements helped me maybe that can help in your situation?? Try moving slowly and talking in a nice sweet voice are you able to block off any place he goes under? And set out little cat caves one like the first one is good because you can make it to where he is more hidden or less hidden
But any kind of cat cave type of bed works.. he needs to know he is safe out in the open and that under is off limits until he is comfortable again

 

[bg2000]

Update: I spoke with a veterinary behavioral specialist and he prescribed Prozac. Hopefully it works!

 

[Alldara]

Update: I spoke with a veterinary behavioral specialist and he prescribed Prozac. Hopefully it works!

Looking forward to hearing updates so you can let us know.

There's some other kids of behavioral medicines if that one doesn't have desired results.

Types of Anxiety Medication for Cats | PetMD

 

[Hellenww]

I think it's a combination of biology and experience. Some cats are naturally skittish. My Sqeeker is one of those. Born and raised in foster but fear all people and was like that from the time I met him. All the other cats at the rescue were calm and many very friendly. I fell for his online pic, took him on trial, and my resident cat bonded with him almost immediately and took very good care of him. So, here he is 16yrs later. Very suspicious of his 2 humans and running to hide if he even hears a stranger.

I love my little freaky Sqeeky even though I wish he was calmer, he has taught us to be calm when talking and walking near him. If medicating him didn't scare him for days I would have tried prozac etc... with him.

I hope the meds help him. My only suggestion is mostly ignore him when he hides. Speak calmly for a minute or 2 but don't try to coax him out. Just let him know all is safe. Dont take his fear personally.

Did you mop wipe down the areas the plumber touched to get rid of his smell?