Hello all,
I have a 15 yr old spayed female siamese who is our alpha cat. Our other cat is a 7 yr old passive calico and normally they get along famously. A week ago, I "baby sat" a 4 yr old neutered male for 2 days. During the time the visiting cat was here, the siamese seemed fine since I kept them separated. But since his leaving the siamese has exhibited very odd behavior. The first night she repeatedly jumped in and out of the litter box for several hours without producing anything. Most importantly, she has not eaten in 8 days, but is willing to drink water. Normally she is a very social cat and loves everyone but after the visiting cat left she would hide all day and growl when approached. When she was petted she would wag her tail very low and very puffed up. She has dissociated herself from the younger calico. The calico is otherwise fine except she won't approach the siamese now. The siamese is doing better now and is almost back to normal. She is roaming the house again and is getting extra attention which she loves and is enjoying. But she still refuses to eat and the calico still will not come near her. I am sure I've upset the balance between the cats by bringing in this visiting cat and I am convinced this is a psychological problem, since she has done something similar in the past but never for such a prolonged time.
Has anyone else dealt with such behavior? I don't know what else to do. She is losing weight quickly and she was small to start with (only 8 lbs). Any suggestions? I am taking her to the vet tomorrow to make sure everything is physically fine. She has never had any health problems in the 12 years we have had her.
Help!
I have a 15 yr old spayed female siamese who is our alpha cat. Our other cat is a 7 yr old passive calico and normally they get along famously. A week ago, I "baby sat" a 4 yr old neutered male for 2 days. During the time the visiting cat was here, the siamese seemed fine since I kept them separated. But since his leaving the siamese has exhibited very odd behavior. The first night she repeatedly jumped in and out of the litter box for several hours without producing anything. Most importantly, she has not eaten in 8 days, but is willing to drink water. Normally she is a very social cat and loves everyone but after the visiting cat left she would hide all day and growl when approached. When she was petted she would wag her tail very low and very puffed up. She has dissociated herself from the younger calico. The calico is otherwise fine except she won't approach the siamese now. The siamese is doing better now and is almost back to normal. She is roaming the house again and is getting extra attention which she loves and is enjoying. But she still refuses to eat and the calico still will not come near her. I am sure I've upset the balance between the cats by bringing in this visiting cat and I am convinced this is a psychological problem, since she has done something similar in the past but never for such a prolonged time.
Has anyone else dealt with such behavior? I don't know what else to do. She is losing weight quickly and she was small to start with (only 8 lbs). Any suggestions? I am taking her to the vet tomorrow to make sure everything is physically fine. She has never had any health problems in the 12 years we have had her.
Help!
