Stressed Cat?

jennihen

My 4 year old neutered male hasn't settled since we moved 3 months ago.
I thought he'd love this house and its lovely garden but he's not 'himself'
He's quite nervy and is over-licking his back end. There's a bit of a power struggle going on between him and the kitten (18 month spayed female) who is quite playful - and an excellent hunter (3 mice in my kitchen this morning and one still alive!).
He's affectionate and his appetite is good, he can be very playful at times even playing by himself but he's not quite right!
I 've got a 'calming' plug in my room and he is flea'd and wormed regularly so I know the excessive grooming isn't fleas.
Any suggestions?


ETA - He's standing up against the wall and looking up and crying a lot - I'm finding it unsettling seeing him so unsettled!

Waterfalls

he does sound rather stressed, poor thing,

is it a feliway plug u have? and is it in your room because this is where he spends most of his time? when did u first plug it in?

jennihen

It has pheromones in it - the vet recommended it! I plugged it in, in my bedroom, from the day we moved in - they both 'reacted' to it and started sleeping on my bed together which they had never done before.
I'm on the third refill - not cheap!
I know he's not impressed by the cold so I've made lots of nice warm safe places for him to sleep.
He was a bit strange last night - I put a runner across the table and he went mad attacking it!

Waterfalls

make sure the plug in placed where they spend most of their time so they can get full benefit of it.
it needs to be away for ventilation, eg doors and windows that are regually open so it doesnt all escape into the atmosphere.

cats are getting rather stressed at the moment (im a vn) were are seeing an increase in blocked bladders and urinary problems, so hopefully he will improve when the weather begins to. also try and keep as much to the same routine as possible will help-good luck

jennihen

Thankyou Waterfalls!
We were having a lot of problems before we moved with an un-neutered Siamese and Zeb had a lot of small wounds from then which is what he's fussing at and licking. I thought he'd be happier away from such an agressive male!

Will make sure he has plenty of water to hand at all times - he uses the catflap alright - that was a new experience!

Will just make him as comfy and safe as possible and hope that he settles down. Found another mouse outside this afternoon so it looks like they got 4 between them last night - at least they're earning their keep!!

bratz81

poor thing does sound stressed
Just thought I'd mention it, my cat started licking himself 'downstairs' a lot, or where they would be if he had any and a few months later started having urinary issues.
Apparently this excessive licking can be a sign of urinary problems. Not saying it is and please don't worry!! Just a thought I had, as I had no idea this was a sign and just thought he was cleaning himself more.
So if he starts peeing in odd places as well...could be same as my cat. But of course I could be talking out of my hat, so don't worry!

Buddingblonde

I used rescue rememdies before for the cats - there are different ones for different personality traits. They worked wonderfully

stumpycat

One of our cats got stressed recently - we were decorating a room and all the furniture was moved around... he seems to have an interior design neurosis!

Anyway, I've been using the Feliway spray and also zylkene capsules, which you can get from your vet or online (check with your vet first, but they're non prescription)
http://www.zylkene.co.uk/

I also got him a cat 'tent' from Home Bargains and sprinkled some dried catnip in it. He seems a lot more content now and has stopped taking lumps out of the other cats.

I hope your cat settles in his lovely new home soon!