We had our cat since he was a kitten. Last week on Monday, we got 8 month old puppy and we do love him to death. Ever since he came to the family, our cat Shadow, feels neglected. He doesnt eat much and he stays in my brother's room all day sleeping. He's gotten skinny and his meows seem a bit weak.
Is something REALLY wrong with him? :(
Is something REALLY wrong with him? :(
It's most likely a reaction to the new addition in the family. Kitty needs more attention from family members now more than ever. I'm thinking he is feeling left out, which is normal in this situation. Everyone in your home should take some time to pet and socialize with kitty. Don't forget that he was the first one there and the new pup is taking attention away from him. Give him extra attention and maybe a brushing too. Show him that he is still #1.
Kennal attendant in a shelter for many years.
your kitten needs more attention..i have 2 kittens and 3 dogs...they are all so jealous over one another..but i try to find 1 on 1 play time..
this sounds like the kitten is sick.
please take the kitty to the vet,test him for FIV-my friend had 3 cats and 1 had to be put down, due to this illness.
FIV is like HIV in humans.the virus destroys the immune system.
my friends other 2 cats were not vaccinated either:they got infected with a disease:FIP feline infectious peritonitis-maybe got it from stray cats on the street?
Please take kitty to the vet,animals don't "pretend" sickness.
please take the kitty to the vet,test him for FIV-my friend had 3 cats and 1 had to be put down, due to this illness.
FIV is like HIV in humans.the virus destroys the immune system.
my friends other 2 cats were not vaccinated either:they got infected with a disease:FIP feline infectious peritonitis-maybe got it from stray cats on the street?
Please take kitty to the vet,animals don't "pretend" sickness.
Cats are very sensitive to their environment. Simply bringing in a new chair will make the cat sniff and rub (mark) the chair. He may even meow and walk around funny.
Now let's upgrade that a little to bringing in a new animal. A strange animal in the house can make a cat so stressed it either acts out by marking everything or it withdraws.
The best thing to do right now is to keep the cat seperate from the puppy until he is feeling better. Since you feel your cat isn't getting enough attention give him some one on one plus yummy food. get a few cans of some strong smelling food such as tuna to bring back his appetite. I would also recommend a destressing aide such as feliway or lavendar plug in freshener. Once he is feeling better you can start the process of slowly introducing him to the dog.
If you see no improvement after a few days take him to the vet.
Now let's upgrade that a little to bringing in a new animal. A strange animal in the house can make a cat so stressed it either acts out by marking everything or it withdraws.
The best thing to do right now is to keep the cat seperate from the puppy until he is feeling better. Since you feel your cat isn't getting enough attention give him some one on one plus yummy food. get a few cans of some strong smelling food such as tuna to bring back his appetite. I would also recommend a destressing aide such as feliway or lavendar plug in freshener. Once he is feeling better you can start the process of slowly introducing him to the dog.
If you see no improvement after a few days take him to the vet.
Sounds like kitty is depressed.Spend extra time with kitty and also try and bring kitty around your new puppy and help them get acquainted so kitty knows the puppy and him can be friends and a family. This should bring kitty around.