Cat is traumatized after being chased by dog

mintcheerios

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 11, 2016
Messages
2
Purraise
1
I have a short-haired cat named Pablo who's an indoor cat that has always been babied in our apartment. He'd always wake me up in the morning by laying on me, meow when I got home, loaf around, and play with his toys. But one day a friend brought his dog over, and before I could close the door to separate his dog from Pablo, it chased him all around our home until we separated them. After they left, Pablo just hides and is always alert. Understandably he's very anxious, and probably doesn't know that the dog is gone. It's been two days and he's only peed once, and hasn't pooped. He doesn't touch his food and never stays in one place unless he's in a very good hiding spot. I was able to feed him some kibbles out of my hand, but he doesn't even eat his favorite treats anymore. He's also extremely quiet now and treads very cautiously. Is there any way make him not as scared and anxious or is it just a matter of time?
 

kittens mom

Kittens life was lost to a negligent veterinarian.
Top Cat
Joined
Aug 27, 2015
Messages
6,198
Purraise
3,964
Location
Moriarty, New Mexico
I would move his litter box, food and water close to a favorite hiding spot and not push things. You are sure the dog didn't injure him or he might have injured himself during the chase ?
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #3

mintcheerios

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 11, 2016
Messages
2
Purraise
1
Thank you for the suggestion. When we brought the food to the closet he started eating again and the litterbox is nearby as well. We didn't see him get hurt and he doesn't walk funny or anything. He seems to act normal in the closet and treats anything outside as dangerous territory. Anyways, we're happy to see him eating again!
 

kittens mom

Kittens life was lost to a negligent veterinarian.
Top Cat
Joined
Aug 27, 2015
Messages
6,198
Purraise
3,964
Location
Moriarty, New Mexico
Hopefully he'll just start venturing out on his own. If not toys like Da Bird can be used to entice him. Leaving treats just a bit out of his comfort zone. You want to encourage not push. I'm glad he's eating too.
 

Mamanyt1953

Rules my home with an iron paw
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Oct 16, 2015
Messages
31,132
Purraise
67,609
Location
North Carolina
Kittens Mom gave you the best advice you can have.  All I will add is to be very, very patient about this.  Cats are so very ruled by their routines and rituals that they are fairly easily thrown for a total loop.  It might take a matter of a few weeks for him to totally trust the environment again.  Could happen sooner, but plan on the long run.
 
Last edited:
Top