Cat Not Adapting to New Roommate?

atayavie

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Hi all,

Since my sister-in-law moved in 3 months ago, my cat Lokum has been behaving differently. I have had Lokum for 3 years. She's 4 years old.

Previously my cat had free range of the house, but now she is not allowed in my sister-in-law's room. She always keeps her door shut and Lokum can't go in, day or night.

Aside from that, the only thing that has changed is Lokum spends less time alone. My sister-in-law is home for most of the day every day and this could be what is triggering Lokum. Here are some of the strange things that have happened since then:

-Lokum scratches at my sister-in-law's door, meows, or generally tries to get in. This happens when I'm not home more but it also happens when I am at home

-Lokum throws up somewhat randomly, and has only done so when I am not there

-Lokum tries to jump up on tables, counters, other furniture she previously didn't try to.

-Lokum will attempt to eat food that is left out, and she never did that before either

-She has started sleeping on top of the wardrobe rather than on the floor in my room or on the bed with me

The only one of these things that seriously bothers my sister-in-law is the vomit, and I don't blame her. It looks gross, sounds gross, and is kinda terrifying when it happens, to be honest.

My sister-in-law is not a cat person and doesn't really like cats, but as far as I know she has been totally civil with Lokum and tries to pet her or play with her from time to time. 

Do you guys have any idea what might be causing all this weird stuff, and if there is anything I can do? It's been three months and if I get another call from my sister-in-law while I am work I'm gonna go crazy!

Also, is it possible Lokum has some medical problem or is all of this pretty psychological?

Thanks in advance!
 

calicosrspecial

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atayavie,

It wouldn't hurt to get Lokum checked out just in case it is a medical issue. I always try to rule out a medical issue first if throwing up is happening.

I am guessing it it is probably stress related. A few things point me to this thought. Cats do not like to lose territory and the fact a room is now of limits and she tries to get in there tells me that it bothers her. Usually it just takes time to get over that lose of territory. Did Lokum go in that room often previously?

She throws up when you are not home. I am guessing it is stress related. Cats can sense our emotions and if your sister in law gives off a vide of non-interest it could be unsettling to Lokum. You do not have to answer this but does your sister in law have a higher level of stress than other in the house have? If so, Lokum could be sensing this and taking it in. I am not blaming your sister in law at all, just something to be aware of.

Jumping up or going high tends to be a confidence sign (cats like to be high) but also can be fear or concern/safety driven. When a cat is high they feel safer and can watch what is going on. I am guessing since your sister in law is still relatively new that is why she is going high. But I will say it is a good sign Lokum is going up (high) rather than hiding under a bed etc. It tells me that she is a confident cat.

Eating food when it is left out, I am not sure. Is her food in an area that might get traffic or is in sight of your sister in law?

I think I would try a couple of things. You sister in law does try to pet Lokum and try to play with her from time to time. I would probably suggest that your sister in law hold off on trying to pet Lokum and let Lokum initiate any contact. I don't know all the details but sometimes if a person is faster than the cats timeline it can cause some unease.

I always use food, play, height and love when getting a cat to trust me. If your sister in law would be so kind (and since she has given some indication she wants to interact with Lokum) I would really like to see Lokum associate your sister in law with good things. I would start with food/treats. Does Lokum have a favorite special food? A nice wet food would be helpful. If your sister in law could give Lokum some delicious wet food I think that would help associate your sister in law with good things (food). Also, you can also do treats at non feeding time parts of the day. Then, if Lokum plays, try to start playing. If Lokum plays with you then play in front of your sister in law. Again, we try to associate good things with the person. That should be very helpful in getting Lokum more comfortable with your sister in law. Eventually you could ask your sister in law to take over the playing with you around. How does Lokum respond to the attempt of petting? Cats are a bit different, they tend to like to go on their own terms. I would start with food, then try to get the play going (with your sister in law eventually trying to play with Lokum) and then wait to try to pet Lokum. let Lokum come to your sister in law on her terms, first the rubbing, then maybe the head butt, then the petting (and you can always do the "handoff"). but it is a process. Non cat people have to understand that cats are a bit different than dogs but are eventually as wonderful. Who knows, your sister in law might just become a cat person!!

I hope this makes sense. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. The food should do the trick and with time help calm Lokum. Judging by what you wrote I think Lokum will be just fine in time.
 
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atayavie

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Hi CalicosRSpecial,

First off, thank you so much for the detailed and well-written response. We will take a look together at the suggestions and work through them one by one.

Taking Lokum to the vet may be the best first step. I will monitor her over the next 2 weeks while the SIL is away and see if I can find anything amiss.

Yes, Lokum did use her room a lot previously, especially as a place to hide. The bed in that room is higher off the ground, so she could easily hide under it. Perhaps this is the biggest trigger, and like you say, it will just take time.

Stress could definitely be a factor and that is a very good point. The next time Lokum does something weird perhaps I will see if I can get a sense of whether or not my SIL is stressed as well.

Yes, her food is in a relatively "high-traffic" area. Do you think moving it somewhere more secluded would help?

Food/treat -> play -> petting, this sounds like a great system. I will talk with the SIL and perhaps buy a new bag of treats (different from the ones I give) so that she can give them while I'm away during the day. 

It's so reassuring to hear that you think they will eventually get along. I appreciate your response SO much and I really feel relieved. I will keep you posted if I have any other questions. I'm new to having a totally indoor cat as well, and often have lots of questions. It's a relief to know there are people here who will take precious time out to help out a fellow cat lover :)

Thanks again!
 

calicosrspecial

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You are very welcome.

It will be interesting to see how Lokum is during your sister in laws absence, That could tell us a lot.

I thought that Lokum might have used that room a lot previously. I am glad she is not hiding under a bed anymore but any time a cat loses territory they tend to adjust for a while. Is there a place you can make comfy for her somewhere else? Also, do you have a cat tree or something near a window so she can look out a bit?

The stress tends to be absorbed and manifests itself in different ways and in different times. So it is not always easy to see cause and effect. Just as stress affects us I believe it affects cats.

If possible, I would move the food and water to a less busy place. Some place where Lokum can eat and drink and not have to be seen or interrupted. Not in a closet or anything but somewhere where it is a little less busy and visible.

I think if your sister in law gives Lokum her wet food and then treats at other parts of the day it will go a long way in getting Lokum comfortable. Play would be icing on the cake.

It sounds like your sister in law is a good person so I am confident things will work out.

We will be here for you. 
 
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