Please i need help

catlover73

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Did this behavior change start around the same time you had a friend over? The reason I am asking this is because maybe there was something he smelled on your friend that scared him. One of my cats does not like it when my hubby puts on a specific aftershave. He would hiss at my hubby and he had to stop using that brand.

I also agreee about trying closing the window to see if this is being caused by something he smells from outside that is new and scary.
 
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faizfaraj

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Update :

So i decided to take the day off to see what's really happening while I'm gone.

Apparently there is a cat coming to the window everyday.. My cat just sits there sniffing.

Also he is afraid of every noise he hears outside ,i closed the window .

I don't know what to do about the other cat.

Also, i asked about previous owner .. They lived on the fourth floor.. He never been outside and i live on the ground floor.

I guess all that noises it's too loud for him and the other cat defintly not helping.

Ideas? Or i should just wait?
 

talkingpeanut

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Update :

So i decided to take the day off to see what's really happening while I'm gone.

Apparently there is a cat coming to the window everyday.. My cat just sits there sniffing.

Also he is afraid of every noise he hears outside ,i closed the window .

I don't know what to do about the other cat.

Also, i asked about previous owner .. They lived on the fourth floor.. He never been outside and i live on the ground floor.

I guess all that noises it's too loud for him and the other cat defintly not helping.

Ideas? Or i should just wait?
Keep the window closed and the curtains down if possible. Also get him neutered. He should adjust!
 

Brian007

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Neutering your cat will make him smell less "masculine" and the other cat won't find him quite so interesting.  The other cat is most likely another boy who has not been neutered, and is very territorial.  He will be spraying outside, which your cat can smell, and behaving aggressively through body language and vocals.  It must be very frightening and threatening for your cat to feel bullied.  Cats like to stick to a set routine, so the other cat will still visit your flat everyday as he walks his territory but hopefully neutering your cat will make the other cat not feel the need to hang around, being aggressive, too long.

But, this is only a sticking plaster on the problem, as both cats need to be neutered to stop the territorial dispute.  So, you might want to find out who the other cat belongs to and ask if they would have it neutered, please.  You could do this by putting a collar on the cat and writing your phone number and a note saying to please make contact on a small piece of paper inside a collar barrel.  I think it very irresponsible to allow any unneutered male cat to walk the streets, getting lady cats pregnant but some people simply don't think.  If you're nice and explain your situation in a calm and friendly way, they should hopefully be understanding.  If they're not nice and friendly to you and refuse to neuter their cat, then I'd ask a charity or rescue centre to step in as they might be able to trap, neuter, and release the cat without its owners knowledge (I might be inviting a wave of criticism here for this suggestion).

If the cat doesn't seem to have an owner and is a stray, then, again, call in an animal rescue centre to trap and neuter it.  There are charities that help pay for neutering and it's a very quick and easy operation.  In which country do you live?  In many countries a cat in a rescue centre is not allowed to be rehomed until it is neutered, but as yours does this situation might be more complex.  

Neutering a four year old cat can mean the operation is not as successful as neutering a kitten whose testicles have yet to become active.  So, you may need more behavioural advice in future.  The sooner you neuter your cat the better for you both though, as very soon he'll start to spray (smells very bad) the area around the window to mask the other cat's spray smell.  Also, neutering will have a very beneficial calming effect and he will feel more relaxed and happy in himself.

What is your cats name, knowing it will help us to be able to talk about him more easily? 
 

calicosrspecial

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I am with the others. Please keep your window closed for now.

I think we now know what is causing him to be different. The sounds and especially the outside cat. 

If possible try to build his confidence. Step up play with him if possible. After a good play session feed either treats or a meal. Do you have any cat trees and scratching posts in the apartment? If not, if possible add some so he can get his scent on those and own those items. Finally just be calm and confident around him and let him know he is loved.

Getting your cat neutered should help.

You may want to contact Alley Cat Allies and see if there are volunteers in your area who could do a Trap Neuter/Spey/Release program for the feral cats in your neighborhood.

You may want to consider purchasing an Ultra Sonic animal repellent device or use cat repellent fragrances near your window. Things like  fresh orange and lemon peels or spray with citrus-scented fragrances. Coffee grounds, vinegar, pipe tobacco, or oil of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, or eucalyptus or you could plant the herb Rue by your window. Thank you to Alley Cat Allies for the previous suggestions. https://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-to-live-with-cats-in-your-neighborhood/

I have no doubt you and your cat have a bond and a love and with your love for him he will be fine. It may take a little time and we'll be here for you. But please don't worry, things will work out.
 

bexj1234

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Does he have access to the outside world? He may be agitated if there are other cats/ animals visible outside and he is unable to go out and mark his territory. If not, it could be due to an imbalance of hormones, triggered by something Unknown. Maybe try a feliway spray/plug in. I've heard they're great. Alternatively you could think about neutering him if he's not been done already.
If none of this helps, maybe try to reinforce positive behaviour instead of scolding the negatives. Encourage him to play with his favourite toys, give him treats etc.
Hope it gets better soon!
 
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faizfaraj

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Does he have access to the outside world? He may be agitated if there are other cats/ animals visible outside and he is unable to go out and mark his territory. If not, it could be due to an imbalance of hormones, triggered by something Unknown. Maybe try a feliway spray/plug in. I've heard they're great. Alternatively you could think about neutering him if he's not been done already.
If none of this helps, maybe try to reinforce positive behaviour instead of scolding the negatives. Encourage him to play with his favourite toys, give him treats etc.
Hope it gets better soon!
I don't let him out.. I thought about it because i thought maybe he is lonely but it's really dangerous outside.

The cat's name is tigre ..it's tiger in italian.

I'm from israel originally but I'm studying medicine in italy.

I'm really worried about him ..he stopped purring and i think maybe he is sick even though the vet said that he is healthy.

What do you think guys ,another trip to the vet or it's to much stress for now?
 

talkingpeanut

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I don't let him out.. I thought about it because i thought maybe he is lonely but it's really dangerous outside.

The cat's name is tigre ..it's tiger in italian.

I'm from israel originally but I'm studying medicine in italy.

I'm really worried about him ..he stopped purring and i think maybe he is sick even though the vet said that he is healthy.

What do you think guys ,another trip to the vet or it's to much stress for now?
He is under a lot of stress. When is the neutering appointment?

Is he eating normally? Using the litter box normally?
 

moonstr80

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I don't let him out.. I thought about it because i thought maybe he is lonely but it's really dangerous outside.

The cat's name is tigre ..it's tiger in italian.

I'm from israel originally but I'm studying medicine in italy.

I'm really worried about him ..he stopped purring and i think maybe he is sick even though the vet said that he is healthy.

What do you think guys ,another trip to the vet or it's to much stress for now?
I would do some reading on neutering male cats. Perhaps getting him neutered would wire him down so he's not so crazy about the female cats in heat outside your window!

No your cat is not sick. His hormones are going crazy it's in their nature wanting to mate if he's not sterilized, so yes, this is expected especially if you are having strays roaming in your area. if you get your cat fixed it will reduce the "cay behavior"
 
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Brian007

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@faizfaraj  You're probably stressing him out even more by being stressed about him yourself.  You could both benefit from Bach Rescue Remedy http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-information/   I've been using Bach Flower Remedies since I was 12 years old and so have all my cats (and wild mice, birds, bats, shrews, toads etc that my mum's cat have brought in and need reviving - my cat is an inside cat).  It works well in cats and has quite literally brought mice etc back from the brink of death.

But what I really wanted to mention in this post is whether or not you have a cat tree?  Tigres like climbing trees 
 I've got a ceiling height one with a large top platform for big-bum Dudley to sit and supervise from.  It was only about $40 from Amazon.  Tigre would feel safe in a tree and be able to look down on the window and the visiting cat, thus giving him ownership of the inside space.  

When is his neutering appointment, again?  Can you perhaps bring it forward.  The sooner really is the better for his sense of well-being. 

Not purring does indicate something's wrong but I think we've pinpointed the culprit:  testosterone in Tigre and the visiting cat.  So, get him neutered first, then see if he starts to chill out and purr again.  
 
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elliesvictim

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Also cats can run a little hot and cold. My girls can be all over me and then a couple of days later, completely disinterested. Don't always come to him, give her space and let him come to you.
 

calicosrspecial

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Brian makes an excellent point. Cat trees and scratching posts help him feel ownership and going up in the world builds confidence.

Cats can take on our emotions so please be as calm and confident and loving around him as possible. Just let him initiate the contact, don't force affection on him.

And if possible play with him and then feed treats or a meal. It helps replicate their natural instinct of Hunt, Capture, Kill, Eat.

Hang in there, things will work out.
 

ginny

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Jackson Galaxy always makes the point to say some cats really love to climb.  They feel a sense of safety looking down from a place where they can get away from whatever is happening on the ground that bothers them.  
 
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faizfaraj

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Update:
I took two days off just to take care of him and watch what really is happening here when I'm gone.

First of all he has scratching post but no tree.. He has other places to climb and they are high enough.

I took a little of the advices from here..

I closed the window and bought a plant for cats there (forgot the name) i put it by the window.

I added some new food and treets and he is crazy about it.
I bought the feliway spray and defuser , it was a huge help from the spray mainly.
I also got him toys and nice blanket that he really loves.

The problem with the outside cat is apparently solved ,i didn't see him around.

Now tigre is purring more frequently, BUT his tail is always wiggly unless he comes to me , then his tail is up.

He is getting closer to me but he is alway alert scared and ready to hide.. When he is like this there is no chance of touching him and that's the most of the day.

Tiger's problem is the busy street outside and the noise.
He is really scared if a scooter came buy the house or a car or just a man walking by..

I'm really considering moving to a new apartment on a higher level and in a more quiet neighborhood.

I know this stressful for him to move but i think that is best solution.. I need him to be the happiest.

I need your opinion and advise..you guys were a lot of help to me and i really appreciate it
 

talkingpeanut

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Update:
I took two days off just to take care of him and watch what really is happening here when I'm gone.

First of all he has scratching post but no tree.. He has other places to climb and they are high enough.

I took a little of the advices from here..

I closed the window and bought a plant for cats there (forgot the name) i put it by the window.

I added some new food and treets and he is crazy about it.
I bought the feliway spray and defuser , it was a huge help from the spray mainly.
I also got him toys and nice blanket that he really loves.

The problem with the outside cat is apparently solved ,i didn't see him around.

Now tigre is purring more frequently, BUT his tail is always wiggly unless he comes to me , then his tail is up.

He is getting closer to me but he is alway alert scared and ready to hide.. When he is like this there is no chance of touching him and that's the most of the day.

Tiger's problem is the busy street outside and the noise.
He is really scared if a scooter came buy the house or a car or just a man walking by..

I'm really considering moving to a new apartment on a higher level and in a more quiet neighborhood.

I know this stressful for him to move but i think that is best solution.. I need him to be the happiest.

I need your opinion and advise..you guys were a lot of help to me and i really appreciate it
It's great that you are so concerned about him.

I think the number one thing you can do for him is to have him neutered. Do you plan to do this?

He is currently ruled by his hormones. If makes him on edge. He will be much more relaxed and happy.
 

Brian007

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If you truly believe that your neighbourhood noises are constantly scaring him and putting him "on edge", and you are able and happy to move, then, by all means, move.  The stress of moving will be outweighed by the stress of the noise.  But, I'd wait to see if the Feliway, and other additions that you have made, solve the problem before making such a drastic decision.  But then again, I'd probably move to a quieter area regardless, if it were me, as I'm not one for noise myself.  But that's just me.

Could you have mice in the walls of your apartment?  Or could he be irritated or allergic to something in the atmosphere that keeps his tail wiggling?  We haven't exhausted all the possibilities yet, and you could simply move the problem with you.  
 

calicosrspecial

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I am with the others. See how the neutering works in addition to the additional play etc. 

I also think it is wonderful that you care about him so much. That will help him A LOT. The fact his tail is up when he sees you tells me he loves you and trusts you. Terrific. I love that he is purring more. Just please keep working on building his confidence, building trust with him, and keep loving him.

If things are still a problem in 45 days or so (it does take a little time for the testosterone to leave the body) then a move might be considered.

But please keep up the good work. I think we will all be here for you for as long as needed.
 

elliesvictim

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Give it some time. All cats are different. They can't talk, so you can't asks them what's wrong. Watch his behaviour and over time he'll get more used to you and you'll figure out more of what his behaviour means.
Main thing ATM don't over think everything. If he's eating,sleeping,pooping everything's ok.
 
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