I think I have a depressed cat on my hands.

[Justice wanted]

As you may know. I took in a cat after my Neighbor/landlord died. The cat is a part indoor cat part outdoor cat. Now Tuesday we had a lot of junk on the shared porch (between my house and landlord's place) hauled off. The new owner offically took control of the property. My husband and I felt akward throwing out thing that belong to the landlord that her family from overseas left on the porch thinking people would come and take.

So we got it hauled off. So the cat ended up sitting by our garbage can enjoying the sun on his fur most of the day Wednesday.

Last night when he came in for some food he kind of wanted to go out but we wouldn't let him because I felt it was too cold for him to be out. (I know he is one to be out all night in summer and don't mind) So he found a spot and kind of fell asleep. I have kept him in before and he's moved the blind to look at the window during the night slept and what not. BUt when I wake up in the morning the first thing he does is go to the door to go out.

This morning Nothing. He is curled up in our kitchen just laying there. I rubbed his tummy and he did pure but can't get more of a response. He hasn't moved as far as I'm aware.

I'm wondering if he is finally realizing his owner isn't coming back and is getting depressed?

[PassingFair]

1. Is he lying near his litter box?

He could be ill.

[Justice wanted]

2. No not near the litter box. By a vent that blows hot air.

[LynneSin]

3. Maybe he doesn't want to be an outdoor cat anymore

Both of my cats were originally outdoor cats - in fact one of them lived 3 years feral.

Today, I could try and toss them outside and both would be back inside before the door slammed shut.

Maybe the cat never really liked going outdoors and is hoping to go total indoors.

[Justice wanted]

5. Maybe. He was always running out of my landlord house. He is just not moving around at all just

to change position. maybe he is sick. I am just concerned.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

4. He's not depressed, he's just judging you

...deciding if you are a worthy replacement.

If he's curled up by the heat vent, this indicates a positive judgement.

[Justice wanted]

6. But he hasn't eaten yet. usually he has a routine where around 8am he is asking to come in or going

to the food bowl-if he is inside-to eat.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

7. Is he eating yet?

A day or three without food won't hurt, but hopefully he'll drink some water soon.

[Justice wanted]

8. He's finally up and actually went outside. He is staying on the porch. Normally this cat does

"patrols around the neighborhood". In his own little way making sure his little world is okay.

Thanks for the help and support.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

9. Now that the crisis is ended ...

... it's time to post some pictures!

[Justice wanted]

10. Wish I could don't have the ability just yet. Hopefully I get the computer up and moving completely

[hamsterjill]

13. Wrong!

Cats cannot go without eating or they run the risk of developing a condition known as hepatic lipidosis.

[TuxedoKat]

11. If you can

squirt a little water into his mouth, that might perk up his appetite. Chicken baby food (no onions), canned tuna might help too. Try to get some water into him - carefully though, so you don't get in it his lungs, to keep him from becoming dehydrated, which can be life-threatening for a cat.

[applegrove]

12. My Twilight and me took a while to get into a new routine after Monster died. I tried finding

new habits we both enjoyed. Now I curl up with her as soon as I get home. And I rub her belly whenever she is sitting on me. Plus I take my fist and head butt her head again and again which she really seems to enjoy. It is about finding out what routine southes her/him and renews life.

[Motown_Johnny]

14. give him a few days

I think you are right. Animals miss others of their pack/pride/flock/whatever. He is going to need some time to get over it.


Keeping him near you may help. If you are just sitting around the house, posting on DU or something, have him with you as much as possible. It will still take time but he will get over it.

Also I wouldn't let him out again until he seems like himself again. Cats are known to wander off and this type of shock might just be the trigger that sets him off.

[Justice wanted]

15. Thank you all for your suggestions. About noon He got up went to the door and meowed. We let

him out and he started doing his normal things sitting on the porch as well as patroling. When I woke up from a nap he was ready to come in and he ate than he demanded back outside. I think he will be fine. maybe trying to adjust to major changes.


thank you all for the support.

[csziggy]

16. He's decided you are worth keeping. Congratulations!

You have a new feline master.

Thank you for taking this kitty in.

[Justice wanted]

17. I felt like I had too. Humane society wanted to take him to destroy him just because they didn't

have room for him and I said no. We have been taking care of him for a year but I think he is starting realize his old master isn't coming back.