BannedBreed Lover
Posted : 5/29/2008 1:02:48 PM
I can sympathise with you! Although I haven't moved (yet), my cat is extremely sensitive to changes in his environment. Teddy (my cat) is terrified of strangers in our home, and is only comfortable with the immediate family. We've tried socializing him, but it's quite difficult with a cat as compared to a dog. We've also accepted the fact that with Teddy being a Bengal x (he's almost 4), he's vocal to begin with, and it's the times that he not vocal that we worry about him.
For example last summer we put in a window air conditioner. It was the first time one had ever been in our house before. When it was turned on he avoided it completely for the first few hours; but eventually he came to tolerate it. The following morning starting at 5 a.m.!!! Teddy started up his howling, pacing the halls and bedrooms constantly for almost 45 minutes (and if anyone here has heard a male Bengal howl.. it's loud!!!). Even with us getting up and cuddling him, playing with his toys or trying to divert his attention and even ignoring him, it never ceased. Finally he calmed down, and by the end of the day was laying by the air conditioner to keep cool. He does this too after every single visitor who comes into our home and stays for a couple of hours, as well as if there is any physical change to his surroundings. Teddy's howling sessions usually last between 15 minutes right up to the longest one being the air conditioner episode at 45 minutes.
Teddy is neutered and was a rescue from our local shelter as well. He uses his litter box like a good boy, and has never had a potty accident. He also has a 5ft cat tree that is his to destroy and climb on, as well as a toy box full of toys that I use to play with him. Teddy is a strictly indoor cat, but has lots of window views.
I highly suggest reading any one of Pam Johnson Bennetts books. Bennett is a cat behavior therapist who has written 5+ books on cat behavior and explains in a wonderful perspective of how to interpret your cat's behavior. Here's a link to her website where you can see all of her books, as well as a list of FAQ's by cat owners. http://catbehaviorassociates.com/
Good luck with your kitty!
Ashley