How Can I help my cat to become less afraid and more sociably

[ladyisis123]

Hi,

I have a 11 year old domestic cat called :Simba".  I had 3 cats and I am now down to one, Simba.  The oldest cat before he died was always cornering, picking on Simba and made him always afraid.  He practically lives underneath the bed.  Simba was closest to Pepee (my second cat) but he died before the oldest cat.

I have tried everything to try and get him to come out from under the bed.  It has been a year now since both my cats have died.  He comes out ocasionally, I use a hair glove  to remove his fur on him which he just loves.  But other than that, he lives in the bedroom and I hardly see him at all.

He hates thunderstorms and he knows when one is coming.  I feel really bad that I can't take that fear away from him.  I know that he could be trained to a more socially position, but I just don't know how to go about it.

Any help or possibly any alternative means to calm the cat because my long term goal is to get him to the Vets to have his physical.

[olivia13]

Definitely post your progress :)

Did he always come out in the morning or is this a new behaviour? Because if it is new then its progress! You could also try hiding his favourite treats around the house. Maybe leave a trail coming out from under the bed. Anything to influence him to come out.

Good luck!

[zodiacqueen]

Oh I hear ya.........I worry about my cats big time.  When my cats hide for longer than 2 days, I bring them to the vet just to make sure they're okay.  Cats are masters at hiding their sicknesses.  This is in their nature to hide any weaknesses, otherwise in the wild they'd never make it.  They are conditioned to hide, regardless of whether they're indoor or outdoor.

I would go ahead and take him to the vet and get some blood drawn just to be sure that Simba's not hiding anything.  Besides, it would make you feel better!  =)  If an illness can be ruled out, then we can try to brainstorm why Simba stays under the bed.  I really do think it's important to make sure that he's physically in good shape first!

Good luck!  =)

[ladyisis123]

I am pretty sure he is not sick.  I always watch for signs.  But you are absolutely right, if there were signs of him changing his routine I would definitely take him to the Vet.

It all started when his best friend (Pepee) who was my male cat died.  I think he was missing him a lot.

I had another adult cat and he was sick but because of his sickness he was kind of mean to Simba.  I had to watch my other cat (Samson) a lot (big time job).  He was always chasing, cornering, and especially chasing him under the bed.

I think this is a psychological situation where he feels safe under the bed.  Samson has now passed away and it's just Simba and I.

I am truly trying to find ways to let him know that's it OK to come out from the bed and that there is a whole lot of room elsewhere.

He does come out in the morning and sit on the rug, I pet him, I talk to him and give him a lot of TLC, but then after that, again under the bed.

He hates loud noises, thunderstorms, gets scared easily.  His haven is under the bed.

I wish I knew what to do.  Would love any suggestions zodiacqueen, or anyone else.

I worry so much about him.

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, I've got a question for ya.  When Simba was a baby was he hiding a lot and shy?  I'm trying to figure out if Simba's always been this way.  If he hasn't, then sometimes when cats do this hiding a lot it could mean that they're sick.  That's how I know my cat is sick.  What I would do is take Simba to the vet to see if anything is going on.  How is his appetite, potty habits, how much water is he drinking, etc.?

[ladyisis123]

I want to thank you for these wonderful ideas.  I did not even think about closing the door to the bedroom.  He does not get upset when I pick him up or get him out from under the bed.  Maybe he is "shy".  It seems like he is comfortable under the bed.  BUT I MISS HIM DURING THE DAY AND NIGHT. I will surely give him a lot of TLC.

I will surely show him that his home is safe and it is his "castle".

I'm not sure about getting another cat as this might keep him under the bed because there is someone else in his territory.  I thought about it, but have not made a decision yet.

These are wonderful ideas.  I will try this and let you know.  I will post it here.  Wish me luck.

[olivia13]

Is your cat just hiding and shy? Or does he lash out when you try to get him to come out?

If he's just shy then I would simple give him as much love as possible. Get him out from under the bed, pick him up and give him lots of hugs! It takes cats awhile to get used to being handled. Just be persistent. Maybe close off the room so that the bed is not an option? Show him that his whole home is safe.

I don't know if this would work, but maybe he just needs a new friend? Sometimes an older animal does very well in the company of a young energetic one. He was with two others cats, so maybe he just misses the company?