Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat returned home lost, skinny, sick, and acting aggressive.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4.5 lbs

My cat that I had for almost a year just came to my new home after escaping to outside for over a month. She was so skinny you could count her ribs. We have 3 other cats here and she doesn't get along with any of them so we gave her seperate food & water. She was normal at first except for growling at the other cats. It's been a week and now she's growling at everyone, she walks VERY slowly, she hides, and she has scabs around her mouth but she doesn't fight with the cats. I want my old cat back

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 7th, 2016

Your kitty is not feeling well. I suggest you take her to a veterinarian for a check up and blood tests. She may be ill, and therefore defensive when the other cats come near her. She may also need special food to gain weight properly .
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    While she was out on her own she may have picked up an illness or parasites from other cats, she may have been injured by animals or hit by a car. Being grumpy and out of sorts alone can be a sign of pain and discomfort. I think she should be seen by a vet as soon as possible for an exam, and some labwork to determine what's causing her behavior change and get her started on treatment.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
My lost cat returned thin, shy, aggressive. How can I help her?
Hi there. The very best thing for Jinxx is to let her take her time warming back up to you. Allow her smaller amounts of food and plenty of fresh water until she gets used to eating well again. She has probably had a rough adventure from the sound of it! She is probably scared more than anything-most return to normal behavior after a few weeks of TLC and patience at home. Hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My lost cat came back skinny. What care does she need? Rabies?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. What an amazing story to find her again after all that time. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She will need a thorough examination and possibly bloodwork. Starvation could certainly account for her weight loss, but so could a new underlying disease if she is an older cat. A rabies vaccine booster will likely be given as well. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My lost cat is malnourished. How can I help her gain weight safely?
Since she was missing for so long, an exam with your veterinarian would be recommended. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. If she gets a clean bill of health, continue feeding a high quality canned diet until she is back to her normal weight.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my cat suddenly gaining weight and aggressive to other cats?
Gaining so much weight all of a sudden could be a sign of metabolic disease or an endocrine disease such as diabetes. She may feel ill and vulnerable and therefore tries to keep the other kitties away from her. Please take her to your vet ASAP for an exam and blood tests.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My cat is aggressive and cries after running away, what happened?
Since she was gone for so long, an examine with your veterinarian would be recommended. This may diagnose any underlying injury or infection. Frequently, either can be responsible for a sudden change in behavior. In the meantime, give her space and time to reacclimate to you. Don't force her to be held or pet. Offer treats and praise when she comes close. A pheromone product, such as Feliway Spray or plug in diffuser, may help to decrease any anxiety.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My cat just came home skinny, gassy, and with flaky skin. Why?
Great news that you got him back! The weight loss, poor skin and flatulence are likely related to a poorer diet and stress of fending for himself. I strongly recommend feeding a high quality complete food and thorough flea and worm dose to ensure he does not bring any parasites back with him. A full vet check is recommended if not improving over 5-7days
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my sweet cat aggressive after being lost for a month?
Poor Sebastian. He could be scared or traumatized from being outside. He may have gotten into a fight while being on his own and he could be hurt. Sometimes when vets are hurt they will be skoddosh because they don't want people touching them. If there is a way a trap him and take him to the vet for an exam, you may want to do that. Just be careful to not get bit. Also you could try to offer him some cat food and treats and see if you can regain his trust. I hope he starts to come around for you.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Cat FoodCat SuppliesWet Cat FoodCat Health & WellnessCanned Cat FoodVeterinary Diet Cat FoodCat Vitamins & SupplementsCat First AidWeight Management Cat TreatsGrain Free Cat FoodKitten FoodSkin & Coat Supplements for CatsCat Multivitamins & SupplementsDewormer Treatments for CatsCat TreatsHigh Protein Cat FoodCat Dental CareCat Food with GrainCat Urinary CareCat Medicine
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button