My cat ran away, came back, but now acts skittish. What do I do?

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.

I'm sorry to hear your cat ran away! It would be best to place out a carrier or humane trap with food in it to see if you can try to catch him, or leave out a dish of food nearby for him to return to. Cats are enticed by smell, so making it smelly or using something such as heated chicken may help, however you also run the risk of attracting wild animals as well. Letting any local animal shelters or neighbors know to keep an eye out for your cat may also help alert you to where he is so you can catch him. As for in the house, making sure each cat has their own space to rest and relax when you can't watch them, and that they can all get to food, water, litter, etc without being bothered by another cat can help reduce fighting. A pheromone diffuser such as Comfort Zone can also help with intercat aggression. If the aggression is continuing or worsening, a vet exam to rule out pain or illness which can cause behavioral changes is best as well.

Feed him and water him and examine him closely for pain, blood or injuries, check his nail (whether they are frayed...if so, he may have been hit by a car), observe him walk and whether he is lame. If all is well, he is probably just very very happy to be home again with you. He may have been very scared outside considering he is usually an inside kitty. Give him lots of TLC. If he keeps crying or has any signs of an injury, or appears ill or hurt, you should take him to ta pet ER tonight.

You may try leaving tasty treats or very small amounts of food out on the steps/porch and lead them into the house (if you can leave the door open so he walks in. You can also sit quietly outside with something tasty to encourage him to come to you. Be patient and quiet. Most pets will get hungry enough that they will try to over come their fears. I hope this helps and good luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Kitty Mucher. If she spends time outdoors, then I worry that she sustained an injury. Cat bite wounds are common and could explain her abrupt change in behavior. If she is not acting normal by the time you return home today, then she will need to see her veterinarian. If she does have a wound (and they can be hard to find), she will require treatment. I hope this information helps!

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.

Oh no! I hope you get him soon! Continue to try to tempt him with food and leave him just a handful of kibble to eat close to his hiding space. You may also place his litter box outside so he can follow the scent home. Continue to try to call him to you and always be patient. Best of luck!