My lost cat returned thin, shy, aggressive. How can I help her?

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 .

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.

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!

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.

It's possible he is being skittish, just enjoys being outdoors, or has been injured and so won't approach you. It may be a good idea to contact your local animal shelter for a humane trap (one that doesn't hurt them when they enter it). You can then place it in his usual hangout spot with some smelly food (heated chicken or canned food) to entice him to enter. Once he's safely captured, bringing him to your vet to make sure he's OK after being out so long is best, and from there you can get him settled back in indoors.

Poor Hazel. The main things I would look for is if she stops eating or starts vomting or having diarrhea. Cats that run off for a while may have been bitten or injured while gone. Although you don’t see any obviously punctures, I would watch for any swellings anywhere. An abscess could always form over the next week from a previous injury where the skin already healed. Let her rest but her activity should pick up after a few days of sleeping. I hope this helps and she has a full recovery.

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.