Help!

[Phinnsmommy]

Okay well about a month ago, my brother left for college. Him and my cat Mathilda were very close. She is naturally skittish and stand-offish, but it seemed like he was the only one she would "open up" to. She used to stay in his room with him all day.

Anyway, he's come home 2 times I think, the last time being last weekend. Mathila has gotten soo depressed, she wont even let me pet her, she just sits at the door to his bedroom, or sits under or on his bed. We feel so bad

I try to cuddle her and help her feel better, but she just turns away.

So the worst part is, she's been peeing and pooping out of her litterbox (shes been going by his room)!!!!!

How can we stop her? And make her feel better?

Thanks so much!

 

[YukonDaisy]

First, I'd bring her to the vet to rule out anything medical. That's always the first course of action when it comes to a change in litter box habits.
As for what you can do for her, I'm not sure, just give her time, I suppose. She may be grieving for him, and everyone grieves differently and for varying lengths of time. Or maybe she's like "haha, the room is mine now" and she's trying to get rid of his smell? No, I don't think that's it, I'm just being silly. Maybe putting a litter box in the bedroom would help? If it continues, your brother will just have to quit college until after his little friend has lived out her life. :biggrin2:

 

[Leaf]

How old is she?

I agree with vetting, though to me it sounds like a behavioral issue. Still, cats do innapropriately "go" when they are ill, and stress can be a factor that leads to illness.

A suggestion I have would be to get a nice sized Pet Taxi or crate and put it in a low traffic area of the house. A room people go in and out of, or quietly relax in. If thats not available, perhaps another family members bedroom.



In the crate I'd ofer her food, water, a litter box and one of your brothers items of clothing.

You'd want to cover the crate or taxi she'll be in, but leave gaps where she can look out on the sides, and leave the front partially or completely uncovered. She needs to feel safe, but be able to see calm activity.

Honestly, I'd leave her crated a day or two before offering her time out of it. This will make her feel secure in her surroundings, but keep her confined enough to want to use the litter box.

Once her confinement time is over she can be brought out to sit with someone willing to give her time and put forth the effort. Hand held treats can be offered, but she'll likely refuse and you'll have to put them down for her to take.

It's possible she may bond with another person or come out of her shell at least to a certian degree.

 

[Evey]

aw, this reminds me of my cat, Tasha. While I'm away at school, she seriously hardly eats and is really depressed so I have to come home every weekend just to perk her up!! She and I are super close...I've had her for 11 years, and we are incredibly attached to each other, haha!

I guess I don't have any special advice besides tell your bro to come home more often!

 

[Phinnsmommy]

She just went to the vet a week ago, so I dont think it is health. And she isnt acting "sick", just depressed.

She is 9 years old, and an indoor-outdoor cat.

She is acting more lively today, and she slept on my bed last night, and was purring alot.

Thanks so much guys!