Evening all, my 15-year-old cat has always slept on the bed with me ever since he was a kitten. But for the last couple of months, I can't get him to come up at all. He seems terrified as soon as I bring him into my bedroom (even though nothing in there has changed). I try picking him up to reassure him, talking to him and giving him a stroke, but he gets really stressed and bolts, almost like he's scared of something.
Any advice would be great as I'm really confused—it’s the first time in 15 years he’s ever acted like this.
Translated from French
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Evening everyone,
You’re probably right given his age; he’s starting to get scared of situations he used to enjoy.
Yes, he’s eating and drinking, and he’s still grooming himself—his coat even looks lovely. He’s just lost a bit of weight.
He sleeps in his cardboard box (which he loves), and as soon as he comes out, it’s only to sleep on me and no one else. So, I’m going to come to terms with it and just leave him be. I’ll try to get used to it, while always hoping deep down that one day he’ll be back to his old self. He’s been my best friend for 15 years, we’ve never been apart, and I’m terrified of losing him, but I’ll look after him until the very end.
Thank you all.
Given the cat's advanced age, it’s possible they’re starting to develop some neurological issues. When this happens, cats can become phobic of situations they used to be perfectly fine with. There isn't much that can be done, really. As long as they’re eating, drinking, sleeping, and staying house-trained (which are the most important things), you just need to respect their new fears and avoid forcing anything.
Hi, no, he doesn't go there during the day either. There haven't been any changes. I accidentally kicked him one night while I was asleep and he bolted; could that be the reason? But he sleeps with me on the sofa with no issues at all, and on my bed he’ll only stay on top of me. As soon as I try to gently put him on his blanket (I’ve tried several different ones), he runs off. You’re right, I’ll let him do his own thing at night and I won’t force him, but after 15 years it’s really hard for me. Thanks for your reply.
Hi,
Have you tried a different blanket?
Alternatively, is it possible that at his age he’s got some joint pain and the mattress isn't supporting him well enough?
The fact that he runs away when you pick him up and put him on the bed isn't necessarily a sign of fear. It’s just that cats often don’t feel secure in our arms, and if you put him down when he doesn't want to be there, running off is a natural reaction.
Hi there,
No, he doesn't go there even during the day. There haven't been any changes. I accidentally kicked him one night while I was asleep and he bolted off—could that be the reason? But he sleeps on the sofa with me without any trouble, and on my bed, he’ll only stay on top of me. As soon as I try to gently move him onto his blanket (I’ve tried several different ones), he just runs away.
You’re right, I’m letting him do his own thing at night and I’m not forcing him, but after 15 years it’s very hard for me.
Thanks for your reply.
