Why did my cat suddenly become restless and run away from home?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It is possible that someone else is providing him with food as well and that is the reason he is not returning for all of his meals with you. He also may be sick, dealing with an infection or systemic disease. If you can catch him and bring him to the veterinarian, that would be ideal so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Sudden strange behavior changes can sometimes indicate underlying pain or illness, so it is a good idea to schedule a checkup with your vet to rule out any health issues. If your cat is not spayed and is also leaving the house, it could be that she is in heat or is pregnant, which is why she is trying to separate from her old litter (I assume this is what you mean by her kids) to make ready for a new one. Having her spayed and keeping her indoors may help if this is the case, as well as making sure all the cats have their own access to food, water, litter, bedding, etc.

Hello. Your cat may have experienced some minor trauma or even an unpleasant event outside. I have seen cats chased by dogs & even dive bombed by angry jays that would come into the house & sulk. And you never rule out some medical reason like a fever. If your cat continues to act strangely or unwell, refuses to eat or drink, please have him examined by your veterinarian as soon as convenient. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If Billy is not neutered yet, he is now old enough to be interested in mating females. This also makes him more prone to fighting with other male cats and may cause him to roam more. This roaming and fighting can lead to injuries from cars or other animals, FIV infections (which suppressed the immune system) and abscesses. Neutering him can help to decrease these behaviors which may end up saving his life. I recommend you speak with your veterinarian about the procedure. Most cats do very well and you should not expect to see any change in personality. I hope you find him quickly! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry about Moli! Outdoor cats, especially not spayed or neutered will wander. The fact she did return after 11 days makes be think that her being gone 2 days is too soon to say something bad happened. The risk to outdoor cats are: injuries from vehicles, other animals and finding her homes. The inured back leg could be from a fight, being hit by a car or falling from something. You can ask around and post fliers and see if anyone has seen her or know what might have happened. The only thing to do if she comes back is to have her spayed and keep her 100% indoors to prevent wandering off. I hope she returns soon!

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.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Golu. He probably roams because he is not neutered or altered. Male cats will roam extensively if they are not neutered. The testosterone drives them to seek out mates and reproduce. Neutering him would make him a lot less likely to roam. Pets have been lost for extended periods of time, even longer than this. It's possible that he could return home. It's also possible that he has been taken in by another family who is feeding him now. I hope he returns. Good luck