Disoriented cat

[Laurence]

Hello!

My female cat (aged 12) has recently showed signs of disorientation. She stays out for long, extended periods of time (up until recently, she only went out for a few hours at night and occasionally during the day) and, when she returns, makes very enthusiastic noises to announce her arrival. I can't help wondering whether she is getting slightly lost. She certainly doesn't seem to recognize the house as hers, as she doesn't seem to be familiar with parts of it. We have lived in the same house for eight years and, as far as we are aware, there are no new animals or people in the house or neighbourhood.

Interestingly enough, the onset of this behaviour was coincident with us completing some major changes in our garden (i.e. having it dug up and laid out differently) and I wonder whether her change of behaviour could be linked to this in some way - for example, that smells from various plants and shrubs that we have removed formed part of her recognition of the "signature" of her home and the fact that they aren't present any more makes her feel confused.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Laurence

[jason]

She stays out for long, extended periods of time (up until recently, she only went out for a few hours at night and occasionally during the day) and, when she returns, makes very enthusiastic noises to announce her arrival.

it would be far more speculative on anyones part than even what you can speculate with you being there. your kitty needs the safety of indoors. i would guess the noises are to get your attention, whether its about pain or other i have no idea. are you noticing any other behavior changes? if she was indoors, you would be able to monitor her waste movement and also keep tabs on food intake.

the garden could have toxins (to your kitty) that you have dug/churned up and is effecting your kitty.

you considering behavioral reasons is not a bad idea per se, would be best to rule out health concerns first.

when was the last vet visit and what was done? does she have health conditions that you are aware about?

[Mona]

FIrst of all can you keep kitty inside, at this age it is very dangerous for her to be outside.

Secondly, she may be losing her hearing or sight which would account for her calling out.

The best thing to do is have her checked out by your vet asap.

Mona, Chloe and Honeybun