Lost Livermore cat is having a hard time back home

DEAR JOAN: A year ago my husband and I befriended a cat during our late evening walks. He looked well fed, and we thought he was from the neighborhood, but still felt we would like to know to whom he belongs. We left notes at several homes, posted on Nextdoor and finally found the owners.

He had been missing for two years. They live five miles away and thought he had died, since his collar was found in a street.

I bonded immediately with him and was quite tearful when they picked him up. The family kept in touch with us, so we could visit him whenever we wanted to. Initially we were told he was still shy and in a box under their bed. They have two other cats that he has not made peace with yet, and he has fought viciously with both a few times.

I told her we would gladly take him if things do not work out. That was 10 months ago. The cat has been to the vet for medication for anxiety, but it has had no effect. I suggested all he probably needed was freedom and exercise.

When we visited recently, he looked different. He had gained a lot of weight and was still mostly in hiding and had to be retrieved from under their bed. The two other cats have to be kept away when they bring him out.

Why would a cat keep on hiding when he is back with his family? They are at a loss about what to do about the issue. He is getting a lot of love, which is probably all he wanted from us last year. I cannot imagine it being OK for a cat that was used to being outside, not seeing much sun or smelling fresh air.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

— B.G., Livermore

DEAR B.G.: Cats hide under the bed for two main reasons – fear or illness.

Although it might seem like wandering neighborhoods, exploring the great outdoors, breathing fresh air and enjoying the sunshine would be an idyllic life, it’s not. Cats that live their lives outside face a lot of struggles, trying to find enough food to survive while dodging traffic, dogs, angry people who don’t want stray cats in their yards, and other cats that are competing for resources.

For a cat that had a sheltered life before finding itself on the street, it can be quite a frightening experience. In the case of this little sweetie, it would appear he had a particularly harrowing time and is suffering from a form of kitty post-traumatic stress.

It has left him wary of his surroundings and fearful of his housemates. It will take time for him to heal. Although it might seem cruel for the cat to spend so much time under the bed, it obviously is a place where he feels safe, and that’s the most important thing. It sounds as if he is getting more at ease, but retreats to his safe place when something changes, such as visitors arriving.

Anxiety medication should help him. The owners might also try a feline pheromone diffuser, which can lower the temperature in household cat disputes. A common brand is Feliway.

I’m sure in time he’ll recover, but patience is required. You’re seeing progress and that’s encouraging.

Animal Life runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.