I already know the answer, but would like more input. Here is what's going on. I lost my Big Kitty to being killed by a neighbor's dog. She was mostly an outside cat but had started coming in more and more lately before she died. She was 10 yrs old. Now I have my boy cat and he was really sick right before this happened so I swore I'd keep him inside forever. Couldn't stand the thought of losing him, too. He is 9. Well, lately he has pestered me to go out and just will not let up. In another post I commented on how much I have stayed in and sort of become reclusive. He meuws to go out constantly. Then gives up and goes and hides. We miss our other kitty, but I don't know about getting another baby yet. What are the chances we are still mourning her?
I cry so much these days. I lost my cat Sept. 20. Thank God I didn't witness it, I had just left to go out for a little while and didn't find her until the next morning.
I'm so sad over this but it helps getting it out in the open, a little.
Senecaguns

It is very sad that you lost your kitty. I have an indoor cat who I adore and I know how I would feel if I lost her.
Of course you are still mourning and I do think our pets know when we our feeling anxious. Cats especially are very sensitive. It is common knowledge that they always know if they are going to the vets, and hide even before the basket has come out, as they can feel the subtle change in the owner's demeanor.

Having said that, if your boy cat usually goes out and now you are keeping him in, then that is probably the reason he is acting up.
I honestly think it is a bit unkind to start keep a cat indoors if it has always been free to go out in the past. This is probably more likely the reason for his odd behaviour.
I have kept my kitty as an indoor cat from a kitten as I knew I would always worry about her roaming free. She will come out in the garden with me but she hates being left outside so it would be cruel of me now to try to make her become an outdoor cat.
Our cats love their routine, don't you think? Maybe the kindest thing you could do would be to let your puss go out and have his normality back.
Maybe if you do get another cat in time, you could keep it as an indoor cat from day one? My cat has never known anything else so she just sits by the open door and looks out quite happily.

janet c

He may be trying to get out to get to the spot where she died...to say goodbye. My animals know more about me and my emotions than ANY human does. When I am in pain, Toby wants on the bed with me. When I am stressed out Chicklet is glued to my side and when I'm mad...Molly wants to play! Go figure!

Janet it's true that Jack was an outside cat but when he started getting sick-and we were at the vet so often-I decided I couldn't take a chance. About that time is when the worst happened. I had sort of premonition feelings about her, too. I agree that it's being unfair to not let him go out, I did for a few minutes yesterday and the day before and he rolled in the sand-heehee-then he went to where I buried BK. He also rubbed on the stones I have on it.
The issue is-those dogs are next door and not always kept in check. I believe that one of the biggest ones is responsible.
I will let Jack out some little by little-he is a little rascal so I think he might be ok and not to mention he does deserve to be outdoors. I should just be out there, too. Maybe we both need to be outside? more.
Thanks for the saying what I needed to hear.
Senecaguns

if i was you i would not let the
other cat out as long as you still have the same neighbor-
i too love love my boy kitty, he gives me so much affection all the time
i too would just die if he was killed like that
give your self more time to greave
i really feel your pain, im such a cat lover
but i can only see trouble by letting any cat roam out-side
do you feel ready to add another cat to your life?
good luck either way bye

I feel so bad for you losing your kitty in such a horrible manner!

I have two boy cats - 4 yrs. old, about 6 mos. apart in age. The first one we got from a shelter when he was about 7 mos. old. He had obviously been someone's pet at one time because he was neutered, but he was a stray when the shelter took him. His "brother" we got a few weeks later as an 8 wk. old kitten, from an ad online.

Both are indoor kitties. You would think that the younger one would be most accustomed to it - he never was an outdoor kitty ever. He is also neutered. But he hangs around all the doorways, crying to go out, and escapes often - just long enough to eat a bunch of grass - and then we capture him and bring him in. The older one, who was a STRAY at one time, doesn't try to escape as often or as persistently, although he will lumber out if we leave a door even slightly open (he knows how to open doors that are not completely shut).

I guess cats who have been outdoor cats CAN get used to staying indoors, and cats who have never been outdoor cats might be more resistant to it. If you can put up with your kitty's begging to go out (which will probably lessen with time), I'd keep him as an indoor cat. It's safer, and vet bills are much less!

And (((HUGS))) for losing your kitty! I would be beside myself...

Losing a pet is extremely rough to me. I always feel as though I am losing a bit of myself and my family when they die.

I do believe that they feel our anxiety and have a tendency to either be clingy or hide. The good thing about animals in general is that they rebound quicker than we do, therefore your other kitty is ready to move on and go back outside.

I think getting another baby would be good for both of you as well. It will bring some much needed joy and activity back into your and your kitty's lives. Go to the shelter and see who is waiting for a home.

Hugs to you,
Jeaninne

Hey friends (of felines),
I realize now how much this has affected me emotionally and physically.The stress has been hard on me, and I posted in another thread about my tendencies toward hypochondria. But when I think about all that is happening in my life-it's no wonder.
As I was reading the responses I heard some loud meowing outside-other cats out there carrying on. Mine is inside. I think we'll be alright eventually.
My holiday stress is also starting to flare. No wonder J is uptight-his human is.
Stitchnanny-I saw a really sweet looking kitty on Craig's List. It is local. The owners are moving and well, you know sometimes pets become the most dispensible thing. Don't want to get started on that subject because I don't know their situation. Back to the point...I don't think I'm ready just yet. God only knows when that will be.
Thank you all so much for your kindness and support. It means alot to know you understand my broken heart.
Senecaguns

even if this is about feline's, i have watched the "dog whisperer" and am still too amazed of what animals know, against their human companions. It's actually scary! I love all animals, except the aggressive ones (most of those are ignorned, starved, etc)
YES, i do believe our pet's feel our pain.

Another loss, but this time my best friend's precious cat died. Horribly. We have cried all weekend. She lives 2hrs from me and I was on my way to visit when she called to tell me what had happened. Hit by a car and he made up to her house and she had to take him to the vet. His back was broke and she said he wailed and cried the whole way there to the vet. She has had a bad time with this.
Thank you for letting me share.

Losing a cat is horrible. We have quite a number of cats - all naughty and very intuitive. I wouldn't be without the little monsters though. Funny thing is last week a friend dropped in to pick up two kittens I promised her (she had also lost her elderly blind cat to a vicious dog attack) The kitten I was thinking of keeping took one look at her and hid in the cupboard. I'm sure he was saying " I'm not going anywhere"
When she had gone he came out and caused mayhem trying to climb into the finch cage. He hadn't done this before. I think he relaxed as he knew he was staying.
Louise

They are a mess, but I don't want to be without 'em. This little boy cat my BF had had FIV and she had been treating that and he was, what I thought in remission. That's why the loss was sudden-he had been through so much in 3 yrs, but sometimes special ones come along and you fall in love and it's on.
Piccolo Toes Carter. She's having a time with it and it brought back my pain, too.
I am trying to wait out the holidays before I get another one. My Jack needs a companion-so if something shows up and it's a right fit-who knows. God does.
I wish I could post pictures but haven't figured it out.
Whoever has pets-dogs or cats or whatever-if you read this-please reach out and give a hug for me.
Senecaguns