Question:
Normally, our 2-year-old cat, Charlie, is out during the day and comes in at about 10 p.m. to sleep. Recently, he disappeared for two nights. Since his return, he is very different. Charlie won't go out and growls at the door. Once we turn the lights on at night, he goes into a panic. He literally runs from his own shadow. And now he's decided to stay hidden as much as possible. When I pick him up, he rubs all over me and purrs loudly as though he can't get enough love. But as soon as I put him down, he runs and hides. He doesn't seem to be afraid of people, but rather something invisible (at least to us).
If I put food out early in the morning with a small light on, he will eat. As soon as I turn on the overhead light, he panics and disappears. He is eating (wet and dry) and drinking water, although not as much. He must be doing this at night when the lights are off. He won't go near doors or windows. I don' know what happened to him, but we need to get him through this crisis. Also, my mother and I can't keep living in the dark. Any ideas on how to help Charlie?
P.H., Brownwood, TX Nov 15, 2009
Answer:
Poor Charlie is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is not uncommon in dogs and cats who have been terrified by a sudden noise, flashing lights or even attacked by another animal or tortured by one of our own species. Being caught in a storm or almost hit by a screeching, honking vehicle with blinding headlights could be a trigger for PTSD. A thorough physical exam is in order. He could have a painful broken tooth or marks on his skin where he may have been bitten, and abscesses could develop. If there are no signs of physical injury, then a prescription of Valium or valerian would be the next step. Such medication has helped many animals suffering from PTSD.
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