Stray Cat Help

[jokerman]

We have been feeding a cat for the last 18 months. He's suddenly become scared of coming in our flat. He used to come in and spend hours sleeping on the sofa or bed. He's still friendly when we see him but usually gets as far as our door and stops.
We sometimes manage to get him to come in to eat- he seems scared to walk on the floor and jumps on tables and cupboards which he didn't used to do.

Any advice gratefully received!

[rsvp]

then something has changed - either he's had a dreadful fright, another animal has been in there, even something as minor (to you) as a new electrical appliance or carpets - anything like that - it's just a question of finding out what it is. At least he still comes to the flat for food and it's brilliant you are caring for him.

[jokerman]

Thanks rsvp. He does scare easily and he often sniffs the door step before coming in.

[wildwood]

Maybe a strange cat has sprayed outside your place, or have you had a visitor with a dog recently?

[annie0000]

have you changed your floor cleaner?

My cat will not go into any of the bathrroms after we had them all replaced in January - we dont need her to go in them, but it is curious. Cats are just weird!

[ladybirder]

Oooh which floor cleaner annie? Maybe those who don't like cats could spray their gardens with it.

[annie0000]

lol ladybirder, don't think it is the cleaner, it must be something either the builders used, maybe the grout - or it is the flooring itself as she was spooked before the places were cleaned and I haven't changed floor cleaner

[ummmm]

Cats are very strange. I get ignored if I go out.

[ladybirder]

Mine used to freak out if I placed a bag of shopping on the kitchen floor. Anything new and total panic.

[annie0000]

Mine arrives in the kitchen everytime I bring home shopping to see if it is anything for her, but given she only likes cat food, it's a bit difficult to treat her - god knows what she is hoping that I've bought! she does like a play in the bags too.