My cat needs ME to be in his sight!

by Amy
(Davisburg, MI)

My cat Dino came home after being gone for a month! He's an indoor/outdoor cat who loves to take small adventures, usually a few days to a week during the non-winter months.

We have over 60 acres of woods behind our house so it's a kitty playground! My son and I went hiking in the woods for hours at a time to no avail. Hung posters and asked neighbors if they had seen him, to no avail.

Early this morning, he's at the door yowling for his food and people! I was the happiest mommy!!

He has no visible sign of injuries or wounds, no tender spots, fur had no mats or burrs (he's a Maine Coon) and he looked healthy, normal actually. AS if he wasn't really gone for a month!

Now here's the strange behavior: He's always been a vocal cat but this time round, it's twice as much.

He's never been a lap cat, still isn't. He loves to be held/cradled but only while standing. This hasn't changed but he does want me to hold him a lot more.

He follows me wherever I go. If he's sleeping in one room and I go to another room, within 10-15 minutes he's meowing/yowling and trying to find me. He's always been a very loving and affectionate kitty and even more so now.

I'm not sure if this is considered strange or if it's really normal for a cat who has been gone for that length of time.

I'm not at all complaining about my cat's new behavior. I'm just so happy that he's safe, healthy (until I take him to the vet) and HOME! I just worry that his behavior could be a sign of something bad.

So, you tell me what you think!

Thanks,
Amy