Brutus has been hiding in the closet a lot more than usual. He is a big guy so I don't think it's just space, but he won't come out when I call. Is this normal for a 6 year old maine coon or should I be worried about illness? Piper, my tuxedo, does this sometimes too but she is small so I assume it's just her personality.
Brutus hides a lot, is he sick or just shy?
Check his appetite and litter box first. If he is eating and eliminating normally, it is likely not a medical emergency. See subtle signs of pain in cats for what to look for if you are unsure.
It is so hard to tell the difference when a cat is just being cautious versus when they are actually in pain. My Dot is anxious and hides a lot, but I always worry that I am missing something. I think you should check stress vs shyness in cats to see if the specific hiding spots or body language match what is described there. It is really stressful for us owners when our cats pull away from us.
He was in the closet yesterday and I opened the door, he hissed at me. That is not his usual reaction. He had a dental extraction last month, was that a factor? I am giving him soft food options for dental recovery right now.
Dental pain can linger or cause secondary issues. If the hissing is new, that is a pain response. Call your vet today to check if the extraction site is healing properly or if there is an infection. Do not wait.
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