behavior change

Question
I have a cat that is normally very social and laid back behavior, I have had him for 9 years, a couple weeks ago I gave him a bath for the first time and ever since he hides all day under the bed, acts skiddish, and only comes out to eat. What can I do to get my cat back to normal?

Answer
Trina,

In these cases where we have inadvertently traumatized our cat(and yes, although necessary, baths can seem traumatic to the cat in question if they have never had one or it has been a very long time), I find the best thing to do is to feed and water the cat normally, change the litter pans normally, and then make pretend the cat does not exist. Do not approach the cat, do not try to pet the cat. Let your cat come to you in its own time, when it is ready. The cat will be more amenable to being handled if it thinks it is its idea and not yours.

I would give it some time with this protocol and see if your cat comes out of its shell. Cats can remember such indignities for quite a while, but, usually, their innate affection for people will win out if they are left alone.

Please let me know what happens.

Best regards... Norm.