social cat being skittish and hinding

Question
Hello,  My wife and I were away for 5 days from our cat, but we had a pet sitting service come and feed the cat and play with him for 30min a day while we were gone.  Since we've been home, he has been extremely skittish.  Our cat is ALWAYS extremely social and NEVER hides.  Currently, he is hiding under our bed and not eating food, unless i put it under the bed.  We have only been back for a day, but I am a very concerned parent.  He is hissing at us, which he never does as well.  I'm concerned that he may have hurt himself or may  have been bitten by a bug or spider.  (He is ONLY a house cat and NEVER goes outside.)  We only feed him dry food, max cat light.  Do you have some insight as how to diagnose this?  If he is in pain, I want to help him and take him to the vet.  The vet said to wait another day before bringing him in, as it could just be stress.  Have you ever heard or witnessed this behavior before?  Any suggestions of how to proceed?  THanks!

Answer
Corey,

Is this the first time you have been away for so long? It sounds to me as if your cat has a bit of separation anxiety (yes, some cats do suffer from separation anxiety).  

This should all right itself in a couple of days.  Meanwhile, give him his food where he wants.  Do not coax him or approach him.  Let him come to you on his own terms.  When he approaches you for petting and affection, then, and only then, pet him and talk to him.  Let your cat make the first move.

If things do not go well, then, by all means, take him into the vet.  If there was a problem during your absence, I would think the pet sitting service would have left you a note!!!!!

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards... Norm.