Ragdoll Cat Forums

Hi,

I have a kitten, Bobo, that is a little more than 3 1/2 months (he was born on 5/1). He came home with me on 7/31 and he was super sweet and loving. He wants to sit on my lap all the time and just sleep there or purrs non-stop. He rubs his ears all over my face (when I am laying down) or my legs (when I am standing up). He slept with me every night and he often does a "suckling" motion on me (my vet said that it is a sign that he misses his mother). He greets me at the door and follows me around the house all the time.

When I got him the breeder had told me that he was more of a mellow kitten - which is exactly what I wanted. I observed him and his brother for a good half an hour and the breeder was right. He mostly just sat in one place and watched other cats and plays only when enticed with a toy (it's hard to even do this) or when his brother initiates a play. After he came home with me he consistently behaved the same way - doesn't like to play and just likes to cuddle. I would try and play with him but he would quickly lose interest and just come and cuddles by my side instead. Oftentimes I just put away the toys and pick him up.

About two weeks ago (8/14) he became extremely ill (lethargic, not eating, can't stand, etc.) and I brought him to the ER. Apparently he caught Panleukopenia... He survived (after a huge vet bill) and came home with me last Friday 8/20. After he came home he was even more attached to me than before and purrs all the time when I am around even if we are not cuddling together.

All this time I thought he was the sweetest kitten ever! However, over the past few days I've noticed a behavior change in him. All of a sudden he LOVES TO PLAY. I should add that I recently moved and I haven't cleaned up my apartment very well yet because I also recently started working. He would paw at the random things laying around on my floor and just kitty-play with them. Other times he'd be dashing around the house (he used to never do this) and sit in secluded areas (ie. behind a mirror, under the shoe rack, etc.) - he used to never do this - he used to always just follow me around. He also often looks like he is trying to find something or is hunting for something. My apartment was newly renovated and I am pretty sure there isn't mice or any weird animal...

Another thing that he started doing is run when he sees me as if he wants me to chase him around the house like the way cats play. He is not afraid of me for sure because he still greets me at the door, lets me pick him up, and goes limp in my arms. But he also doesn't like to sit in my lap anymore. He would put him on my lap and he would purr a little as I rub his face and belly but he would want to get off fairly quickly to go play. He still likes to be around me, but not cuddle. For example, when I am putting things away in my closet he would just sit by the door and watch me, whereas before he would be rubbing his ears all over my feet no matter what it is that I am doing.

It is just really odd... when I first got him he slept all the time - like 20 hours a day. Now when I am around I almost never see him sleep. For example, from after I get off work at around 6:00pm to 12:00am in the morning I would only see him sleep for around 1 hour. Which I find strange compared to how much he slept before (plus I thought cats sleep a lot anyway).

I have been thinking about why he changed his behavior and one of the reasons I came up with is because I started working and would be away from home for an extended period of time. To cope with this, he found new things to do - playing by himself - which then led to him being less attached to me. I don't know if this is the case, but I miss the way he was before...

What could be some other reasons that he is behaving this way, and how can I get him to be sweet and affectionate like before?

Also... strangely... as much as he likes to play now, he NEVER plays on the cat tree I bought him. I put him on it a couple of times and he just jumps right off and doesn't take interest in it at all.

Many thanks in advance for your help!!! Attached is a few pictures of him <3

Oh my goodness, you've really been through it with Bobo, and he sounds like a true survivor!! I've got the feeling when he was so quiet that he just wasn't feeling well or something and now he's feeling so good he doesn't know what to do with himself. I've seen others post on here too about changes like what you're experiencing as the kitten grows and changes. I'm sure it's a phase he is going through. You might consider getting another kitten (doesn't have to be a ragdoll) to keep him company while you're at work and to play with so when he's tired out he may become snuggly with you again. Two are just twice the fun of one and not much more trouble if any.

I thought the same thing that Teresa did, the initial "personality"... the lethargy, sleepiness, etc. were likely a manifestation of his illness and now that he is feeling better, you are getting a truer read on his personality. Here's hoping that Bobo's medical issues are behind him and the two of you can continue this wonderful relationship together getting to know each other. Our Dexter is now 4 months old and he has two speeds, either going 100 miles an hour or sleeping. It makes me really happy that Bobo is now playing and exploring his world the way that a kitten should, he should be a busy little bee at this age It just sounds right now like Bobo is making up for lost time!

When I started reading your email I thought you had a kitty that wasn't feeling well. It's not very typical to have one that doesn't like to play. Now that's he's feeling better you have a much more typical baby and I hope you enjoy his antics and playful times because as he gets older he will slow down and become more dignified! Good luck to you and Bobo.

This all sounds like normal kitten behavior to me. Now that Bobo feels better, he's much more interested in exploring his new world. Mishka was quiet and loving until I brought her home. Within a few days, she became her crazy knuckleheaded self. Although she's not a lap kitty, she loves to be near us and be the center of attention. Enjoy the various stages of Bobo's kittenhood. He'll become more loving as he matures.

Thanks for the reply guys! Don't get me wrong - I love it when he plays. He is a little kitten after all... I was just scared that he doesn't like to be around me as much as he used to. Since I stayed home this entire weekend, I really got to observe him and I think I am probably overreacting. When he tires out he does calm down and become cuddly like he used to be. But I think you guys are right in that he wasn't feeling well before and now he is feeling super good and in the mood for adventures. I think during the weekdays when I am not home he rests a lot during the day and when I come home in the evenings he's saved up so much energy that he doesn't really need to sleep that much before I go to bed and just wants to play. I did purchase another kitten from the same breeder, but it is in a later litter and not ready to come home yet. I can't wait until I bring her home so they can have each other's company!

I am so pleased he got over his illness and is behaving like a normal kitty now. Don't worry he still loves you and will let you know when he want a snuggle!