testerone levels? not diabetes related

[Ann and Murphy and Tom]

Max is one of my civies--about 3 years old, neutered, DSH, strictly indoor cat--until very recently. I have had a stray tom hanging around my door (OK, I've been feeding him) and he is really upsetting Max. Max will scream and yowl as if he were a tom trying to get at this fellow. As careful as I am, he has darted out the door 3 times in the last 2 weeks looking for a fight. None of my other cats are bothered by this tom hanging around, but it is freaking Max out. Is it possible that he still is secreting testosterone from another gland (adrenals, pituitary?) and that is making him act as if he were a tom? I do have an appointment with the vet tomorrow--at the least he is getting all the boosters that he might need updating (but he is currently UTD on his shots so what else can they give him?) and will also be microchipped just in case he runs away. But I am really worried about him getting out--he has no concept of "life on the street" and was front paw declawed in his first life--so would be easy prey to anything. Aside from trapping and removing the tom, is there anything I can do to relieve Max's tension? Should I request a testosterone level be run? Any other blood work that you might suggest? thanks

 

[Lisa and Merlyn (GA)]

Max is defending the house-his turf. If you want to test his testosterone you can, however I think this is just Max chasing away the interlopers. you can try some of the products meant to keep cats away from your yard. Put them around the boundary of your property so the tom doesnt come right up to the house.

http://www.sfspca.org/sites/default/fil ... r-yard.pdf

http://www.sfspca.org/resources/library ... s/abcs_cat
how to keep cats out of your yard

not sure the first link (to the PDF) will work so I gave you the second.

 

[Jess & Earl]

I agree with Lisa, I think he's having a normal cat reaction to a perceived threat. Some cats become very disturbed by strange cats hanging around outside. I'd check out Lisa's links, the SFSPCA has a ton of great info on their site.

 

[janelle and Nomad]

If you can keep the Tom cat away from the house, that would be the easiest solution. Foster and Smith also makes some mat like devces to keep cats away from doorways. One of the mats gives off a high frequency noise cats don't like and another one gives off a static charge. I know some people may think tris sounds cruel but it is better than having your kitty get out and get injured. I had an escape artist cat and had tried everything else. One day he got out and got his tail run over...luckly the rest of him was OK. I got the scat mats for the front and back door. After a few months I was able to get rid of the mats and Siggy lost his interest in outdoor adventures!