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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO
Created:Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5089
Total number of notes:60366

4234.0. "Cat afraid of new carpet?" by CADSE::MUDGETT () Mon Dec 10 1990 12:57

    
    I just recently had new carpeting installed in my place, and 
    my 3-year old cat appears to be most unhappy over it. There was carpet
    before, but it was ripped out about 2 months ago, so she got used to
    the old linoleum. She has been hiding up in the loft (the old carpet is
    still there), won't eat, looks sort of wild-eyed, and meows rather
    more quietly than usual. I've dragged her out a few times and she
    slinks along near the ground, another fear posture.  This has been 
    going on for about 4 days - not too long, I suppose.
    
    This cat's mom was a real feral one- lived in the woods etc. Is this
    hiding some sort of "wild animal" reaction to changes etc? My other cat
    (now deceased) was always anxious to sniff out new things - didn't seem
    too scared at all. 
    
    I'm guessing that she's just is some sort of trauma over the new smells
    and the new fuzzy stuff under her feet. I am a little worried about 
    the lack of interest in food, and the poor thing does look kind of
    scared.
    
    Thoughts? Is this what is meant by "scaredy cat"?
    
    Thanks all!
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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4234.1Could be formaldehyde in new carpet..JAWS::MCDONOUGHMon Dec 10 1990 14:197
        She may be telling you something. Many "new" carpets and/or pieces
    of furniture are impregnated with chemicals that retard mold, mildew,
    and are semi-toxic. One of them that comes to mind is "formaldehyde",
    which is common in carpets. Some carpets actually have a formaldehyde
    vapor for months before it finally dissipates. So, she MAY be getting
    sick from the stuff...