If you didn't have a full blood panel run on Max at your initial vet exam, I recommend doing so now. It's certainly not unexpected for there to be some behavioral changes as the cats become more comfortable and territorial in your home, but what you are describing sounds like physical discomfort to me (whining, swatting).

Laurie

Laurie, thanks, that's what we were thinking.

When you say he's whining though,how do you mean? Is he just meowing for your attention,or is he moaning or yowling?

Let us know what the vet says.

Harriet, keep a close eye on Max's eliminations, particularly the urine. If he looks like he is straining at all, or if the amount of urine he outputs is small, get him to the vet immediately. A complete urinary blockage can quickly become life threatening.

Laurie

He's meowing a bit, but I'm not sure if it's to get our attention or what. Certainly not howling or moaning. We've only known him for a month, so it's hard to tell what's normal for him.

He's not having any trouble urinating, and he's not really acting sick. He's interested in playing, and he's not hiding. It just seems strange that he was so cuddly at first and now is acting more standoffish. Maybe he's just being a cat.

I'm wondering if he might be diabetic.

Diabetics generally have increased hunger and increased thirst. Unfortunately, blood glucose readings in a blood panel can be misleading if the cat is in pain or is stressed by being at the vet. Both pain and stress can temporarily raise blood glucose substantially, leading to a misdiagnosis of diabetes. That happened to my Noddy. The only way I could confirm that his diabetes diagnosis was invalid was to check his BG here at home with a meter, test strips, and ear pricks (my housemate is diabetic, so I am familiar with manifestations and management of the disease). That was after Noddy experienced two episodes of hypoglycemia in response to the insulin the vet had me administering to him based on his diabetes diagnosis.

You'll know more after the vet visit. Hopefully Max is just going through an attitude adjustment as he settles into your family. It's certainly been known to happen in my family.

Laurie

Could be he was just so greatful not to be in the pound anymore that is why he was so loving at first.Now he is more comfortable and feeling his oats a little.

My cat is sorta the same.He ignores us most of the time,but meows when he wants attention.However,if you pick him up or pet him to much he will let you know when you're bothering him,LOL.

The other night he was lying next to me in bed.I thought he was asleep and was gently petting his head.The next thing I know I get swatted,LOL.I was like,"Well,excuse me!"

We were taking care of 2 ferals that had litters and of course we took them in before finding homes and in the process, 1 little tabby was so lovable, just wouldn't stay off your lap etc. Well, I couldn't give him up and you guessed it...As soon as he knew he had a forever home, no more laps...He's still affectionate but he also feels he's the boss and lets the other 3 know it....I still couldn't give him up!

The vet thought Max was fine. He did have a bit of a reaction to the FIV vaccine (very lethargic and seemed uncomfortable for about 24 hours), but now seems back to normal. I think he's just being a cat.

BTW, he and Jeannie are getting along nicely now. They don't interact much, but seem peaceful with each other when they do.

My cat doesnt like to be bothered either after shots.If the spot is tender it may hurt to be pet.

I'm glad the vet said he is fine and him and Jeannie are getting along.Cats can be...unpredictable :)

A week later ...

Max is still acting pretty aloof. He won't get in our laps or snuggle up to me in bed like he was doing the first few weeks, and he won't come up to us (unless there's food involved!). He otherwise is acting healthy -- he's eating, eliminating well, running around the house, and is interested in playing. Could he still be unhappy about his trip to the vet last Saturday? Any suggestions about how to make him happier?

Jeannie is still pretty much the same. She seems happy all the time and interested in everything. She won't get in our laps or sleep on the bed, either, but she loves attention and getting petted.

Just give Max time. It may be that he's still holding a grudge about the vet, or it may be that he's just feeling less needy and vulnerable so that now his more independent nature is coming out. That's a good thing ... for him, anyway. It means that he feels comfortable and secure in your home and family. He may cycle around and become more affectionate again. Wait and see. That's what makes cats such fascinating companions.

Laurie