u/Tara1219

I'm having an issue with my almost 7 year old baby, Gordy.

A little back history:

I've had him since the day he was born. He's an exclusively indoor kitty. He doesn't like the outdoors. He was born on December 7th. In February we had an overnight snowfall. I took him outside to play in the snow. He wouldn't let me put him down. He loves sitting in the window, watching the wildlife, but he won't go outside (I wanted to get him a catio to enjoy fresh air, but I don't think he'd like it). He never showed any other fear, besides the outdoors.

I would work 60-70 hour work weeks (I worked in surgery so I've always had very long days), but he never had a problem being alone. My son was living at home so he had human interactions when I wasn't there. When my son moved out, when Gordy was about 2 years old, he started showing signs of separation anxiety. He would hide when I left for work and still be in the same spot when I returned home. I adopted another kitty that was just a couple of months older. They are the best of friends. Gordy no longer had a problem being alone. I retired 4 years ago, next month, but I do have activities outside of home for about 4 hours a day/3-4 days a week.

A little over a year ago, Gordy started showing signs of fear during thunder storms/heavy rains. He would get a little scared, but continue to go about his business. I noticed that his fear seemed to increase, but he would always hide or cuddle up to me and be ok. I would hold him, rock him and talk soothingly to him and he'd calm down. Recently, his fear has become intense. He has to be in my lap or up against me, while completely covered by a blanket (he won't let you uncover his face) and he sometimes shivers. I've talked to his vet about his issues but the vet just says to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm really worried about the stress my baby is in, the health issues his anxiety could cause or how this could shorten his life span.

I've been trying to research different products to help him. I've seen vests, weighted blankets, cubby holes and pheromone infusers. My question would be, what would a vet, or someone with a kitty in the same situation, recommend for him? He already has catnip toys and a cat tree with 2 hiding spots but he prefers to be with me. I'm just worried about him, when I'm not home and want to be sure he's comfortable when I'm not here.

Do the infusers or vests work? Is there any other ideas/recommendations? Sorry, I tend to write a book. I'm just trying to include as much information as possible to get help for my baby. Thank you for reading and for any help.