Hi all

Have a question about our kitten and I'd be very grateful for any feedback
or suggestion.

Our male tabby kitten is about three months old now.  He was a stray and
taken in by us when he was about three weeks old.  Since the day we took him
in he has been unbelievably confident, affectionate and close to us.  He
cannot draw himself away from us.

A few days ago, we left him alone in the apartment one morning, and upon
returning about two hours later, he was completely changed.  I'll describe.

He paces up and down continuously in the apartment.  His eyes are wide open
and alert at all times.  His ears are often down are pointing backwards.  He
is not eating his usual food but does occasionally eat.  He is very very
scared of us now - even to the point that he will run away when we come
close.  Any little noise or movement will send him panicking and running
away.  He will approach us and sit on our laps, but he is very agitated and
will only sit there for a very short while whereas before he would stay for
hours like that.

When I approach him, he sinks into the floor like he has done something
wrong or being submitting, and often rolls on his back.  At this point it
more often than not turns into him wanting to play rough - ie. dig his teeth
and claws into my hand!

My girlfriend and I are completely baffled as to what has happened in such a
short space of time.  At first we thought that he just had one of those
days, but by now this is two days he is like this.

To me, it almost looks as if he has taken a very very bad scare or fright
from something - but I have no idea what as we were out when he changed this
way.

Could it be his age?  Could it be hormones or sexual maturity dawning
already?

I can't describe how much he has changed completely - the most incredibly
affectionate cat that did nothing except cuddle us is now absolutely
petrified or everything.

Any ideas would be MOST welcome and appreciated

Thanks

Jonathan