Hi
you must be feeling awful, I can imagine the confussion you must be feeling let alone the cat!

Maybe he thinks you are going to take him out again? I know this sounds odd but has your other half given him a good check over, to make sure he dosn't hurt anywhere? Could the lead/harness have pulled or hurt him? You said he bolted and nearly chocked?
You have to think of it as a cat...... you know put yourself in his place, so much was new or stressy that day, the harness, the big outside, the bath and nearly chocking twice. Not forgetting sights sounds. I really feel if he shows no improvemnet you may need a trip to the vet maybe he can give you something to calm him down a little.
I really hope you are both back being friends again soon.

sue

Hi
if he was mine I would def take him to the vets first (or get OH to take him), just a jungle rose has said it could be an infection, then I would try Vervain and Water Violet when I had made sure it wasn't anything medical. I can feel how much you love him, the vets would put your mind at rest too, they would be able to offer advice.

sue

still in hiding...getting frustrated...

actually its more like the both of them have switched personalities. Gizzy is now somewhat more laid back and he half sat on my lap today. And Forest just hides under the table, doesnt come out when its dinner time, wont come near me but goes to OH, i was giving him treats the other day and then while mixing flower essences with gizzy's treats i put the bottle on the counter a little too loudly and Forest jumped and ran away leaving his treats on the ground. this cat used to be a food hoard, so you can see how frustrating it is and OH doesnt seem to care as much as i do...

edit: it took 8 days but we think he's back to normal now, we do find him under the table now and then but maybe he just adopted it as his new sleeping place.

so i guess this is a warning to those with older cats dont try to take them outside on a lead, ever! lol