My sad little pussy

[fuckmeat]

Ok, so it's not a BDSM query, or even a gynaecological one but I'm growing comfortable around the forum and thought you people might be able to help.

I have a rescue cat who's very highly strung. Any strange noise or person and he's cowering under the nearest piece of furniture. He wails if he can't be in the same room with me, follows me around like a little lost soul. He's youngish, maybe 2 years old and he's been neutered since I got him over a year ago. He's very slightly built and dainty, and I know he gets intimidated by other neighbourhood cats.

Anyway, in the last 6 months or so his behaviour has been deteriorating. He won't go outside now, even in the finest weather, unless I sit in the garden with him. He won't go to toilet outside either, only in the litter tray. He's overgrooming himself to the point where he has become bald in places and he's even broken the skin a couple of times. Because he simply will not allow himself to heal, I've had to put an Elizabethan collar on him for up to a week at a time. The vet says there's nothing medically wrong with him (£30 to be told that, fantastic) and suggested I buy some cat antidepressant tablets at £40 for a month's worth. I really haven't got that kind of spare cash for a disgruntled cat. I worry enough about anything really bad happening to him cos neither of my two cats are insured or anything. I can't justify blowing cash like that on happy pills for the poor little sod.

Playing with him only distracts him for a short while and then he'll go straight back to over-grooming. He makes himself sick too, with all the hair he ingests. He's starting to look really sorry for himself and I just don't know what to do for him. He has a good, laid back life. 2 storey house to roam in, he gets on fine with my other cat, plenty of food and affection. He's not always in the mood for affection, which is also frustrating cos he looks so woebegone these days that I just want to smother him with love.

So, anyone have any clue how I can cheer up my pussy?

 

[Netzach]

Ok, so it's not a BDSM query, or even a gynaecological one but I'm growing comfortable around the forum and thought you people might be able to help.

I have a rescue cat who's very highly strung. Any strange noise or person and he's cowering under the nearest piece of furniture. He wails if he can't be in the same room with me, follows me around like a little lost soul. He's youngish, maybe 2 years old and he's been neutered since I got him over a year ago. He's very slightly built and dainty, and I know he gets intimidated by other neighbourhood cats.

Anyway, in the last 6 months or so his behaviour has been deteriorating. He won't go outside now, even in the finest weather, unless I sit in the garden with him. He won't go to toilet outside either, only in the litter tray. He's overgrooming himself to the point where he has become bald in places and he's even broken the skin a couple of times. Because he simply will not allow himself to heal, I've had to put an Elizabethan collar on him for up to a week at a time. The vet says there's nothing medically wrong with him (£30 to be told that, fantastic) and suggested I buy some cat antidepressant tablets at £40 for a month's worth. I really haven't got that kind of spare cash for a disgruntled cat. I worry enough about anything really bad happening to him cos neither of my two cats are insured or anything. I can't justify blowing cash like that on happy pills for the poor little sod.


Playing with him only distracts him for a short while and then he'll go straight back to over-grooming. He makes himself sick too, with all the hair he ingests. He's starting to look really sorry for himself and I just don't know what to do for him. He has a good, laid back life. 2 storey house to roam in, he gets on fine with my other cat, plenty of food and affection. He's not always in the mood for affection, which is also frustrating cos he looks so woebegone these days that I just want to smother him with love.

So, anyone have any clue how I can cheer up my pussy?

There is a spray cat pheramone called "feliway" sold in the states that can calm cats, help with litter use issues and whatnot. It costs about half the cost of the cat meds, but it may or may not work. I've had great results from it with mine, personally. It mimics the scent of happy cat cheek gland rubbing and makes them feel more secure in their own territory.

I also was floored by the way one of my cats took to fresh lavender as a calming thing. I'm not frou frou with the herbs thing, but she went to a vet that was, and I've never seen anything like it. She rode home quietly, with a sprig between her paws purring - I just can't get the stuff easily, sadly. You could try some if you have access.

 

[yeishia]

Hello Sis,

Try Ignatia 200D or 10 M which ever is sold where you are.

It is a homeopathic remedy which works reallt well for animals, especially melancholia.

It is cheap easy to administer, good for you too perhaps *hugs you*

IM me if you want more info

 

[fuckmeat]

There is a spray cat pheramone called "feliway" sold in the states that can calm cats, help with litter use issues and whatnot. It costs about half the cost of the cat meds, but it may or may not work. I've had great results from it with mine, personally. It mimics the scent of happy cat cheek gland rubbing and makes them feel more secure in their own territory.

I also was floored by the way one of my cats took to fresh lavender as a calming thing. I'm not frou frou with the herbs thing, but she went to a vet that was, and I've never seen anything like it. She rode home quietly, with a sprig between her paws purring - I just can't get the stuff easily, sadly. You could try some if you have access.

So how would you apply a spray like that? To the cat or around the home?

There's tons of lavender around here, I think there's some in my neighbour's garden. I'll have to ask her if I can steal some. I tried to grow catmint but they sat on the plants till they died. Curiously, neither of them show interest in toys containing dried catmint.

 

[fuckmeat]

Hello Sis,

Try Ignatia 200D or 10 M which ever is sold where you are.

It is a homeopathic remedy which works reallt well for animals, especially melancholia.

It is cheap easy to administer, good for you too perhaps *hugs you*

IM me if you want more info

Thanks hon, I shall have to google these brand names.

 

[Keroin]

FM, I was a vet assistant for 5 years.

First, if you haven't already done so, take kitty to the vet, get a full exam and discuss the problem. Although it sounds like nerves, there could very well be something else going on and any change in grooming, eating or toilet habits is something to take seriously.

You can try Netz's suggestions, as well. At the practice I worked at, we had a few pets who were just so high strung/nervous that only Valium helped. For those pets (and owners) it was a life saver.

But do talk to your vet.

 

[fuckmeat]

FM, I was a vet assistant for 5 years.

First, if you haven't already done so, take kitty to the vet, get a full exam and discuss the problem. Although it sounds like nerves, there could very well be something else going on and any change in grooming, eating or toilet habits is something to take seriously.

You can try Netz's suggestions, as well. At the practice I worked at, we had a few pets who were just so high strung/nervous that only Valium helped. For those pets (and owners) it was a life saver.

But do talk to your vet.

Yeah, I did take him to the vet. He was given a steroid injection and the vet said that if there was some kind of allergy problem, his skin would clear up and I could try eliminating and reintroducing things to find the source of the problem. Sadly, it had no effect. The happy pills she offered me for him are made from a milk protein and simulate the blissed out state kittens have after suckling. She didn't say anything about valium but I'm sure that would also be expensive.

 

[yeishia]

The great thing about homeopathic remedies, they do no harm and have no side effects, and cost very very little.

I agree with the lavender too.

Even if you could afford Valium, it may clear up the problem but will simply create another potential one.

 

[Keroin]

Yeah, I did take him to the vet. He was given a steroid injection and the vet said that if there was some kind of allergy problem, his skin would clear up and I could try eliminating and reintroducing things to find the source of the problem. Sadly, it had no effect. The happy pills she offered me for him are made from a milk protein and simulate the blissed out state kittens have after suckling. She didn't say anything about valium but I'm sure that would also be expensive.

Well, sorry to hear about this. I don't know if they have the same thing where you live but in Canada, if money is an issue, you can take your pet to the SPCA to be examined. The downside is that you can't make an appointment so you may have to sit in the waiting room for a few hours but the upside is that the exam and meds are significantly cheaper.

I know life's a bit rough on you right now, , so I don't want to brow beat, but I have to mention that it's kind of one of my pet peeves when folks complain about the cost of vet fees. In Canada, vets spend more time in school than human doctors do and it is really, really expensive. Then they have to pay for the cost of their clinic, staff, equipment, etc, etc. My boss worked incredible hours and was often woken in the middle of the night for emergencies. But they can't solve every problem and believe me it is as frustrating to them as it is to you. Owning pets is a choice, and, unfortunately, caring for them can sometimes be expensive.

Again, sorry to hear your kitty is suffering, I hope the suggestions others have made here will be helpful.

 

[DVS]

I had a cat that acted this way, but not to the extreme that he groomed to the point of removing hair. But, he was very skittish around other people, but fine when just my other cats and myself were around.

Although he always seemed somewhat on edge with unusual noises and such startling him, he lived to a relatively old age of 15 years. I wish I'd known about some of these things back then. He might have been more at ease with the lavender scent or one of those other products.

He did really enjoy catnip, though. Maybe you just haven't been getting fresh enough supply. The small size bags that come with toys isn't fresh. Try to find a larger bag. I usually get 2 ounce size (I don't know what that would be in metric). But, go to a place that sells enough that their stock isn't old. Some of those department pet stores don't have the "good stuff".

I decided (I'm not a vet) that maybe my cat had some nutrient deficiency when he was in his developmental years, causing his symptoms. With stray cats, you just don't know what kind of life they had, before you rescued them.

Good luck with him. And thanks for rescuing a stray.

 

[Homburg]

We have a Phantom Pisser in the house. Not sure which one of the little buggers it is, but I have my suspicions. I wonder if the feliway stuff might help. The issue lies in the fact that the Phantom Pisser doesn't have a consistent spot. He does so in random areas, I'm guessing to indicate displeasure with something. For example, if the water bowl is not filled promptly, he has pissed in the bowl.

I say "he" because we're pretty sure the Phantom Pisser is no other than pretty boy Dudley. *grumble*

 

[fuckmeat]

Well, sorry to hear about this. I don't know if they have the same thing where you live but in Canada, if money is an issue, you can take your pet to the SPCA to be examined. The downside is that you can't make an appointment so you may have to sit in the waiting room for a few hours but the upside is that the exam and meds are significantly cheaper.

I know life's a bit rough on you right now, , so I don't want to brow beat, but I have to mention that it's kind of one of my pet peeves when folks complain about the cost of vet fees. In Canada, vets spend more time in school than human doctors do and it is really, really expensive. Then they have to pay for the cost of their clinic, staff, equipment, etc, etc. My boss worked incredible hours and was often woken in the middle of the night for emergencies. But they can't solve every problem and believe me it is as frustrating to them as it is to you. Owning pets is a choice, and, unfortunately, caring for them can sometimes be expensive.

Again, sorry to hear your kitty is suffering, I hope the suggestions others have made here will be helpful.

I do understand what you're saying. I usually have a contingency fund for this stuff but lately there have been too many contingencies. I didn't begrudge the vet the money, it's just that it's not a good time for me to be spending it. It was frustrating that the vet couldn't find anything wrong because to be £30 down and still watching him tear his hair out is a bummer for me. I'm not saying vet fees are a rip-off or anything like that.

We have a charity called the PDSA but they only really see emergency cases. I'm fairly sure it's behavioural anyway. I'm going to try lavender and see if I can get some fresh catnip.

It's like he zones out when he's grooming. Usually he's super jumpy but if he's engrossed in grooming, he'll ignore me if I call him and sometimes I can walk right up and pet him, making him startled.

 

[YourCaptor]

It could be that his behavior changes back to normal just as fast as it deteriorated. A lot of it involves luck. My cat use to scream around at night, then I got a cheap free blanked in the mail from the humane society and she loves it so much she sleeps peacefully on it.

I would probably round off this claws so he cant scratch himself. This is actually one of those times when having a cats claws removed seems to make sense.

I'd also make sure he has his only private hole to hide and feel safe in.

The guy probably has an anxiety disorder. I really don't know how to fix that in cats. Maybe help him make friends.

 

[Essene]

When Cats Grieve
Helping Your Cat Deal...
How to Help Your Pet Deal With Grief or Depression
How to Stop a Cat From Over Grooming
Treating Psychogenic Alopecia in Cats

 

[RunningJib]

We took on Twp 'spoked' Cats

We let each warm-up to us. One cat finally came around. The second always sought her own solitude, but did manage to visit the same room with us occasionally.

BTW, we have other cats and dogs in our household. Secondly, we two on each at different times.

Good luck

Ok, so it's not a BDSM query, or even a gynaecological one but I'm growing comfortable around the forum and thought you people might be able to help.

I have a rescue cat who's very highly strung. Any strange noise or person and he's cowering under the nearest piece of furniture. He wails if he can't be in the same room with me, follows me around like a little lost soul. He's youngish, maybe 2 years old and he's been neutered since I got him over a year ago. He's very slightly built and dainty, and I know he gets intimidated by other neighbourhood cats.

Anyway, in the last 6 months or so his behaviour has been deteriorating. He won't go outside now, even in the finest weather, unless I sit in the garden with him. He won't go to toilet outside either, only in the litter tray. He's overgrooming himself to the point where he has become bald in places and he's even broken the skin a couple of times. Because he simply will not allow himself to heal, I've had to put an Elizabethan collar on him for up to a week at a time. The vet says there's nothing medically wrong with him (£30 to be told that, fantastic) and suggested I buy some cat antidepressant tablets at £40 for a month's worth. I really haven't got that kind of spare cash for a disgruntled cat. I worry enough about anything really bad happening to him cos neither of my two cats are insured or anything. I can't justify blowing cash like that on happy pills for the poor little sod.

Playing with him only distracts him for a short while and then he'll go straight back to over-grooming. He makes himself sick too, with all the hair he ingests. He's starting to look really sorry for himself and I just don't know what to do for him. He has a good, laid back life. 2 storey house to roam in, he gets on fine with my other cat, plenty of food and affection. He's not always in the mood for affection, which is also frustrating cos he looks so woebegone these days that I just want to smother him with love.

So, anyone have any clue how I can cheer up my pussy?

 

[Seurat]

We have a Phantom Pisser in the house. Not sure which one of the little buggers it is, but I have my suspicions. I wonder if the feliway stuff might help. The issue lies in the fact that the Phantom Pisser doesn't have a consistent spot. He does so in random areas, I'm guessing to indicate displeasure with something. For example, if the water bowl is not filled promptly, he has pissed in the bowl.

Oh yeah, he's upset. Most likely over some drastic change in the household. Visiting pet? Started playing guitar? Move the food bowl? He ain't gonna stop unitl you figure it out.

 

[Homburg]

Well, I can't think of anythign specific that has changed, but I'll look into it.

 

[DVS]

Well, I can't think of anythign specific that has changed, but I'll look into it.

Some of this stuff I'm sure you already know, but...
Is he neutered? If not, neutering will maybe calm some of this, because he's spraying his territory. But it doesn't always work completely or forever. If he's not neutered and just started this, maybe there's a female in heat near by or another male that is near by so he feels threatened. This other cat only needs to be seen by him to make him think he's infringing on his territory. Depending on his age, he could just be coming into adulthood, too.

Sometimes the male cat will spray what he considers his, because he feels something or someone is threatening to take it. He's just labeling what's his, so other cats know. Like Seurat said, he could be pissed off. Is the litter box clean? Is there another cat that you are paying more attention to? Another animal in his territory? Has something in the house changed or maybe someone in the house changed? Furniture moved or something else changed so he can't get to his favorite window? It might not seem like much, but in a cat's life what we think as insignificant could be really disturbing him.

I just thought of this...
It could also be a urinary tract infection. The male urinary tract is a spiral and it can get clogged. I've had a cat that acted that way because he was just not himself during that time. The vet might catheterize him and have you adjust his diet or a while, but don't let the catheter thing last too long. I've heard some vets leave it in for a week, but I think the best time frame is maybe a day or two. Again, I'm no vet, but sometimes I listen when they talk.

 

[Homburg]

I think it is probably irritation. He is acting just fine, though he is a little underweight. He was a skinny boy when we got him from the SPCA, and picked up weight. It seems to have dropped off again, but I'm wondering if him picking up weight was just cold weather coming on. It seems like he shed the fat as soon as it got warmer.

 

[Netzach]

So how would you apply a spray like that? To the cat or around the home?

There's tons of lavender around here, I think there's some in my neighbour's garden. I'll have to ask her if I can steal some. I tried to grow catmint but they sat on the plants till they died. Curiously, neither of them show interest in toys containing dried catmint.

You spray whatever the kitty likes to rub up against, and near his litter maybe - keep it off the food but you could always spray near food then replace the food when the spray has landed.

 

[Netzach]

Yeah, I did take him to the vet. He was given a steroid injection and the vet said that if there was some kind of allergy problem, his skin would clear up and I could try eliminating and reintroducing things to find the source of the problem. Sadly, it had no effect. The happy pills she offered me for him are made from a milk protein and simulate the blissed out state kittens have after suckling. She didn't say anything about valium but I'm sure that would also be expensive.

Valium is actually, at least here, super cheap with a million generics - I'd ask.

And catnip, keroin, correct me if I'm wrong, I believe is a generic trait. It's inherited whether your cat goes bonkers for it, as my current ones do, or could not care less, like my past ones have.

 

[Vixandra]

I'd try the lavender if catnip doesn't work. You may even try bringing in a sturdily potted lavender plant. Its calming and soothing for both humans and animals.

I know for dogs that chew, a product called "Bitter Apple" can keep them away from a given area because of the taste but not sure if its safe on cats.

*hops on soapbox*
Declawing a cat is one of the cruelest things you can do to an animal. It is literally removing part of "hands" and can lead to psychological issues in the animal. Cats know they're supposed to have claws, its part of their grooming, their defense, their play, their nurturing. Removing them is like removing the tips of all of a human's fingers at the first joint. It makes functioning and even using their paws painful at times, especially if the surgery isn't done just right. I would rather sacrifice my couches, carpets and chairs then make any animal live like that.

 

[IrisAlthea]

I think it is probably irritation. He is acting just fine, though he is a little underweight. He was a skinny boy when we got him from the SPCA, and picked up weight. It seems to have dropped off again, but I'm wondering if him picking up weight was just cold weather coming on. It seems like he shed the fat as soon as it got warmer.

Keep an eye on how much he drinks. If he drinks relatively much it might be a kidney problem.

 

[IrisAlthea]

Yeah, I did take him to the vet. He was given a steroid injection and the vet said that if there was some kind of allergy problem, his skin would clear up and I could try eliminating and reintroducing things to find the source of the problem. Sadly, it had no effect. The happy pills she offered me for him are made from a milk protein and simulate the blissed out state kittens have after suckling. She didn't say anything about valium but I'm sure that would also be expensive.

Cats sometimes start scratching because of some skin irritation and then get used to it like a nervous habit, just like humans who bite their nails or pull out hair. Sometimes if you use one of those big collars for a while, they get out of the habit again.

 

[fuckmeat]

*hops on soapbox*
Declawing a cat is one of the cruelest things you can do to an animal. It is literally removing part of "hands" and can lead to psychological issues in the animal. Cats know they're supposed to have claws, its part of their grooming, their defense, their play, their nurturing. Removing them is like removing the tips of all of a human's fingers at the first joint. It makes functioning and even using their paws painful at times, especially if the surgery isn't done just right. I would rather sacrifice my couches, carpets and chairs then make any animal live like that.

I completely agree and for the record, declawing is unheard of in the UK. It's possible that some of the super-rich/stupid are daft enough to do it but the average person? Never.

I don't know at what age this is done to cats across the pond. Having had his claws all this time though, to remove them now would make an insecure cat batshit terrified and vulnerable, I would imagine.