Case of Misplaced Aggression??

Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago.
She had been happily playing with a new toy, then a minute later the
other cat (Seamus) jumped off of something, onto an open paper bag. I
wasn't watching but heard the whole thing - Jewel must have been on a
windowsill and got scared by that noise, and that in turn made her
knock over a bunch of picture frames and bottles, and both cats went
racing down to the basement in a flurry of noise and activity. I went
right down to them. Seamus was hiding, Jewel was growling a bit and
puffy, but was going to calm down I thought. Unfortunately on my way
up the stairs with Jewel I dropped something heavy and again very loud
which bounced off all the steps on the way down to the basement. This
really freaked out Jewel, who flew up to my bedroom, where she has
been since.
Whenever I try to get near her I get growled at, along with that most
horrible of yowls - howls - whatever it is, that you have ever heard.
If you have ever heard that sound you understand, there is nothing
like it. She has tried to attack me a few times now, and I don't know
what to do. I know there have been posts about this before, but I
guess I am looking for support as much as suggestions. For now I have
put some food and water in the room, tried to get a litter box in but
she was guarding the door so well I couldn't. I can't even get some
clothes off a hook that I tried to get.
For now I am just really scared for her, and upset about what is going
on with her. I don't know what to do to help her. Should I keep
going up to talk to her, or leave her alone for a while. I would like
to at least get her over to "her" room, but there is no chance of that
right now. I thought she would be a little better by now, but if
anything it is worse. From what I can tell she doesn't seem to be
hurt, which I was afraid of. She was up on a cedar chest one time I
looked in, and seems to move ok.


Any help is appreciated!
Teri

in article , teri at
wrote on 2/28/04 10:08 PM:


Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago.
She had been happily playing with a new toy, then a minute later the
other cat (Seamus) jumped off of something, onto an open paper bag. I
wasn't watching but heard the whole thing - Jewel must have been on a
windowsill and got scared by that noise, and that in turn made her
knock over a bunch of picture frames and bottles, and both cats went
racing down to the basement in a flurry of noise and activity. I went
right down to them. Seamus was hiding, Jewel was growling a bit and
puffy, but was going to calm down I thought. Unfortunately on my way
up the stairs with Jewel I dropped something heavy and again very loud
which bounced off all the steps on the way down to the basement. This
really freaked out Jewel, who flew up to my bedroom, where she has
been since.
Whenever I try to get near her I get growled at, along with that most
horrible of yowls - howls - whatever it is, that you have ever heard.
If you have ever heard that sound you understand, there is nothing
like it. She has tried to attack me a few times now, and I don't know
what to do. I know there have been posts about this before, but I
guess I am looking for support as much as suggestions. For now I have
put some food and water in the room, tried to get a litter box in but
she was guarding the door so well I couldn't. I can't even get some
clothes off a hook that I tried to get.
For now I am just really scared for her, and upset about what is going
on with her. I don't know what to do to help her. Should I keep
going up to talk to her, or leave her alone for a while. I would like
to at least get her over to "her" room, but there is no chance of that
right now. I thought she would be a little better by now, but if
anything it is worse. From what I can tell she doesn't seem to be
hurt, which I was afraid of. She was up on a cedar chest one time I
looked in, and seems to move ok.


Any help is appreciated!
Teri

Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've been
there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.) I just
would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense YOU
being scared of HER as well and that is part of the problem. I think I
would, after a while, just sit outside the door and talk to her in a normal,
calm voice. I would definitely let her be where she wants right now. After a
while, try sliding a litter box in there. I think she might be happy just to
spend the night in there. I'm hoping others have some immediate suggestions.
I would also get some Feliway tomorrow if you can and start using it around
to try to calm the situation. She may need to be separated for a while. But
definitely, you need to calm down as well. Talk yourself out of being
afraid. Instead, whether she understands or not, talk to her. Tell her
everything is fine. use a calm voice. Just try that periodically on the
other side of the door. I'm so sorry such a trauma happened, especially
while playing. It makes things tough.

Karen

in article , teri at
wrote on 2/28/04 10:08 PM:


Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago.
She had been happily playing with a new toy, then a minute later the
other cat (Seamus) jumped off of something, onto an open paper bag. I
wasn't watching but heard the whole thing - Jewel must have been on a
windowsill and got scared by that noise, and that in turn made her
knock over a bunch of picture frames and bottles, and both cats went
racing down to the basement in a flurry of noise and activity. I went
right down to them. Seamus was hiding, Jewel was growling a bit and
puffy, but was going to calm down I thought. Unfortunately on my way
up the stairs with Jewel I dropped something heavy and again very loud
which bounced off all the steps on the way down to the basement. This
really freaked out Jewel, who flew up to my bedroom, where she has
been since.
Whenever I try to get near her I get growled at, along with that most
horrible of yowls - howls - whatever it is, that you have ever heard.
If you have ever heard that sound you understand, there is nothing
like it. She has tried to attack me a few times now, and I don't know
what to do. I know there have been posts about this before, but I
guess I am looking for support as much as suggestions. For now I have
put some food and water in the room, tried to get a litter box in but
she was guarding the door so well I couldn't. I can't even get some
clothes off a hook that I tried to get.
For now I am just really scared for her, and upset about what is going
on with her. I don't know what to do to help her. Should I keep
going up to talk to her, or leave her alone for a while. I would like
to at least get her over to "her" room, but there is no chance of that
right now. I thought she would be a little better by now, but if
anything it is worse. From what I can tell she doesn't seem to be
hurt, which I was afraid of. She was up on a cedar chest one time I
looked in, and seems to move ok.


Any help is appreciated!
Teri

Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've been
there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.) I just
would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense YOU
being scared of HER as well and that is part of the problem. I think I
would, after a while, just sit outside the door and talk to her in a normal,
calm voice. I would definitely let her be where she wants right now. After a
while, try sliding a litter box in there. I think she might be happy just to
spend the night in there. I'm hoping others have some immediate suggestions.
I would also get some Feliway tomorrow if you can and start using it around
to try to calm the situation. She may need to be separated for a while. But
definitely, you need to calm down as well. Talk yourself out of being
afraid. Instead, whether she understands or not, talk to her. Tell her
everything is fine. use a calm voice. Just try that periodically on the
other side of the door. I'm so sorry such a trauma happened, especially
while playing. It makes things tough.

Karen

Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've been
there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.)
And you got past it ok?? I am trying hard to be calm, but each time I
go up to talk to her I feel worse. You can't understand it unless you
have been through it.

I just would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense YOU
being scared of HER as well and that is part of the problem. I think I
would, after a while, just sit outside the door and talk to her in a normal,
calm voice. I would definitely let her be where she wants right now. After a
while, try sliding a litter box in there. I think she might be happy just to
spend the night in there.
A friend is coming over yet tonight. She usually is a little scared
of him, but I thought I would see if he could at least get a litter
box in there for her. I am afraid of her not eating too, but I have
some time to really get worked up over that yet.

I'm hoping others have some immediate suggestions.
I would also get some Feliway tomorrow if you can and start using it around
to try to calm the situation.
I already tossed a feliway sprayed tissue in the door. That is the
most I can do at this point. Maybe I will spray some in later as
well.

She may need to be separated for a while. But
definitely, you need to calm down as well. Talk yourself out of being
afraid. Instead, whether she understands or not, talk to her.
I have been talking to her from outside the door, but she growls.
Man this is so hard, usually she sleeps right on my hip or by my belly
and just purrs and purrs.

Tell her
everything is fine. use a calm voice. Just try that periodically on the
other side of the door. I'm so sorry such a trauma happened, especially
while playing. It makes things tough.
I just keep thinking of how I heard her dancing around and batting her
toy around right before this. And how I shouldn't have picked up
that food processor that I ended up dropping. Damn it!

Thanks Karen.
Teri

Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've been
there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.)
And you got past it ok?? I am trying hard to be calm, but each time I
go up to talk to her I feel worse. You can't understand it unless you
have been through it.

I just would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense YOU
being scared of HER as well and that is part of the problem. I think I
would, after a while, just sit outside the door and talk to her in a normal,
calm voice. I would definitely let her be where she wants right now. After a
while, try sliding a litter box in there. I think she might be happy just to
spend the night in there.
A friend is coming over yet tonight. She usually is a little scared
of him, but I thought I would see if he could at least get a litter
box in there for her. I am afraid of her not eating too, but I have
some time to really get worked up over that yet.

I'm hoping others have some immediate suggestions.
I would also get some Feliway tomorrow if you can and start using it around
to try to calm the situation.
I already tossed a feliway sprayed tissue in the door. That is the
most I can do at this point. Maybe I will spray some in later as
well.

She may need to be separated for a while. But
definitely, you need to calm down as well. Talk yourself out of being
afraid. Instead, whether she understands or not, talk to her.
I have been talking to her from outside the door, but she growls.
Man this is so hard, usually she sleeps right on my hip or by my belly
and just purrs and purrs.

Tell her
everything is fine. use a calm voice. Just try that periodically on the
other side of the door. I'm so sorry such a trauma happened, especially
while playing. It makes things tough.
I just keep thinking of how I heard her dancing around and batting her
toy around right before this. And how I shouldn't have picked up
that food processor that I ended up dropping. Damn it!

Thanks Karen.
Teri

"teri" wrote in message
...

Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago.
She had been happily playing with a new toy, then a minute later the
other cat (Seamus) jumped off of something, onto an open paper bag. I
wasn't watching but heard the whole thing - Jewel must have been on a
windowsill and got scared by that noise, and that in turn made her
knock over a bunch of picture frames and bottles, and both cats went
racing down to the basement in a flurry of noise and activity. I went
right down to them. Seamus was hiding, Jewel was growling a bit and
puffy, but was going to calm down I thought. Unfortunately on my way
up the stairs with Jewel I dropped something heavy and again very loud
which bounced off all the steps on the way down to the basement. This
really freaked out Jewel, who flew up to my bedroom, where she has
been since.
Whenever I try to get near her I get growled at, along with that most
horrible of yowls - howls - whatever it is, that you have ever heard.
If you have ever heard that sound you understand, there is nothing
like it. She has tried to attack me a few times now, and I don't know
what to do. I know there have been posts about this before, but I
guess I am looking for support as much as suggestions. For now I have
put some food and water in the room, tried to get a litter box in but
she was guarding the door so well I couldn't. I can't even get some
clothes off a hook that I tried to get.
For now I am just really scared for her, and upset about what is going
on with her. I don't know what to do to help her. Should I keep
going up to talk to her, or leave her alone for a while. I would like
to at least get her over to "her" room, but there is no chance of that
right now. I thought she would be a little better by now, but if
anything it is worse. From what I can tell she doesn't seem to be
hurt, which I was afraid of. She was up on a cedar chest one time I
looked in, and seems to move ok.


Any help is appreciated!
Teri

Wow... my heart goes out to you on this one.. I can only repeat what Karen
already said.. I know it;s hard but you should try to relax. One of my cats
got out the front door of my apartment and fell off the front balcony, a
20-30 foot drop... she was scared and she just fell.. didn't land on her
feet. And this was the night after coming home from the vet after getting
spayed. I was so scared I ran out in a t-shirt and boxers and crawled around
under bushes calling for her.. thankfully, she didn't run.. When I got her
back inside *I* was so scared she wouldn't come to me so I could check her
over.. once I calmed down she let me hold her and check her tummy...
Talk to your girl and let her know everything is okay.. just think calm and
happy thoughts...

Mar
------------------------------------------------
"I meant," said Ipslore, bitterly,"what is there in this world that makes
living worthwhile?"

Death thought about it.
"Cats," he said eventually, "Cats are nice."

-Terry Pratchett, 'Sourcery'

"teri" wrote in message
...

Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago.
She had been happily playing with a new toy, then a minute later the
other cat (Seamus) jumped off of something, onto an open paper bag. I
wasn't watching but heard the whole thing - Jewel must have been on a
windowsill and got scared by that noise, and that in turn made her
knock over a bunch of picture frames and bottles, and both cats went
racing down to the basement in a flurry of noise and activity. I went
right down to them. Seamus was hiding, Jewel was growling a bit and
puffy, but was going to calm down I thought. Unfortunately on my way
up the stairs with Jewel I dropped something heavy and again very loud
which bounced off all the steps on the way down to the basement. This
really freaked out Jewel, who flew up to my bedroom, where she has
been since.
Whenever I try to get near her I get growled at, along with that most
horrible of yowls - howls - whatever it is, that you have ever heard.
If you have ever heard that sound you understand, there is nothing
like it. She has tried to attack me a few times now, and I don't know
what to do. I know there have been posts about this before, but I
guess I am looking for support as much as suggestions. For now I have
put some food and water in the room, tried to get a litter box in but
she was guarding the door so well I couldn't. I can't even get some
clothes off a hook that I tried to get.
For now I am just really scared for her, and upset about what is going
on with her. I don't know what to do to help her. Should I keep
going up to talk to her, or leave her alone for a while. I would like
to at least get her over to "her" room, but there is no chance of that
right now. I thought she would be a little better by now, but if
anything it is worse. From what I can tell she doesn't seem to be
hurt, which I was afraid of. She was up on a cedar chest one time I
looked in, and seems to move ok.


Any help is appreciated!
Teri

Wow... my heart goes out to you on this one.. I can only repeat what Karen
already said.. I know it;s hard but you should try to relax. One of my cats
got out the front door of my apartment and fell off the front balcony, a
20-30 foot drop... she was scared and she just fell.. didn't land on her
feet. And this was the night after coming home from the vet after getting
spayed. I was so scared I ran out in a t-shirt and boxers and crawled around
under bushes calling for her.. thankfully, she didn't run.. When I got her
back inside *I* was so scared she wouldn't come to me so I could check her
over.. once I calmed down she let me hold her and check her tummy...
Talk to your girl and let her know everything is okay.. just think calm and
happy thoughts...

Mar
------------------------------------------------
"I meant," said Ipslore, bitterly,"what is there in this world that makes
living worthwhile?"

Death thought about it.
"Cats," he said eventually, "Cats are nice."

-Terry Pratchett, 'Sourcery'

in article , teri at
wrote on 2/28/04 11:58 PM:


Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've been
there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.)
And you got past it ok?? I am trying hard to be calm, but each time I
go up to talk to her I feel worse. You can't understand it unless you
have been through it.

Well, I know the heart pounding part. I was able to calm down pretty quick
though which helped. Play soft music. Have some tea. Sind a lullaby.
Anything. Remember, you can be of no help if you are scared too. You are the
rational human in the matter.


I just would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense
YOU
being scared of HER as well and that is part of the problem. I think I
would, after a while, just sit outside the door and talk to her in a normal,
calm voice. I would definitely let her be where she wants right now. After a
while, try sliding a litter box in there. I think she might be happy just to
spend the night in there.
A friend is coming over yet tonight. She usually is a little scared
of him, but I thought I would see if he could at least get a litter
box in there for her. I am afraid of her not eating too, but I have
some time to really get worked up over that yet.

I wouldn't worry about the not eating yet. You said you got some in there. I
mean, she WILL eventually calm down.

I'm hoping others have some immediate suggestions.
I would also get some Feliway tomorrow if you can and start using it around
to try to calm the situation.
I already tossed a feliway sprayed tissue in the door. That is the
most I can do at this point. Maybe I will spray some in later as
well.

That's good. You could just spray a little outside the bottom of the door.
Don't over do.

She may need to be separated for a while. But
definitely, you need to calm down as well. Talk yourself out of being
afraid. Instead, whether she understands or not, talk to her.
I have been talking to her from outside the door, but she growls.
Man this is so hard, usually she sleeps right on my hip or by my belly
and just purrs and purrs.

She will again.

Tell her
everything is fine. use a calm voice. Just try that periodically on the
other side of the door. I'm so sorry such a trauma happened, especially
while playing. It makes things tough.
I just keep thinking of how I heard her dancing around and batting her
toy around right before this. And how I shouldn't have picked up
that food processor that I ended up dropping. Damn it!

Thanks Karen.
Teri

Why were you carrying a food processor?? Well, hindsight is 20/20. Please
let us know how it is today. It may be better because you will have had to
leave her alone for some time. I think that is a big key. Give her some
space.

Karen

in article , teri at
wrote on 2/28/04 11:58 PM:


Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've been
there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.)
And you got past it ok?? I am trying hard to be calm, but each time I
go up to talk to her I feel worse. You can't understand it unless you
have been through it.

Well, I know the heart pounding part. I was able to calm down pretty quick
though which helped. Play soft music. Have some tea. Sind a lullaby.
Anything. Remember, you can be of no help if you are scared too. You are the
rational human in the matter.


I just would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense
YOU
being scared of HER as well and that is part of the problem. I think I
would, after a while, just sit outside the door and talk to her in a normal,
calm voice. I would definitely let her be where she wants right now. After a
while, try sliding a litter box in there. I think she might be happy just to
spend the night in there.
A friend is coming over yet tonight. She usually is a little scared
of him, but I thought I would see if he could at least get a litter
box in there for her. I am afraid of her not eating too, but I have
some time to really get worked up over that yet.

I wouldn't worry about the not eating yet. You said you got some in there. I
mean, she WILL eventually calm down.

I'm hoping others have some immediate suggestions.
I would also get some Feliway tomorrow if you can and start using it around
to try to calm the situation.
I already tossed a feliway sprayed tissue in the door. That is the
most I can do at this point. Maybe I will spray some in later as
well.

That's good. You could just spray a little outside the bottom of the door.
Don't over do.

She may need to be separated for a while. But
definitely, you need to calm down as well. Talk yourself out of being
afraid. Instead, whether she understands or not, talk to her.
I have been talking to her from outside the door, but she growls.
Man this is so hard, usually she sleeps right on my hip or by my belly
and just purrs and purrs.

She will again.

Tell her
everything is fine. use a calm voice. Just try that periodically on the
other side of the door. I'm so sorry such a trauma happened, especially
while playing. It makes things tough.
I just keep thinking of how I heard her dancing around and batting her
toy around right before this. And how I shouldn't have picked up
that food processor that I ended up dropping. Damn it!

Thanks Karen.
Teri

Why were you carrying a food processor?? Well, hindsight is 20/20. Please
let us know how it is today. It may be better because you will have had to
leave her alone for some time. I think that is a big key. Give her some
space.

Karen

"Karen Chuplis" wrote in message
...
in article , teri at
wrote on 2/28/04 10:08 PM:


Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago.

Whenever I try to get near her I get growled at, along with that most
horrible of yowls - howls - whatever it is, that you have ever heard.
If you have ever heard that sound you understand, there is nothing
like it. She has tried to attack me a few times now, and I don't know
what to do.
For now I am just really scared for her, and upset about what is going
on with her. I don't know what to do to help her. Should I keep
going up to talk to her, or leave her alone for a while.


Any help is appreciated!
Teri

Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've
been
there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.) I just
would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense YOU
being scared of HER as well and that is part of the problem.

Karen


I agree with what Karen has written. Leave Jewel alone for awhile (which
could even be a couple of days) until *she* is ready to approach you. It
would probably be a good idea to put a litter box in her room. If she won't
let you, place it just outside the door. She has obviously been traumatized
by the whole series of events and needs time to adjust.

Do you have access to Feliway? If so, be sure to use that. If you don't
have any but are able to purchase some, I would suggest you use the plug-in
dispenser *if* you can reach an outlet in the room. If not, use the spray
type (or maybe even *both*).

MaryL