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"Outdoorsy" cat suddenly scared of EVERYTHING...???!!!



 
 
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  #11  
Old May 12th 04, 07:45 AM
Mary
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"Ron M." wrote in message
om...
We adopted Skeeter, a really sweet 2 year old orange tabby, a


You just do not let a declawed cat outside. Period. Something frightened him
because he is not stupid--he knows his defenses are not what they used to
be. What are you thinking? Are there no dogs or cats etc. where you live?


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  #12  
Old May 12th 04, 01:27 PM
Ron M.
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"Mary" wrote:

You just do not let a declawed cat outside. Period. Something frightened him
because he is not stupid--he knows his defenses are not what they used to
be. What are you thinking? Are there no dogs or cats etc. where you live?


I know, I know. We WANTED him to be an indoor-only cat, and we had the
exact same concerns about his being declawed. I'd like to get hold of
the idiots who did that and remove their fingers...

In any case, this was after several months of his constant SCREAMING
to get outside, waking us up at 3 a.m. (and we MUST have our sleep),
etc. He wouldn't even poop in his litter box; he'd do it right next to
the door. He'd stand up on his hind feet and paw at the door until the
pads of his feet were raw, trying to get out. It was unbearable to
watch.

We finally let him out on the deck when we were out there eating or
talking, and he was just SOOO happy and peaceful. He'd step off the
deck and wander a few feet away, but never far. I don't think he ever
got more than 50 feet from the house. He still spent 3/4 of his time
inside, and if he needed to toilet, we'd just let him out for a couple
of minutes.

Yeah, we have another cat, and they play somewhat. There are many dogs
in the area, but very few strays, although there are some. There's a
ZILLION cats in the neighborhood, however.

Last night, he didn't even come out of the bedroom where he usually
"lives," which is VERY unusual. Now he's afraid to even walk around
inside the house.

We really have to solve this. Like I said, we HAVE to have our sleep,
and we can't live with him waking us up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning,
pooping and peeing all over the place, etc.

Ron M.
  #13  
Old May 12th 04, 01:27 PM
Ron M.
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"Mary" wrote:

You just do not let a declawed cat outside. Period. Something frightened him
because he is not stupid--he knows his defenses are not what they used to
be. What are you thinking? Are there no dogs or cats etc. where you live?


I know, I know. We WANTED him to be an indoor-only cat, and we had the
exact same concerns about his being declawed. I'd like to get hold of
the idiots who did that and remove their fingers...

In any case, this was after several months of his constant SCREAMING
to get outside, waking us up at 3 a.m. (and we MUST have our sleep),
etc. He wouldn't even poop in his litter box; he'd do it right next to
the door. He'd stand up on his hind feet and paw at the door until the
pads of his feet were raw, trying to get out. It was unbearable to
watch.

We finally let him out on the deck when we were out there eating or
talking, and he was just SOOO happy and peaceful. He'd step off the
deck and wander a few feet away, but never far. I don't think he ever
got more than 50 feet from the house. He still spent 3/4 of his time
inside, and if he needed to toilet, we'd just let him out for a couple
of minutes.

Yeah, we have another cat, and they play somewhat. There are many dogs
in the area, but very few strays, although there are some. There's a
ZILLION cats in the neighborhood, however.

Last night, he didn't even come out of the bedroom where he usually
"lives," which is VERY unusual. Now he's afraid to even walk around
inside the house.

We really have to solve this. Like I said, we HAVE to have our sleep,
and we can't live with him waking us up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning,
pooping and peeing all over the place, etc.

Ron M.
  #14  
Old May 12th 04, 03:49 PM
kaeli
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article , rmorgan7
@austin.rr.com enlightened us with...

Last night, he didn't even come out of the bedroom where he usually
"lives," which is VERY unusual. Now he's afraid to even walk around
inside the house.

We really have to solve this. Like I said, we HAVE to have our sleep,
and we can't live with him waking us up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning,
pooping and peeing all over the place, etc.


If he doesn't *want* to go out, you aren't losing sleep.
All kidding aside, if he isn't going out, is he going potty in the
house?

He is very used to going potty outside from what you've posted. So,
where does he usually go? In the dirt? If so, perhaps putting the soil
from the area where he usually goes into a litterbox would teach him to
use one. Put it right by the door or wherever he's been going in the
home. Move it later, but for now, keep it there. He may prefer a
cardboard box with low sides instead of a traditional litterbox for now.
Whatever makes him happy, makes you happy. *g*

He really needs to be inside. He has no defense without his claws. Only
teeth, and teeth don't help him climb trees to get away from danger.
Going out with you is one thing (and a great thing, IMO). Going out all
by himself is just a tragedy waiting to happen.

Also, take him to the vet. Behavior problems can have physical origins
(maybe he hurt himself outside). If nothing else, the vet can prescribe
something to make him less nervous. Fear multiplies if it isn't handled.
Don't forget the love, treats, and praise for desired behavior. Positive
reinforcement can work wonders.

--
--
~kaeli~
Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?
http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart
http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace

  #15  
Old May 12th 04, 03:49 PM
kaeli
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article , rmorgan7
@austin.rr.com enlightened us with...

Last night, he didn't even come out of the bedroom where he usually
"lives," which is VERY unusual. Now he's afraid to even walk around
inside the house.

We really have to solve this. Like I said, we HAVE to have our sleep,
and we can't live with him waking us up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning,
pooping and peeing all over the place, etc.


If he doesn't *want* to go out, you aren't losing sleep.
All kidding aside, if he isn't going out, is he going potty in the
house?

He is very used to going potty outside from what you've posted. So,
where does he usually go? In the dirt? If so, perhaps putting the soil
from the area where he usually goes into a litterbox would teach him to
use one. Put it right by the door or wherever he's been going in the
home. Move it later, but for now, keep it there. He may prefer a
cardboard box with low sides instead of a traditional litterbox for now.
Whatever makes him happy, makes you happy. *g*

He really needs to be inside. He has no defense without his claws. Only
teeth, and teeth don't help him climb trees to get away from danger.
Going out with you is one thing (and a great thing, IMO). Going out all
by himself is just a tragedy waiting to happen.

Also, take him to the vet. Behavior problems can have physical origins
(maybe he hurt himself outside). If nothing else, the vet can prescribe
something to make him less nervous. Fear multiplies if it isn't handled.
Don't forget the love, treats, and praise for desired behavior. Positive
reinforcement can work wonders.

--
--
~kaeli~
Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?
http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart
http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace

  #16  
Old May 12th 04, 03:51 PM
minerva nine
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Ever heard of a litter box?

"Ron M." wrote in message
om...
"Mary" wrote:

You just do not let a declawed cat outside. Period. Something frightened

him
because he is not stupid--he knows his defenses are not what they used

to
be. What are you thinking? Are there no dogs or cats etc. where you

live?

I know, I know. We WANTED him to be an indoor-only cat, and we had the
exact same concerns about his being declawed. I'd like to get hold of
the idiots who did that and remove their fingers...

In any case, this was after several months of his constant SCREAMING
to get outside, waking us up at 3 a.m. (and we MUST have our sleep),
etc. He wouldn't even poop in his litter box; he'd do it right next to
the door. He'd stand up on his hind feet and paw at the door until the
pads of his feet were raw, trying to get out. It was unbearable to
watch.

We finally let him out on the deck when we were out there eating or
talking, and he was just SOOO happy and peaceful. He'd step off the
deck and wander a few feet away, but never far. I don't think he ever
got more than 50 feet from the house. He still spent 3/4 of his time
inside, and if he needed to toilet, we'd just let him out for a couple
of minutes.

Yeah, we have another cat, and they play somewhat. There are many dogs
in the area, but very few strays, although there are some. There's a
ZILLION cats in the neighborhood, however.

Last night, he didn't even come out of the bedroom where he usually
"lives," which is VERY unusual. Now he's afraid to even walk around
inside the house.

We really have to solve this. Like I said, we HAVE to have our sleep,
and we can't live with him waking us up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning,
pooping and peeing all over the place, etc.

Ron M.



  #17  
Old May 12th 04, 03:51 PM
minerva nine
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Ever heard of a litter box?

"Ron M." wrote in message
om...
"Mary" wrote:

You just do not let a declawed cat outside. Period. Something frightened

him
because he is not stupid--he knows his defenses are not what they used

to
be. What are you thinking? Are there no dogs or cats etc. where you

live?

I know, I know. We WANTED him to be an indoor-only cat, and we had the
exact same concerns about his being declawed. I'd like to get hold of
the idiots who did that and remove their fingers...

In any case, this was after several months of his constant SCREAMING
to get outside, waking us up at 3 a.m. (and we MUST have our sleep),
etc. He wouldn't even poop in his litter box; he'd do it right next to
the door. He'd stand up on his hind feet and paw at the door until the
pads of his feet were raw, trying to get out. It was unbearable to
watch.

We finally let him out on the deck when we were out there eating or
talking, and he was just SOOO happy and peaceful. He'd step off the
deck and wander a few feet away, but never far. I don't think he ever
got more than 50 feet from the house. He still spent 3/4 of his time
inside, and if he needed to toilet, we'd just let him out for a couple
of minutes.

Yeah, we have another cat, and they play somewhat. There are many dogs
in the area, but very few strays, although there are some. There's a
ZILLION cats in the neighborhood, however.

Last night, he didn't even come out of the bedroom where he usually
"lives," which is VERY unusual. Now he's afraid to even walk around
inside the house.

We really have to solve this. Like I said, we HAVE to have our sleep,
and we can't live with him waking us up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning,
pooping and peeing all over the place, etc.

Ron M.



  #18  
Old May 12th 04, 05:58 PM
Mary
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Ron M." wrote in message
om...

In any case, this was after several months of his constant SCREAMING
to get outside, waking us up at 3 a.m. (and we MUST have our sleep),
etc. He wouldn't even poop in his litter box; he'd do it right next to
the door. He'd stand up on his hind feet and paw at the door until the
pads of his feet were raw, trying to get out. It was unbearable to
watch.


I know what might work, but it will seem cruel. (It did to me when
the shelter owner told me about it.) Do you have a room you can
confine him to with a window where you could put a cat shelf? It
would have to be a room far enough away from you that you
cannot hear him when he cries. Put his box and food and lots of
toys in there, and you'd have to go in and visit him and play
with him a lot. But confine him until he gets the idea "this is
where I live."

We finally let him out on the deck when we were out there eating or
talking, and he was just SOOO happy and peaceful. He'd step off the
deck and wander a few feet away, but never far. I don't think he ever
got more than 50 feet from the house. He still spent 3/4 of his time
inside, and if he needed to toilet, we'd just let him out for a couple
of minutes.


This was quite convenient for you but the wrong thing to do.
He never should have been let out at all--due to safety issues
and the fact that you WANT him to be an indoor cat.

Yeah, we have another cat, and they play somewhat. There are many dogs
in the area, but very few strays, although there are some. There's a
ZILLION cats in the neighborhood, however.


Well now he's been traumatized, so no more.

Last night, he didn't even come out of the bedroom where he usually
"lives," which is VERY unusual. Now he's afraid to even walk around
inside the house.


Confine him, get feliway, pay him a lot of attention. Be patient.
If you can hear him when he cries at night, get a large Hepa filter
for your room and close your door. The sound will help drown him
out.

We really have to solve this. Like I said, we HAVE to have our sleep,
and we can't live with him waking us up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning,
pooping and peeing all over the place, etc.

If he is confined in a single room that is large enough to play
in but small enough that he had better use his box or risk
pooping near where he eats, he will use the box. Good luck.


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.681 / Virus Database: 443 - Release Date: 5/10/2004


  #19  
Old May 12th 04, 05:58 PM
Mary
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Ron M." wrote in message
om...

In any case, this was after several months of his constant SCREAMING
to get outside, waking us up at 3 a.m. (and we MUST have our sleep),
etc. He wouldn't even poop in his litter box; he'd do it right next to
the door. He'd stand up on his hind feet and paw at the door until the
pads of his feet were raw, trying to get out. It was unbearable to
watch.


I know what might work, but it will seem cruel. (It did to me when
the shelter owner told me about it.) Do you have a room you can
confine him to with a window where you could put a cat shelf? It
would have to be a room far enough away from you that you
cannot hear him when he cries. Put his box and food and lots of
toys in there, and you'd have to go in and visit him and play
with him a lot. But confine him until he gets the idea "this is
where I live."

We finally let him out on the deck when we were out there eating or
talking, and he was just SOOO happy and peaceful. He'd step off the
deck and wander a few feet away, but never far. I don't think he ever
got more than 50 feet from the house. He still spent 3/4 of his time
inside, and if he needed to toilet, we'd just let him out for a couple
of minutes.


This was quite convenient for you but the wrong thing to do.
He never should have been let out at all--due to safety issues
and the fact that you WANT him to be an indoor cat.

Yeah, we have another cat, and they play somewhat. There are many dogs
in the area, but very few strays, although there are some. There's a
ZILLION cats in the neighborhood, however.


Well now he's been traumatized, so no more.

Last night, he didn't even come out of the bedroom where he usually
"lives," which is VERY unusual. Now he's afraid to even walk around
inside the house.


Confine him, get feliway, pay him a lot of attention. Be patient.
If you can hear him when he cries at night, get a large Hepa filter
for your room and close your door. The sound will help drown him
out.

We really have to solve this. Like I said, we HAVE to have our sleep,
and we can't live with him waking us up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning,
pooping and peeing all over the place, etc.

If he is confined in a single room that is large enough to play
in but small enough that he had better use his box or risk
pooping near where he eats, he will use the box. Good luck.


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.681 / Virus Database: 443 - Release Date: 5/10/2004


  #20  
Old May 12th 04, 08:58 PM
Johnny Comelately
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Posts: n/a
Default

(Ron M.) wrote in message . com...
We adopted Skeeter, a really sweet 2 year old orange tabby, a neutered
male, about 6 months ago. He's a really sweet cat, very passive, loves
to be petted. The idiots who owned him previously declawed him,
unfortunately.

Skeeter has always SCREAMED to go outside, so about 3 months ago, we
started letting him out, and he became one happy kitty. He always
toileted outside, and loved to wander around the house, NEVER far, and
usually slept inside at night.

About a week ago, he ran up on the porch begging to get inside. Since
then, he has been scared to death of everything. He spends almost all
of his time sleeping under the bed or hiding in some far corner of a
closet. We tried taking him just out on our large deck/patio, where he
always LOVED to hang out with us, and the instant we put him down, he
dashed to the door and started pawing at it trying to get back in,
almost in a state of panic.

THEN... after he got back in, he ran to a back bedroom and started
pawing at a closet door, trying to get in there, as if the devil
himself were after him.

I'm assuming he was terrified by some dog or something. This has been
going on for a week now. Any advice would be MOST welcome.

Thanks,
Ron M.


A declawed cat can not defend itself properly, therfore should stay
inside. I have a declawed cat also, when it wants to go outside I go
out with him and watch him play. This way he has the security of
knowing I am there to protect him, in case he needs me to kill an
attacking feral or slaughter an aggressive dog passing by.

J.C.
 




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