Autism?

Hi all.

The life story of our cat is relevant regarding what's happening to her now,
so I'll start at the beginning.

We got her from an SPCA organization (not spca but similar) at the age of 12
weeks. The most adorable kitten, still especially beautiful, but she showed
behaviour problems from the word go.

The first three days we had she had her face firmly pressed up against a
corner in our bedroom. She didn't show any signs of her recognizing our
attempts of getting in touch with her. After three days she started looking
around, and immediately fell for my husband. She managed to get up in our
bed and lay there licking his forehead all night. No need to mention he was
pretty sore in his forehead, but allowed her to do it as she was so scared,
and it seemed to comfort her.

stay with me.

After this intitial week she was more and more outgoing, playing with me,
but always seeking comfort and petting from my husband. We assumed that
whatever happened to her before we got her was done to her by a female, as
she never cuddled with me, and if we got a female vistor she would be gone,
as compared to when we got a male visitor she always came out after a while
to say hello.

Three years went by, she was always skittish. if we came into the same room
as where she was we always had to get down and say hello, letting her come
to us, before proceeding into the room, or she would run panicked. We were
always considering her needs and reactions before doing anything really, as
we felt so sad scaring her.

I know it's long post, but please be patient

She was fine really. She loved my husband and son, especially after he went
through the from child to adult voice. They both would hold their hands up
in knee height, and she would jump up to get stroked by the hand, litterally
stroking herself against the hand. She was happy, as long as we were careful
with what we exposed her to. Me - she accepted, but never got attached to.

Now, please stay with me, a month ago we bought a cottage out in the country
side. Our other cat took to the new enviroment like he's never done anything
else, exploring and enjoying the nature (they both had been inndoor cats in
the city earlier). But poor Susie...... she was just petrified. She would
hide under a blanket, with her nose firmly lodged into a corner in the
bedroom. Like we were back to stage one when she was a kitten.

Nothing we could do seem to get through to her, any comfort seemed like an
intrusion, she was just litterally stiff with fear. After three days we took
her back to the apartment as we couldn't stand seeing her like that.

Now almost three weeks later she hasn't improved. She's hiding in one of the
bedrooms, occationally coming out for food and potty, occationally coming
out to cuddle with my husband, as she always used to do, but now only for
short periods of time before going back to her hiding place.

She's still petrified!

Anyone seen this kind of behaviour before? I know there's nothing the people
in her enviroment is doing or has been doing (except from taking her out to
the cabin) that should make her this scared. And even an experience like
this shouldn't have made her so terribly scared.... Lasting for 3 weeks in
her home of 3 years! She's still not back to normal after three weeks.

Anyone known anything similar? Anybody know what might be wrong? Anyone know
what we can do to help her?

Much appreciated for any feedback.

Ok picture this you moved the furball STRESS BIG TIME

They are indoor cats now allowed to go outdoors which they have never done
before STRESS also IMO can be dangerous but not here to start that debate
again :-)

She was skittish to begin with now new environment, NEW STRESS.

STRESS can kill humans think about what it can do to a child let alone a
cat. Cats are resilient in adapting but stress is one factor that changes
individuals in different ways. Some people can't handle it same with cats

3 weeks is nothing to worry about. They are not people but sure act like
them. It may take years for her to calm back down not saying it will. But
think about it from a shy child perspective it may take a while to come
back out of its shell

There are several remedies you can do Feliway other anxiety medications
that a vet can prescribe if it comes to that. IMO a lot of love and
attention with quiet areas and on the furballs terms will help out
immensely. Keep the furball inside for the time being no more stress
factors should be added. When and if she is ready to go out she will let
you know. You might be even able to bond with her more if you do it right
and take your time



"McEve" wrote in message
...
Hi all.

The life story of our cat is relevant regarding what's happening to her
now, so I'll start at the beginning.

We got her from an SPCA organization (not spca but similar) at the age of
12 weeks. The most adorable kitten, still especially beautiful, but she
showed behaviour problems from the word go.

The first three days we had she had her face firmly pressed up against a
corner in our bedroom. She didn't show any signs of her recognizing our
attempts of getting in touch with her. After three days she started
looking around, and immediately fell for my husband. She managed to get up
in our bed and lay there licking his forehead all night. No need to
mention he was pretty sore in his forehead, but allowed her to do it as
she was so scared, and it seemed to comfort her.

stay with me.

After this intitial week she was more and more outgoing, playing with me,
but always seeking comfort and petting from my husband. We assumed that
whatever happened to her before we got her was done to her by a female, as
she never cuddled with me, and if we got a female vistor she would be
gone, as compared to when we got a male visitor she always came out after
a while to say hello.

Three years went by, she was always skittish. if we came into the same
room as where she was we always had to get down and say hello, letting her
come to us, before proceeding into the room, or she would run panicked.
We were always considering her needs and reactions before doing anything
really, as we felt so sad scaring her.

I know it's long post, but please be patient

She was fine really. She loved my husband and son, especially after he
went through the from child to adult voice. They both would hold their
hands up in knee height, and she would jump up to get stroked by the hand,
litterally stroking herself against the hand. She was happy, as long as we
were careful with what we exposed her to. Me - she accepted, but never got
attached to.

Now, please stay with me, a month ago we bought a cottage out in the
country side. Our other cat took to the new enviroment like he's never
done anything else, exploring and enjoying the nature (they both had been
inndoor cats in the city earlier). But poor Susie...... she was just
petrified. She would hide under a blanket, with her nose firmly lodged
into a corner in the bedroom. Like we were back to stage one when she was
a kitten.

Nothing we could do seem to get through to her, any comfort seemed like an
intrusion, she was just litterally stiff with fear. After three days we
took her back to the apartment as we couldn't stand seeing her like that.

Now almost three weeks later she hasn't improved. She's hiding in one of
the bedrooms, occationally coming out for food and potty, occationally
coming out to cuddle with my husband, as she always used to do, but now
only for short periods of time before going back to her hiding place.

She's still petrified!

Anyone seen this kind of behaviour before? I know there's nothing the
people in her enviroment is doing or has been doing (except from taking
her out to the cabin) that should make her this scared. And even an
experience like this shouldn't have made her so terribly scared....
Lasting for 3 weeks in her home of 3 years! She's still not back to normal
after three weeks.

Anyone known anything similar? Anybody know what might be wrong? Anyone
know what we can do to help her?

Much appreciated for any feedback.

Oh my word, what a story.

I am a vet student and VERY interested in this case. I cannot, however, say
that I am of any help at this point in my career. I do hope some of the
other members have some insights that might help, but in the meantime I
would like to suggest that you contact a vet school with this. What state
are you in? With such a highly unusual case, I would suggest that your best
bet is the "center" for unusual cases... the vet school! And if they don't
have a specialist that is appropriate to your case, then at the very least
they are likely the best possible referral service that you will find.

Come on gang, there must be someone out there that has encoutered something
this extreme? I have seen some seriously scared cats, but the pressed face
in the corner for 3 days, licking forehead, and not recovering after 3 weeks
are extreme.

If you do decide to enlist the help of a behavior specialist beyond just a
phone call, please be prepared with video footage of the cat's behavior.
This is often critical, because there is no other way for them to see
precisely what you are talking about. Verbalizing is good, video is better.
And clearly you won't be taking this kitty into the clinic. Speaking of
which, has this cat ever been to a vet other than what the shelter did
before you got her?




"McEve" wrote in message
...
Hi all.

The life story of our cat is relevant regarding what's happening to her
now, so I'll start at the beginning.

We got her from an SPCA organization (not spca but similar) at the age of
12 weeks. The most adorable kitten, still especially beautiful, but she
showed behaviour problems from the word go.

The first three days we had she had her face firmly pressed up against a
corner in our bedroom. She didn't show any signs of her recognizing our
attempts of getting in touch with her. After three days she started
looking around, and immediately fell for my husband. She managed to get up
in our bed and lay there licking his forehead all night. No need to
mention he was pretty sore in his forehead, but allowed her to do it as
she was so scared, and it seemed to comfort her.

stay with me.

After this intitial week she was more and more outgoing, playing with me,
but always seeking comfort and petting from my husband. We assumed that
whatever happened to her before we got her was done to her by a female, as
she never cuddled with me, and if we got a female vistor she would be
gone, as compared to when we got a male visitor she always came out after
a while to say hello.

Three years went by, she was always skittish. if we came into the same
room as where she was we always had to get down and say hello, letting her
come to us, before proceeding into the room, or she would run panicked.
We were always considering her needs and reactions before doing anything
really, as we felt so sad scaring her.

I know it's long post, but please be patient

She was fine really. She loved my husband and son, especially after he
went through the from child to adult voice. They both would hold their
hands up in knee height, and she would jump up to get stroked by the hand,
litterally stroking herself against the hand. She was happy, as long as we
were careful with what we exposed her to. Me - she accepted, but never got
attached to.

Now, please stay with me, a month ago we bought a cottage out in the
country side. Our other cat took to the new enviroment like he's never
done anything else, exploring and enjoying the nature (they both had been
inndoor cats in the city earlier). But poor Susie...... she was just
petrified. She would hide under a blanket, with her nose firmly lodged
into a corner in the bedroom. Like we were back to stage one when she was
a kitten.

Nothing we could do seem to get through to her, any comfort seemed like an
intrusion, she was just litterally stiff with fear. After three days we
took her back to the apartment as we couldn't stand seeing her like that.

Now almost three weeks later she hasn't improved. She's hiding in one of
the bedrooms, occationally coming out for food and potty, occationally
coming out to cuddle with my husband, as she always used to do, but now
only for short periods of time before going back to her hiding place.

She's still petrified!

Anyone seen this kind of behaviour before? I know there's nothing the
people in her enviroment is doing or has been doing (except from taking
her out to the cabin) that should make her this scared. And even an
experience like this shouldn't have made her so terribly scared....
Lasting for 3 weeks in her home of 3 years! She's still not back to normal
after three weeks.

Anyone known anything similar? Anybody know what might be wrong? Anyone
know what we can do to help her?

Much appreciated for any feedback.

"Andrea" wrote in message
ink.net...
Oh my word, what a story.

I am a vet student and VERY interested in this case. I cannot, however,
say that I am of any help at this point in my career. I do hope some of
the other members have some insights that might help, but in the meantime
I would like to suggest that you contact a vet school with this. What
state are you in? With such a highly unusual case, I would suggest that
your best bet is the "center" for unusual cases... the vet school! And if
they don't have a specialist that is appropriate to your case, then at the
very least they are likely the best possible referral service that you
will find.

Come on gang, there must be someone out there that has encoutered
something this extreme? I have seen some seriously scared cats, but the
pressed face in the corner for 3 days, licking forehead, and not
recovering after 3 weeks are extreme.

If you do decide to enlist the help of a behavior specialist beyond just a
phone call, please be prepared with video footage of the cat's behavior.
This is often critical, because there is no other way for them to see
precisely what you are talking about. Verbalizing is good, video is
better. And clearly you won't be taking this kitty into the clinic.
Speaking of which, has this cat ever been to a vet other than what the
shelter did before you got her?


Yes she has been to the vet, and gone into shock for a couple of days
after, but nowhere near this extreme. She's had all her shots, and she's
spayed - she even handled the collar (big white lamp hade thing) to prevent
her from reching the stiches fairly well. Here's a picture of the little
sweetheart, we love her so much http://public.qtopia.no/snus.jpg

We have been talking about getting in touch with the veterinary high school
to see if somebody has any offer to give, but I'm not sure they have a
behaviourial specialst there. We're not as advanced in pet care here as you
are in US.

My husband was just on the floor, enticing her out of the bedroom, she
flinched when she saw me, but settled when I pussed her, allowing my husband
to spend a bit more time with her, reassuring. Now she's back in the bedroom
again. The fact that the other cat that she grew up together with her is
here doesn't make a difference.

She won't be staying permanently at the cabin, and she's left at home
together with my husband now, when me and the other cat when we go. But I
would love for her to be out with Thomas (other cat) and enjoy the fresh
air.

Åresent: She's out from the bedroom again. As I already told you I'm the one
she accepts and not love, but she's also extremely sensitive to sounds, so
maybe the fact that this horrible woman is here talking after all is a
normalization of the situation....? Me and thomas has been at the cabin for
two weeks.

I'm the one with the sore forehead...

McEve does not have a problem bonding with the cat, and have extensive
experience with cats from breeding, for instance. They go along fine, just
not as close as the cat and I. But this is not the problem anyway. The
problem is the cats' anxiety which really seems extreme to us.


--
____
Rolf


"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Ok picture this you moved the furball STRESS BIG TIME

They are indoor cats now allowed to go outdoors which they have never
done before STRESS also IMO can be dangerous but not here to start that
debate again :-)

She was skittish to begin with now new environment, NEW STRESS.

STRESS can kill humans think about what it can do to a child let alone a
cat. Cats are resilient in adapting but stress is one factor that changes
individuals in different ways. Some people can't handle it same with
cats

3 weeks is nothing to worry about. They are not people but sure act
like them. It may take years for her to calm back down not saying it
will. But think about it from a shy child perspective it may take a
while to come back out of its shell

There are several remedies you can do Feliway other anxiety medications
that a vet can prescribe if it comes to that. IMO a lot of love and
attention with quiet areas and on the furballs terms will help out
immensely. Keep the furball inside for the time being no more stress
factors should be added. When and if she is ready to go out she will let
you know. You might be even able to bond with her more if you do it right
and take your time



"McEve" wrote in message
...
Hi all.

The life story of our cat is relevant regarding what's happening to her
now, so I'll start at the beginning.

We got her from an SPCA organization (not spca but similar) at the age of
12 weeks. The most adorable kitten, still especially beautiful, but she
showed behaviour problems from the word go.

The first three days we had she had her face firmly pressed up against a
corner in our bedroom. She didn't show any signs of her recognizing our
attempts of getting in touch with her. After three days she started
looking around, and immediately fell for my husband. She managed to get
up in our bed and lay there licking his forehead all night. No need to
mention he was pretty sore in his forehead, but allowed her to do it as
she was so scared, and it seemed to comfort her.

stay with me.

After this intitial week she was more and more outgoing, playing with me,
but always seeking comfort and petting from my husband. We assumed that
whatever happened to her before we got her was done to her by a female,
as she never cuddled with me, and if we got a female vistor she would be
gone, as compared to when we got a male visitor she always came out after
a while to say hello.

Three years went by, she was always skittish. if we came into the same
room as where she was we always had to get down and say hello, letting
her come to us, before proceeding into the room, or she would run
panicked. We were always considering her needs and reactions before doing
anything really, as we felt so sad scaring her.

I know it's long post, but please be patient

She was fine really. She loved my husband and son, especially after he
went through the from child to adult voice. They both would hold their
hands up in knee height, and she would jump up to get stroked by the
hand, litterally stroking herself against the hand. She was happy, as
long as we were careful with what we exposed her to. Me - she accepted,
but never got attached to.

Now, please stay with me, a month ago we bought a cottage out in the
country side. Our other cat took to the new enviroment like he's never
done anything else, exploring and enjoying the nature (they both had been
inndoor cats in the city earlier). But poor Susie...... she was just
petrified. She would hide under a blanket, with her nose firmly lodged
into a corner in the bedroom. Like we were back to stage one when she was
a kitten.

Nothing we could do seem to get through to her, any comfort seemed like
an intrusion, she was just litterally stiff with fear. After three days
we took her back to the apartment as we couldn't stand seeing her like
that.

Now almost three weeks later she hasn't improved. She's hiding in one of
the bedrooms, occationally coming out for food and potty, occationally
coming out to cuddle with my husband, as she always used to do, but now
only for short periods of time before going back to her hiding place.

She's still petrified!

Anyone seen this kind of behaviour before? I know there's nothing the
people in her enviroment is doing or has been doing (except from taking
her out to the cabin) that should make her this scared. And even an
experience like this shouldn't have made her so terribly scared....
Lasting for 3 weeks in her home of 3 years! She's still not back to
normal after three weeks.

Anyone known anything similar? Anybody know what might be wrong? Anyone
know what we can do to help her?

Much appreciated for any feedback.

Matthew,
I am with you for the most part, but you don't find the obsessive behaviors
such as face pressed in a corner and licking foreheads all night and strong
distaste for female voices to be excessive... beyond a normal fraidy cat?
When I read the story, I truly heard a lot of evidence that this cat has a
bigger issue than just being skittish.

I agree, it is not unusual for a few weeks to pass to recover from fear. I
had one many years ago that is only now finally returning somewhat to
"normal", but I think the circumstances here don't warrant such an extreme
reaction. This cat was not locked away from his daddy at any time in this
new place, for one thing.

With my cat, I had a 2 year old that had been born in a loud house in the
country with small children and lots of people traffic, so he was not afraid
of sudden movement or strangers. My place at the time was a 3rd floor
apartment in the city. He was allowed on the balcony, but other than that
was strictly kept under lock and key. I left for a period and hired a
housesitter, who somehow managed to lose the cat. He was lost in the city
for two weeks. When I finally found him, he dashed to run away as soon as
he saw my figure, until I said his name (something finally familiar to him)
and he stopped dead in his tracks and turned back to me. You could see
"Thank Heaven" written all across his face. I took him upstairs to his
familiar home, and he was generally skittish for a few days, but soon
started acting like his old self in the apartment and with me or people he
knew. It has taken years for him to start trusting strangers again, so I
totally agree they can hold these things close for a long time. However, in
my case and I would think in most cases, their unsettled behavior is more
logical based on the circumstances. My cat developed a long term fear of
things moving fast at him and of strange people, and he held onto it. But
he quickly adjusted back to being comfortable with his own home and family.

McEve's story does not sound logical or normal to me. It sounds extreme,
especially considered that the story began with a kitten. Yes, a normal
routine will eventually help the cat come around, but I would definitely not
blow it off as a normal reaction to stress.

I am not trying to go against you, by any means, I am simply asking you to
re-evaluate for a sec and tell me if you still think this is normal. And in
the process, keep the conversation open to everyone looking at different
viewpoints because I am quite interested in this one!!





"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Ok picture this you moved the furball STRESS BIG TIME

They are indoor cats now allowed to go outdoors which they have never
done before STRESS also IMO can be dangerous but not here to start that
debate again :-)

She was skittish to begin with now new environment, NEW STRESS.

STRESS can kill humans think about what it can do to a child let alone a
cat. Cats are resilient in adapting but stress is one factor that changes
individuals in different ways. Some people can't handle it same with
cats

3 weeks is nothing to worry about. They are not people but sure act
like them. It may take years for her to calm back down not saying it
will. But think about it from a shy child perspective it may take a
while to come back out of its shell

There are several remedies you can do Feliway other anxiety medications
that a vet can prescribe if it comes to that. IMO a lot of love and
attention with quiet areas and on the furballs terms will help out
immensely. Keep the furball inside for the time being no more stress
factors should be added. When and if she is ready to go out she will let
you know. You might be even able to bond with her more if you do it right
and take your time



"McEve" wrote in message
...
Hi all.

The life story of our cat is relevant regarding what's happening to her
now, so I'll start at the beginning.

We got her from an SPCA organization (not spca but similar) at the age of
12 weeks. The most adorable kitten, still especially beautiful, but she
showed behaviour problems from the word go.

The first three days we had she had her face firmly pressed up against a
corner in our bedroom. She didn't show any signs of her recognizing our
attempts of getting in touch with her. After three days she started
looking around, and immediately fell for my husband. She managed to get
up in our bed and lay there licking his forehead all night. No need to
mention he was pretty sore in his forehead, but allowed her to do it as
she was so scared, and it seemed to comfort her.

stay with me.

After this intitial week she was more and more outgoing, playing with me,
but always seeking comfort and petting from my husband. We assumed that
whatever happened to her before we got her was done to her by a female,
as she never cuddled with me, and if we got a female vistor she would be
gone, as compared to when we got a male visitor she always came out after
a while to say hello.

Three years went by, she was always skittish. if we came into the same
room as where she was we always had to get down and say hello, letting
her come to us, before proceeding into the room, or she would run
panicked. We were always considering her needs and reactions before doing
anything really, as we felt so sad scaring her.

I know it's long post, but please be patient

She was fine really. She loved my husband and son, especially after he
went through the from child to adult voice. They both would hold their
hands up in knee height, and she would jump up to get stroked by the
hand, litterally stroking herself against the hand. She was happy, as
long as we were careful with what we exposed her to. Me - she accepted,
but never got attached to.

Now, please stay with me, a month ago we bought a cottage out in the
country side. Our other cat took to the new enviroment like he's never
done anything else, exploring and enjoying the nature (they both had been
inndoor cats in the city earlier). But poor Susie...... she was just
petrified. She would hide under a blanket, with her nose firmly lodged
into a corner in the bedroom. Like we were back to stage one when she was
a kitten.

Nothing we could do seem to get through to her, any comfort seemed like
an intrusion, she was just litterally stiff with fear. After three days
we took her back to the apartment as we couldn't stand seeing her like
that.

Now almost three weeks later she hasn't improved. She's hiding in one of
the bedrooms, occationally coming out for food and potty, occationally
coming out to cuddle with my husband, as she always used to do, but now
only for short periods of time before going back to her hiding place.

She's still petrified!

Anyone seen this kind of behaviour before? I know there's nothing the
people in her enviroment is doing or has been doing (except from taking
her out to the cabin) that should make her this scared. And even an
experience like this shouldn't have made her so terribly scared....
Lasting for 3 weeks in her home of 3 years! She's still not back to
normal after three weeks.

Anyone known anything similar? Anybody know what might be wrong? Anyone
know what we can do to help her?

Much appreciated for any feedback.

Oh, not from the states, what country?

Before I say what I am going to say I should qualify it with announcing that
I DO NOT believe in throwing drugs at cats every time they twitch....

however...

Are you aware that there are antidepressants/antianxiety medications
available if it is established that there is a medical need for them?
Prescription only, as it should be.




"McEve" wrote in message
...

"Andrea" wrote in message
ink.net...
Oh my word, what a story.

I am a vet student and VERY interested in this case. I cannot, however,
say that I am of any help at this point in my career. I do hope some of
the other members have some insights that might help, but in the meantime
I would like to suggest that you contact a vet school with this. What
state are you in? With such a highly unusual case, I would suggest that
your best bet is the "center" for unusual cases... the vet school! And
if they don't have a specialist that is appropriate to your case, then at
the very least they are likely the best possible referral service that
you will find.

Come on gang, there must be someone out there that has encoutered
something this extreme? I have seen some seriously scared cats, but the
pressed face in the corner for 3 days, licking forehead, and not
recovering after 3 weeks are extreme.

If you do decide to enlist the help of a behavior specialist beyond just
a phone call, please be prepared with video footage of the cat's
behavior. This is often critical, because there is no other way for them
to see precisely what you are talking about. Verbalizing is good, video
is better. And clearly you won't be taking this kitty into the clinic.
Speaking of which, has this cat ever been to a vet other than what the
shelter did before you got her?


Yes she has been to the vet, and gone into shock for a couple of days
after, but nowhere near this extreme. She's had all her shots, and she's
spayed - she even handled the collar (big white lamp hade thing) to
prevent her from reching the stiches fairly well. Here's a picture of the
little sweetheart, we love her so much http://public.qtopia.no/snus.jpg

We have been talking about getting in touch with the veterinary high
school to see if somebody has any offer to give, but I'm not sure they
have a behaviourial specialst there. We're not as advanced in pet care
here as you are in US.

My husband was just on the floor, enticing her out of the bedroom, she
flinched when she saw me, but settled when I pussed her, allowing my
husband to spend a bit more time with her, reassuring. Now she's back in
the bedroom again. The fact that the other cat that she grew up together
with her is here doesn't make a difference.

She won't be staying permanently at the cabin, and she's left at home
together with my husband now, when me and the other cat when we go. But I
would love for her to be out with Thomas (other cat) and enjoy the fresh
air.

Åresent: She's out from the bedroom again. As I already told you I'm the
one she accepts and not love, but she's also extremely sensitive to
sounds, so maybe the fact that this horrible woman is here talking after
all is a normalization of the situation....? Me and thomas has been at the
cabin for two weeks.

Oh, I see that you have done some breeding so I'll just answer my own
post... of course you know!


"Andrea" wrote in message
nk.net...
Oh, not from the states, what country?

Before I say what I am going to say I should qualify it with announcing
that I DO NOT believe in throwing drugs at cats every time they twitch....

however...

Are you aware that there are antidepressants/antianxiety medications
available if it is established that there is a medical need for them?
Prescription only, as it should be.




"McEve" wrote in message
...

"Andrea" wrote in message
ink.net...
Oh my word, what a story.

I am a vet student and VERY interested in this case. I cannot, however,
say that I am of any help at this point in my career. I do hope some of
the other members have some insights that might help, but in the
meantime I would like to suggest that you contact a vet school with
this. What state are you in? With such a highly unusual case, I would
suggest that your best bet is the "center" for unusual cases... the vet
school! And if they don't have a specialist that is appropriate to your
case, then at the very least they are likely the best possible referral
service that you will find.

Come on gang, there must be someone out there that has encoutered
something this extreme? I have seen some seriously scared cats, but the
pressed face in the corner for 3 days, licking forehead, and not
recovering after 3 weeks are extreme.

If you do decide to enlist the help of a behavior specialist beyond just
a phone call, please be prepared with video footage of the cat's
behavior. This is often critical, because there is no other way for them
to see precisely what you are talking about. Verbalizing is good, video
is better. And clearly you won't be taking this kitty into the clinic.
Speaking of which, has this cat ever been to a vet other than what the
shelter did before you got her?


Yes she has been to the vet, and gone into shock for a couple of days
after, but nowhere near this extreme. She's had all her shots, and she's
spayed - she even handled the collar (big white lamp hade thing) to
prevent her from reching the stiches fairly well. Here's a picture of the
little sweetheart, we love her so much http://public.qtopia.no/snus.jpg

We have been talking about getting in touch with the veterinary high
school to see if somebody has any offer to give, but I'm not sure they
have a behaviourial specialst there. We're not as advanced in pet care
here as you are in US.

My husband was just on the floor, enticing her out of the bedroom, she
flinched when she saw me, but settled when I pussed her, allowing my
husband to spend a bit more time with her, reassuring. Now she's back in
the bedroom again. The fact that the other cat that she grew up together
with her is here doesn't make a difference.

She won't be staying permanently at the cabin, and she's left at home
together with my husband now, when me and the other cat when we go. But I
would love for her to be out with Thomas (other cat) and enjoy the fresh
air.

Åresent: She's out from the bedroom again. As I already told you I'm the
one she accepts and not love, but she's also extremely sensitive to
sounds, so maybe the fact that this horrible woman is here talking after
all is a normalization of the situation....? Me and thomas has been at
the cabin for two weeks.

The reason I was calm about the reply in that last 30 years in the shelters,
doing volunteer work and rescue. I have come across so much that nothing
surprises me. There is more to the picture than being told. Nothing
against the poster or anyone but NO ONE can get the whole picture unless
we are there. They can give us all the information in the world but
something is always missed.

The skittish part is I have had cat so skittish that if any one other than
the DW came near she would hid for weeks doing the same thing. One would
not even come out for anyone. Nothing surprises me. I have had
behaviorist and the vets do their thing sometimes they can help sometimes
they can't

3 weeks with on going stress in the environment ( which I am guessing at
but assuming from the post ) is not extreme but just reoccurrence. You got
to treat it like shell shock. She was a pampered furball that got thrown
into the frying pan sort to say. She is still eating, She is still coming
to the husband to be loved. She is still using the bathroom. She is
staying in her safe place. It will take time. I would be worried if
she was none of the above

Cats can pick up on human's stress and the wife may be inadvertently in her
worry over the furballs might be being picked up by the furball making it
worse IMO.

Yes it does sound extreme. I know you are a vet tech but have you ever
worked an abused animals or an animal from a collectors home. the cats can
be the same way find a nice place to hide, come out when they want to,
eat and do their thing for quite a while. I have seen it last for months
even heard of it taking years.


More Below

"Andrea" wrote in message
ink.net...
Matthew,
I am with you for the most part, but you don't find the obsessive
behaviors such as face pressed in a corner and licking foreheads all night
and strong distaste for female voices to be excessive... beyond a normal
fraidy cat? When I read the story, I truly heard a lot of evidence that
this cat has a bigger issue than just being skittish.

Yes there is more going on. I agree on that

I agree, it is not unusual for a few weeks to pass to recover from fear.
I had one many years ago that is only now finally returning somewhat to
"normal", but I think the circumstances here don't warrant such an extreme
reaction. This cat was not locked away from his daddy at any time in this
new place, for one thing.

With my cat, I had a 2 year old that had been born in a loud house in the
country with small children and lots of people traffic, so he was not
afraid of sudden movement or strangers. My place at the time was a 3rd
floor apartment in the city. He was allowed on the balcony, but other
than that was strictly kept under lock and key. I left for a period and
hired a housesitter, who somehow managed to lose the cat. He was lost in
the city for two weeks. When I finally found him, he dashed to run away
as soon as he saw my figure, until I said his name (something finally
familiar to him) and he stopped dead in his tracks and turned back to me.
You could see "Thank Heaven" written all across his face. I took him
upstairs to his familiar home, and he was generally skittish for a few
days, but soon started acting like his old self in the apartment and with
me or people he knew. It has taken years for him to start trusting
strangers again, so I totally agree they can hold these things close for a
long time. However, in my case and I would think in most cases, their
unsettled behavior is more logical based on the circumstances. My cat
developed a long term fear of things moving fast at him and of strange
people, and he held onto it. But he quickly adjusted back to being
comfortable with his own home and family.

McEve's story does not sound logical or normal to me. It sounds extreme,
especially considered that the story began with a kitten. Yes, a normal
routine will eventually help the cat come around, but I would definitely
not blow it off as a normal reaction to stress.

Didn't mean to seem like to blow it off as a simple response but sometimes
the simplest answer is the correct one. IMO a lot of TLC is needed and a
lot of PATIENCE. And also a vet visit should be appropriate at least when
in doubt VET time always.

A vet and or a behaviorist would be the second step and or a definite must.
A few home remedies might help the situation first like Feliway find away
to keep stress away from the household. But if the simple steps don't work
I have a feeling medication will be required. I just hate to see that done
unless absolutley necessary. - there is a story behind that with my Rumble

But IMO there more going on like I said before but we have to see the
situation to really judge it. That is the bad part of words unless there
is emotion behind them they are just a guideline.


I am not trying to go against you, by any means, I am simply asking you to
re-evaluate for a sec and tell me if you still think this is normal. And
in the process, keep the conversation open to everyone looking at
different viewpoints because I am quite interested in this one!!


No problem I do my best not to jump the gun. I am old enough that I can
tell a personal attack. Please never hold back. If I am wrong I will say I
was wrong. I learned my lesson years ago it was called marriage ;-)



"Matthew" wrote in message
...
Ok picture this you moved the furball STRESS BIG TIME

They are indoor cats now allowed to go outdoors which they have never
done before STRESS also IMO can be dangerous but not here to start that
debate again :-)

She was skittish to begin with now new environment, NEW STRESS.

STRESS can kill humans think about what it can do to a child let alone a
cat. Cats are resilient in adapting but stress is one factor that
changes individuals in different ways. Some people can't handle it same
with cats

3 weeks is nothing to worry about. They are not people but sure act
like them. It may take years for her to calm back down not saying it
will. But think about it from a shy child perspective it may take a
while to come back out of its shell

There are several remedies you can do Feliway other anxiety medications
that a vet can prescribe if it comes to that. IMO a lot of love and
attention with quiet areas and on the furballs terms will help out
immensely. Keep the furball inside for the time being no more stress
factors should be added. When and if she is ready to go out she will let
you know. You might be even able to bond with her more if you do it
right and take your time



"McEve" wrote in message
...
Hi all.

The life story of our cat is relevant regarding what's happening to her
now, so I'll start at the beginning.

We got her from an SPCA organization (not spca but similar) at the age
of 12 weeks. The most adorable kitten, still especially beautiful, but
she showed behaviour problems from the word go.

The first three days we had she had her face firmly pressed up against a
corner in our bedroom. She didn't show any signs of her recognizing our
attempts of getting in touch with her. After three days she started
looking around, and immediately fell for my husband. She managed to get
up in our bed and lay there licking his forehead all night. No need to
mention he was pretty sore in his forehead, but allowed her to do it as
she was so scared, and it seemed to comfort her.

stay with me.

After this intitial week she was more and more outgoing, playing with
me, but always seeking comfort and petting from my husband. We assumed
that whatever happened to her before we got her was done to her by a
female, as she never cuddled with me, and if we got a female vistor she
would be gone, as compared to when we got a male visitor she always came
out after a while to say hello.

Three years went by, she was always skittish. if we came into the same
room as where she was we always had to get down and say hello, letting
her come to us, before proceeding into the room, or she would run
panicked. We were always considering her needs and reactions before
doing anything really, as we felt so sad scaring her.

I know it's long post, but please be patient

She was fine really. She loved my husband and son, especially after he
went through the from child to adult voice. They both would hold their
hands up in knee height, and she would jump up to get stroked by the
hand, litterally stroking herself against the hand. She was happy, as
long as we were careful with what we exposed her to. Me - she accepted,
but never got attached to.

Now, please stay with me, a month ago we bought a cottage out in the
country side. Our other cat took to the new enviroment like he's never
done anything else, exploring and enjoying the nature (they both had
been inndoor cats in the city earlier). But poor Susie...... she was
just petrified. She would hide under a blanket, with her nose firmly
lodged into a corner in the bedroom. Like we were back to stage one when
she was a kitten.

Nothing we could do seem to get through to her, any comfort seemed like
an intrusion, she was just litterally stiff with fear. After three days
we took her back to the apartment as we couldn't stand seeing her like
that.

Now almost three weeks later she hasn't improved. She's hiding in one of
the bedrooms, occationally coming out for food and potty, occationally
coming out to cuddle with my husband, as she always used to do, but now
only for short periods of time before going back to her hiding place.

She's still petrified!

Anyone seen this kind of behaviour before? I know there's nothing the
people in her enviroment is doing or has been doing (except from taking
her out to the cabin) that should make her this scared. And even an
experience like this shouldn't have made her so terribly scared....
Lasting for 3 weeks in her home of 3 years! She's still not back to
normal after three weeks.

Anyone known anything similar? Anybody know what might be wrong? Anyone
know what we can do to help her?

Much appreciated for any feedback.

I don't believe in that wither. But ... you can come and try to administer
drugs to her if you want to I'll call 911 while you're at it She has
never accepted being held, daddy can carry her if he supports all for paws
and only for short periods. When something unpleasant will have to be done
I'm the one who has to have done it. Logic behind it is not to ruin the
trust and love she has towards my husband and son, me - I'm the scary lady
anyway. I still have holes in my arms after her canine teeth from when we
had to give her a bath. And she doesn't just bite or scratch like a normal
cat, she hangs onto you, digging the teeth or claws for all they're worth
into you.... again - total panic.

You're right, she was never away from her daddy when we were at the cabin,
but neither of us could "reach" her - she was too scared. I've never tried
to but in on her relationship with daddy either, as it was obious from the
word go that she was in need of extra gentle care.

One person recommended this product
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...1&N=2002&Nty=1

but I can't see how they possibly could have produced a generic friendly
smell? All cats have their own, or so I always believed...

The story you told about your cat illustrates how important sound is
compared to sight, and everything Susie (the cat) has done/her reactions,
points to voices being the important thing. I experiementet with making my
voice very deep when she was a kitten, and it worked! She responded with
happiness. It doesn't work now though

I still love her dearly, and really feel a great deal of empathy towards how
scared she is. I just don't percieve it as normal or the result of a
traumatic experience in childhood anymore. It's too extreme. I think she's
got some kind of medical condition....?




"Andrea" wrote in message
nk.net...
Oh, I see that you have done some breeding so I'll just answer my own
post... of course you know!