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How can I help my cat?
I've had a cat for about a year and a half now. She is a very small cat, she weighs about 4 1/2 lbs. I don't know anything about her life from before I got her because I got her from the pound, but she's obviously the runt of her litter, and I suspect she may have been abused when she was a kitten. She's come a long way since I got her, but she is still having anxiety problems, which seem to be getting worse to me. Sometimes, she starts yowling and running around in a panic with no apparent reason, and refuses my efforts to console her. Today, when I tried to comfort her, I felt her heart beating a million miles a minute. I know I can't do anything about what happened to her before her life with me, but I want to help her have the best life she can. Is there anything specific I can do to help her? I have another cat who is emotionally stable, and they get along just fine. Actually, he's been very helpful to her recovery so far.
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Member 938894
on Jan 16th 2010
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in Fears & Phobias
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Has a vet checked her heart? Smaller cats usually will have a health issue or two due to this.
Try this site, www.feliway.com moms recuse friends swear by it. I would get it at a local store so in case it does not work you can return it with receipt.
Just be patient, try and make sure the kitty has a safe place. I have my dome kitty house. Mom also has a cat tree for me if I feel threatened I go hide on it. Also mom gives me space and this often is enough to make me calm. She doesn't push me to come get love or hang out. I just come when I want. She also is good to make sure I have lots of attention.
Char Char
answered on 1/16/10.
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It may also be worth consulting an animal behaviouralist who is experienced with cats. They can help you figure out what is triggering her anxiety and possible ways to help it either by avoiding the trigger or working with her to get over her anxiety.
The Feliway the other poster suggested is good for anxiety and I'd also recommend it.
One additional thing you could try is to find a holistic vet trained in acupuncture. You may also be able to find non vets who are trained in animal acupuncture or acupressure. There are specific points they can use that help to let go of bad memories. The acupuncture is generally relaxing too and may help. If you check out Minxy's page you can see some pics of her on my dining room table getting acupuncture for her kidneys/arthritis and she always used to feel great after the sessions and really relaxed.
Minxy (1987-2008)
answered on 1/16/10.
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