I Have More Trust Issues Than This Feral..

Buffster7

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My boy does the one that you got in the video, low on his back now and then.
Well okay then, hopefully I'm just overreacting and overthinking his weirdness! The accompanying grooming and aggression make me question. Hopefully my vet will have some insight on Tuesday, and hopefully it turns out to be just stress!
 

pearl99

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Interesting. I've never known about the back rippling thing before. I can't remember how long it's been going on. I just haven't ever thought a thing of it. I saw Finn's skin do that when he was living outdoors the first few times I touched him, so I thought it was just a cat thing, didn't know it wasn't 'normal'.
Well, think it is normal, as a sign of some anxiety- like hissing is a signal to "stay back, I'm not comfortable." It's also a sign of FHS. So, normal in one way not in another :sigh:
 
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mentat

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... I have to say, him in the hallway looks like my boy when he's being a nutty goofball, --and sometimes including some amazing sounds. I'm not arguing :), just that the two cats acted the same, although Poppycat often includes his tail when he's having crazies. He doesn't necessarily puff it but he lifts it in this silly looking cockeyed curve...

Whichever the situation, I'm so sorry Charlie's having this attitudinal "thing" going on!
Not to say that is what it is, but his behavior towards Finn, combined with is grooming, pulling at his hair while licking, turning towards a dorsal or limb area fast as if "hey, what bit me?! what's there? Who's that" and the ghosting combined. But, heck yes, my younger cats (less than my FHS 12ish yo) fly up into the air and sprint and bo-ing all over, Furballsmom Furballsmom ! Right there with ya! As usual, chill and funny ;]
 

Buffster7

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Today things are back to normal. I eliminated Zylkene from Charlie's diet but kept it for Finn, as I feel it has really taken the edge off of Finn's responses. Charlie was a holy terror to him yesterday, and Finn kept himself in check unlike the way he usually would respond. Charlie's skin isn't rippling and he's not having the weird behavior.

This afternoon Charlie joined me for a nap. Finn came to join he settled by Charlie but soon started poking the bear, intentionally, just like a pesky little brother. He would put his foot out and tap Charlie. Then inch closer and push him with paw again. I started the vid - it's cute. With this quarantine I'm not even bothering to make my bed since I'm being so lazy so often, so the duvet is still thrust in the corner and I doubt it's going to move this week. Excuse my mess. ;) Anyway, after all my fretting yesterday, just wanted to give a better report:

And then the little bugger realizes he's about to bite off more than he can chew, and he skedaddles.

Not to say that is what it is, but his behavior towards Finn, combined with is grooming, pulling at his hair while licking, turning towards a dorsal or limb area fast as if "hey, what bit me?! what's there? Who's that" and the ghosting combined.
Yes, it's the combination of all that prompted my calling the vet. The behavior was even more concerning to me than finding a lump. His over-grooming was so evident yesterday, and absent today. The transient symptoms - I don't know whether to take heart, or if that's part of it. Hoping the vet will have input on Tuesday. Will also be asking him to check for skin mites. *shudder*

As always, thank you all for your invaluable input. I love this site!
 

Buffster7

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I don't know anything about zylkene, would eliminating it have this fast a "result"? Wow, nonetheless, I'm glad!
No, not at all. I'm just eliminating any "extras" and started with the most recent addition. I think I'll keep his CBD oil at reduced dosage, but eliminate the Zylkene and Comfort Max and any seafood from his diet. The Zylkene is just a peptide that binds to receptors in the brain which has a calming effect. I think it's a bovine or milk derivative, can't recall. I feel good about it, but I'm going to eliminate things one by one.

Edit to add: If this is FHS, I did read that cats can behave completely normally between episodes, so this wouldn't be unusual to have the bizarre behavior followed by normal behavior.
I also want to explore other possible causes or contributors. Could a food allergy cause the dermatitis? Could mites be irritating him? Could his liver be overloaded with the CBD, Comfort Max, and Zylkene? (I don't do them all at the same time, but I do alternate.)
Is it a psychological response, or is it physical? I sure wish I knew. Just super thankful for a good day today!
 
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Buffster7

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Day two of normalcy! Today the only supplement I've added to Charlie's food is CBD oil this morning, and no seafood.
I thought we would have problems when I changed the blankets I have covering their chairs, And Finn decided he liked Charlie's blanket better. I kept picking him up and putting him back in his own chair, but he won't be deterred. Last night Charlie got really ticked off at him and jumped up to try to make him move, he refused, so Charlie really started lunging and biting him. Finn would yelp but not move. Ears back on both of them, eyes dilated, neither backing down, so finally I got up and sing-song-voiced them to come to me and left the room - they followed. Since then it's been fine!

Today Finn is back to wanting the chair. Earlier Charlie had the top/back of the chair, And Finn settled on the seat part. I went to take a nap; when I woke up, Charlie was in the seat part And Finn had been booted. I saw no fur clumps anywhere, and both seemed just fine. They've been doing so well that I ran to the grocery store and left them out together. I just saw this happen. Finn took a flying leap from his windowsill to the back of Charlie's chair, which Charlie was sitting in (about a 5-foot leap). He landed right behind Charlie. Charlie didn't flinch. He settled down below Charlie, and Charlie allowed it! What the heck is going on in this house? These cats just toying with my emotions..:p


CharlieFinn.jpg
 

Buffster7

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Today is Charlie's vet appointment. They have actually been doing so well. Finn has been determined to remain in Charlie's chair and won't be deterred. There have been some stand-offs and Charlie has tried to get him out of it, but Finn is standing his ground. And yet, he will share the chair if Charlie gets up. I went to take a shower and came out to get things ready for the vet....and I find this!!! Never have I ever seen this level of comfort between them!
villains.jpg


It just KILLS me to break up this little party for the VET of all things! I hope they don't think I'm punishing them for this. Be still my heart.
Chillin.jpg
 

Buffster7

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Lordy, timing...

Anyway, can you take both cats to try and have them smell the same?
I know...timing!! Yes, I have them both loaded up in the car and am waiting in parking lot for vet. Have been waiting for 30 minutes out here while they pick up and drop off animals at cars. They must be backed up. Makes me so nervous to send Charlie in there without me as he has a Cat in the Bag carrier - soft and his head sticks out. A dog could go for him and injure him if left unattended. I’m such a worry wart. Ugh. I need to get him a different carrier.
Good luck at the vet. Hopefully the brotherly bond will become stronger after the vet visit. :catrub:
That’s what I’m praying! 🙏🏼
 

Buffster7

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Considering leaving. Still waiting. It’s been 40 minutes. This feels like it’s going to be a stressful, long event for the boys. Should I leave or stick it out? Torn.
 
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