Sweet cat with redirected aggression, please help: euthanasia may be the only option.

tarasgirl06

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The way it’s been described to me is a very severe case of redirected aggression, due to being overstimulated by a stimuli that they either can’t get to (seeing outside cats, DEFINITELY one of her triggers) or the nervous system having an overreaction due to general anxiety and instead of hiding to going on defense, the cat goes on offense. It could very well be what you’re saying though. But wouldn’t there be some kind of sign of a seizure, even if it’s very subtle and small? I’ll have to google it as well and read up on cat seizures. But last night for example, her behavior when it happens reminds me of those hunting dogs that point and go on high alert, and then head for the source. She stands to attention and actively seeks out what she thinks is the threat and then will attack anything that’s alive near her, even if it’s not the threat
That's what my Elvis does with Baby Su. She doesn't run, he doesn't chase her, but any flight type movement from her and he's off like a shot, absolutely ignoring my interventions.
 

FeebysOwner

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The way it’s been described to me is a very severe case of redirected aggression, due to being overstimulated by a stimuli that they either can’t get to (seeing outside cats, DEFINITELY one of her triggers) or the nervous system having an overreaction due to general anxiety and instead of hiding to going on defense, the cat goes on offense.
That is why I suggested to talk with a vet about consulting with a vet university - as they could be studying up on rage syndrome in cats. Such a phenomena exists in dogs, so why not cats as well? One of the possibilities of rage syndrome in dogs is seizures.

Edit: While data suggests there is no discernible triggers for rage syndrome in dogs, it could still be similar to your case with CC, as it seems nearly everything/anything sets her off. But, they do denote behavioral changes leading up to and following a rage syndrome incident.
 
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Gremlin's Guesthouse

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Sorry for the double reply. She HATES, absolutely hates, being confined (as I’m sure most cats do, but whereas Tuck and Lo get annoyed, it affects her worse than them) so I’ve never wanted to do that since the room is so small (damage aside, which I was really worried about and am still nervous about). When I would keep her in there for a short time and let her out, I could tell she was distraught. But I’m honestly past what she likes and doesn’t like, lol, as long as it’s comfortable and she has everything she needs, with a little window access
Yes, at this point I'd feel a bit less accommodating as well. I wouldn't exactly call a whole room to herself as being confined, but I get what you're saying. Again, because she is the aggressor, I think the comfort and safety of her targets should come first. This reminds me of something a friend used to tell me when I was complaining: "guess it sucks to be you"! (meaning CC) :p Take a look at the YouTube videos for seizing cats. Sometimes a seizure is as subtle as a momentary blank stare, other times it's going in circles, sometimes it's biting. This is why the vets warn you about handling a seizing cat. The cat has no idea what it's doing.
 

Gremlin's Guesthouse

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So, you now have several things to look into:

Catios - web search
Cat Seizures - web/YouTube search
Ask your vet about consultation with Vet School such as Cornell or UC Davis (has your vet seen your wounds?)
Maybe do blood work for parasites that could cause seizure, i.e., toxoplasmosis?
Start keeping a diary of the incidents and pictures of the wounds (yours and other cats)
Contact Jackson Galaxy (highly recommended)
Separate CC from other cats

Good luck, and let us know what happens.
 
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catluvs

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I thought I suggested this although I might have been thinking about another thread, but anyway, it's definitely what I envisioned.
I’m pretty sure you did. Now that I’m past caring about damage (well, I do care, but I feel past the point of stopping it) I feel as though I can do it. The room is barely large enough for a full bed but I’m hoping she gets used to it. It is hard hearing her scratch, dig and destroy, meow like crazy, but it’s even harder almost losing an eye. So at this point I’m like, she can just deal with it. I just hope it doesn’t increase her aggression for the worst but, I think you’re right
 

sweetblackpaws

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You'll just have to see how she does in her own room. I'm sure she will protest, to say the least. But for now, assuming you want to keep her, I don't see a choice. There is nothing wrong with this, assuming she has everything she needs and the temp is comfortable. And for the love of God, stop letting her near your face! :frustrated:

I also would stop speaking to the landlord about this situation, cat enclosures, etc. Unless he comes into your rental, there just is no need. I'm not saying drill holes and knock down walls, but just keep CC's situation under wraps as best you can. Unless you are going to be using a drill or building an actual structure out back, there just is no need to raise flags. Not everyone shares our love of cats.

I still think CC will need meds, probably for the rest of her life. If you can't get meds into her, there is no need getting all this bloodwork, etc. You must find a way to get meds into her. :kitty:
 

sweetblackpaws

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"I feel like it’s all my fault, and when the guilt is almost too much, I have to remind myself that Tuck and Lo aren’t this way. I’m really distraught right now and just trying to take one minute at a time ..."

No, no no.....this is not your fault anymore than a cat getting cancer could be your fault. You have done nothing but love her and try to find solutions. You are a wonderful cat mom to all of them! :grouphug2:
 

ladytimedramon

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Jackson Galaxy has a Discord group that he checks. He also does a weekly talk on Twitch on Saturday. He also has a facebook. I think if you reach out to him through one of these methods he will try to get in contact with you.
 
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catluvs

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"I feel like it’s all my fault, and when the guilt is almost too much, I have to remind myself that Tuck and Lo aren’t this way. I’m really distraught right now and just trying to take one minute at a time ..."

No, no no.....this is not your fault anymore than a cat getting cancer could be your fault. You have done nothing but love her and try to find solutions. You are a wonderful cat mom to all of them! :grouphug2:
Thank you for saying that. And thank you guys for all your replies and suggestions, I usually say that but I don’t think I have because my mind has been all over the place. I really appreciate everyone
 

pearl99

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I think being confined is much better than the wounds, attacks, and hell for the other cats. Like you say she will just have to live with it for now, it is in her best interest. I don't know, if the bedroom is really small is there some way to have a catio like thing containing her to decrease damage to the room? Like almost as big as the room? And you could enter without fear of an ambush. But maybe that's nuts and too expensive. :headscratch:
Jackson Galaxy sounds GREAT! If they respond could be a great resource.
You and your other cats and CC need something else to happen now. Isolation is not being cruel.
 

Gremlin's Guesthouse

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Jackson Galaxy has a Discord group that he checks. He also does a weekly talk on Twitch on Saturday. He also has a facebook. I think if you reach out to him through one of these methods he will try to get in contact with you.
And be sure to attach wound pics!!
 

Gremlin's Guesthouse

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Here are a couple of new ideas: I did mention the Nurturecalm pheromone collar, which I think is a real winner. Whether you can get it on her, though, is another story. While I haven't found Feliway to be all that great, it is an alternative that might be helpful. Plug in a couple Feliway diffusers in her room.

For damage control, an item I found extremely useful is a product called ssscat, made by Innotek (Radio Systems Corp., www.innotek.net, Knoxville TN). It is canned air with a motion sensor top that snaps on. I used it to keep the cats from spraying on the front door (because they could smell outside cats). You set the can in front of whatever you want to protect and when the cap senses motion, it sets off a burst of air. Totally safe, odorless, causes no injury, and they will stay away from the protected area. If you are dealing with a behavior issue, maybe it's time for CC to get a little gentle push back. :wink:

If memory serves (which it usually doesn't), I believe the approximate costs for these items would be:

Nurturecalm collar - about $14 from Chewy
Feliway - around $20 from Chewy
ssscat - about $20 for the cap, and maybe $13 for the cans, not sure where to buy any longer and I was receiving a rescue discount from our local farm supply store.

I'm still leaning toward some kind of neurological issue, but that's just my guess.

I like the suggestion about a containment system right inside the room, and think the PVC plan would be a good choice for that. It goes together kind of like Tinker Toys. You just need to measure and cut the straight pieces.
 

Mer.kitten

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Everything youre saying is SO familiar to me. I cant remember exactly, but i think shortly before the first attack by my old cat Simon, my then-bf had petted a stray. He was fine for the first 6 months to a year we had him. And the sniffing! Simon did the same-it was like he didnt realize it wwas me, or my bf. We began to realize sniffing was a warning sign of an attack-he'd come up, sniffing really intently, and then just go crazy and attack hard. I was always like-doesnt he recognize me? Cant he hear my voice and realize its me?

I definitely think that your cat has whatever mine had. The behaviours are identical.

Like i said before, i understand and commend your loyalty to your animal. I was the same. Most people wouldve euthaized after the secomd or third attack-i lost count of how many times i got attacked. And it was hard bc once he calmed down hed start his sad little "where are you" meow and dig at the door to come back in the room with me... but once he was back i was scared to move to fast, cough too loud, i was afraid of the phone ringing, something banging in the apartment upstairs form me. And then the last awful attack happened and i had to admit defeat. I have enough time and space from it now to fully know that i tried my best and im not bad for having him taken and euthanized. But it took a while.

Again, i greatly respect your loyalty to this cat-but you and yoyr other cats deserve to be happy, not scared all the time.. and it cant be a fun existamce to always be so scared that you feel you need to attack.

If the screened in porch thing doesnt work, please know you did right by this animal, and you did way more than a lot of people would.
 

tarasgirl06

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C catluvs I believe it's neuro too, and Gremlin's Guesthouse Gremlin's Guesthouse has some really good new ideas there. Feliway is a "must" for us -- I airlifted 12 cats, some semi-feral, using Feliway and no tranqs. They did not make a peep the entire (often rough) 100-mile journey to the airport and the receivers told me they were cool, calm and collected at pickup. I sprayed the Feliway on foam we got to line the carriers with.
I recommend it very highly, but not alone if CC is neuro.
Be SURE any collar is breakaway/safety for use on cats.
The Ssscat! sounds like a possibility. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...nt-for-cats-and-dogs-environmentally-friendly
amazon has it, too. I'm not a fan of amazon so I didn't include the link, but you know where to go. Same price.
 
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