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

tarasgirl06

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Floyd and hendrix

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And things to chew
My cptsd black warlock needs to chew and claw it out. Old books, sticks, Cat tree, tunnel and other things to slink under. Wow what a great landlord and support you have in this forum. I've also slowly slowly trained him to wear a collar and lead walk. Today he graduated to a longer lead, a walk around the pool but is still learning where to bolt to when spooked. The walking has been good for his confidence. Also, I don't know if I already recommended pet rescue remedy and other flower essences as a calmative. But the question does remain if its neurological or psychological
 

Floyd and hendrix

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And things to chew
My cptsd black warlock needs to chew and claw it out. Old books, sticks, Cat tree, tunnel and other things to slink under. Wow what a great landlord and support you have in this forum. I've also slowly slowly trained him to wear a collar and lead walk. Today he graduated to a longer lead, a walk around the pool but is still learning where to bolt to when spooked. The walking has been good for his confidence. Also, I don't know if I already recommended pet rescue remedy and other flower essences as a calmative. But the question does remain if its neurological or psychological
And that is a cat that I never thought I would ever even get a collar on him
 

tarasgirl06

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And things to chew
My cptsd black warlock needs to chew and claw it out. Old books, sticks, Cat tree, tunnel and other things to slink under. Wow what a great landlord and support you have in this forum. I've also slowly slowly trained him to wear a collar and lead walk. Today he graduated to a longer lead, a walk around the pool but is still learning where to bolt to when spooked. The walking has been good for his confidence. Also, I don't know if I already recommended pet rescue remedy and other flower essences as a calmative. But the question does remain if its neurological or psychological
Another great suggestion, Floyd and hendrix Floyd and hendrix -- the Bach flower remedies can be very helpful, and Jackson Galaxy also has a line of cat-specific natural essences that can be used for specific problems. I've never used any of these with my cats, but I do have the "regular" Rescue Remedy and for me, it really does work. I don't know how or why, but it does. And if it's not possible to apply it directly, it can be added to water or, I presume, food.
 
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catluvs

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Thanks for asking. We’re okay. Everything is kind of weird and it’s honestly hard, but not as hard as having her live with everything and constant fighting. I try to let her out as much as I can, and I sit in the room most of the time when the door is open so she chooses to come in and get pets, so maybe she doesn’t feel like it’s such a prison, if she willingly spends time in here. The first few days were the worst but she’s just her normal self, if not more affectionate since she goes 8-10 hours sometimes without seeing me. She doesn’t even care that Tuck and Lo are in my bedroom, I tried to get her to interact with them underneath the door and she could care less. I do feel extremely bad and like I’m doing something wrong, but I mean there’s no other alternative and I have to remind myself that she’s alright. Yeah it’s a small room but she has everything she needs, a window/window bed, an actual bed, a pallet of big soft blankets she likes, a cat tree, food and water of course and her favorite toys. I think a problem I’ve had my whole life is I put human attributes onto animals, because I love them so much. But I have to take a step back and realize that she’s a cat, and as long as I’m doing everything I can to give her the best I can, all necessities and love/affection.... she’s alright in her room. It’s not the same as locking a child or a person in a room. Every time I start to feel really bad I remind myself that shelter cats are in tiny spaces most of the time, and she is totally fine. I still don’t know how I’m going to keep this up for the next year or so, I’m sure it’s doable, but I’m taking it just a step at a time.
 

sweetblackpaws

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It sounds like things are much better. As long as she is getting TLC from you, along with the other things she needs, that is most important. It's not like you are locking her away and that's it. If she is comfortable in there and she is getting enough attention and love from you, she will be good. It sounds like you made it very cozy for her and she has lots of goodies in there. If she starts to get depressed or something, then you know a change will need to be made. But from how you describe things, she seems to be acclimating well.
 

tarasgirl06

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Thanks for asking. We’re okay. Everything is kind of weird and it’s honestly hard, but not as hard as having her live with everything and constant fighting. I try to let her out as much as I can, and I sit in the room most of the time when the door is open so she chooses to come in and get pets, so maybe she doesn’t feel like it’s such a prison, if she willingly spends time in here. The first few days were the worst but she’s just her normal self, if not more affectionate since she goes 8-10 hours sometimes without seeing me. She doesn’t even care that Tuck and Lo are in my bedroom, I tried to get her to interact with them underneath the door and she could care less. I do feel extremely bad and like I’m doing something wrong, but I mean there’s no other alternative and I have to remind myself that she’s alright. Yeah it’s a small room but she has everything she needs, a window/window bed, an actual bed, a pallet of big soft blankets she likes, a cat tree, food and water of course and her favorite toys. I think a problem I’ve had my whole life is I put human attributes onto animals, because I love them so much. But I have to take a step back and realize that she’s a cat, and as long as I’m doing everything I can to give her the best I can, all necessities and love/affection.... she’s alright in her room. It’s not the same as locking a child or a person in a room. Every time I start to feel really bad I remind myself that shelter cats are in tiny spaces most of the time, and she is totally fine. I still don’t know how I’m going to keep this up for the next year or so, I’m sure it’s doable, but I’m taking it just a step at a time.
This is very welcome news. sweetblackpaws sweetblackpaws is right! and so are you -- it sounds as if this is working quite well. Of course many cats (and people!) live in far less than ideal circumstances and we wish better for them, but that's the world and we have to find ways to live in it as best we can. As long as our needs are met and we know we are cared for, we are in a better place than most all over the world. Hopefully the future will bring better, but for now, it's okay, right?
 

pearl99

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It sounds like CC has a very homey and comfortable room- window, soft bedding, toys, cat tree...and you visiting her...and her being able to be out in the house some. It's really a lovely set up. No, not total freedom- but it's the best life for her if it decreases her fear/rages, she can feel calmer. And Lo and Tuck are having a calmer life, which helps Tuck's urinary issues.
I have a cat in a room now because of introductions, have for 3 months since it's slow going (though she can have baby gates stacked and see out into the hallway and is out 1-2 times daily), and she loves her room. It can be the best situation for them!
You're doing a great thing, and no reason to feel guilty.
 

Floyd and hendrix

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It sounds like CC has a very homey and comfortable room- window, soft bedding, toys, cat tree...and you visiting her...and her being able to be out in the house some. It's really a lovely set up. No, not total freedom- but it's the best life for her if it decreases her fear/rages, she can feel calmer. And Lo and Tuck are having a calmer life, which helps Tuck's urinary issues.
I have a cat in a room now because of introductions, have for 3 months since it's slow going (though she can have baby gates stacked and see out into the hallway and is out 1-2 times daily), and she loves her room. It can be the best situation for them!
You're doing a great thing, and no reason to feel guilty.
great news you are an awesome cat mama keep us posted meow
 

RangersMom

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And...my daughter's cat had to be on meds for awhile for lots of anxiety and destructiveness, and the vet prescribed amitriptyline which was a very very small pill, so easier to hide in something. And it worked. I think Prozac is more used, but when talking to the new vet maybe ask about that?
Hi, I know this post is from January but my vet just prescribed amitriptyline for my kitty for aggression and anxiety. -- Do you know if it made your daughter's cat super tired?? I just dont want my cat to be a zombie. Thank you!
 

tarasgirl06

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Hi, I know this post is from January but my vet just prescribed amitriptyline for my kitty for aggression and anxiety. -- Do you know if it made your daughter's cat super tired?? I just dont want my cat to be a zombie. Thank you!
Amitriptyline HCl | Anxiety Medication For Dogs and Cats - 1800PetMeds Be sure to read the "things to know about" paragraph.
This really raised a flag for me, as a person I care about a lot passed away from use of this. Of course one species is not another and the effects and dangers are not the same from species to species. But I recognized the name right away. *Proceed with caution* would be my recommendation. I am not a vet.
 

pearl99

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Hi, I know this post is from January but my vet just prescribed amitriptyline for my kitty for aggression and anxiety. -- Do you know if it made your daughter's cat super tired?? I just dont want my cat to be a zombie. Thank you!
No, it did not make him tired. He was just calmer. He didn't have any side effects from it, thankfully!
 

RangersMom

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Amitriptyline HCl | Anxiety Medication For Dogs and Cats - 1800PetMeds Be sure to read the "things to know about" paragraph.
This really raised a flag for me, as a person I care about a lot passed away from use of this. Of course one species is not another and the effects and dangers are not the same from species to species. But I recognized the name right away. *Proceed with caution* would be my recommendation. I am not a vet.
Thank you, I will read this ASAP.
 

sweetblackpaws

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No, it did not make him tired. He was just calmer. He didn't have any side effects from it, thankfully!
Same here. I had a cat on Amitriptyline for OCD (she was chewing out her fur). It made her calm. She is no longer on it, though. It can affect heart rhythm so cats on this medication should be monitored
 

carbella

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This was HER attacking ME after I had already saw prime opportunity to shut her out of my bedroom door, after which she busted back in. So yes I am going to maneuver her off me and out of the room, lest I need stitches (no health insurance!) and you say your cats have fought “twice” but this is usually a monthly or more occurance and has been for years. And it’s at EVERYTHING. It’s like she’s waiting for a perceived threat. I had someone literally ask me if I used to self harm due to my scars! I shouldn’t have to live this way and something has got to give and it has to be soon. I have had cats my whole life and I have NEVER experienced this. Even when my childhood cats used to fight. This is insane and I’m at a total loss, at the end of my rope, at the edge on insanity.
Oh Sweetie, I am so very sorry for everything you are going through. I have been reading this entire thread and let me tell you - you have the patience of Job!
I am a HUGE cat lover (the "crazy cat lady" with 8 cats in my house now), and I have been this way my entire life, with MANY cats through my entire life.
I would have done everything that you have already done, which has been suggested, however, I have been putting myself in your shoes, and although I won't have many fans over this comment/reply, maybe you really need to think about yourself, your other 2 furbabies, and the health, wellness and sanity of all involved, and just come to the realization that Cc is obviously not a happy cat and with everything you have done over these several months, she is a cat that cannot be fixed.
If I were you, I would tell myself that I did literally everything humanly possible to help her, however, I simply cannot condone a family member, whether a 2-lefged or a 4-legged one from literally attacking me out of nowhere.
If you were to "throw in the towel" and just realize that you did everything you could to help Cc, I most certainly wouldn't blame you whatsoever.
To be completely honest, you have more patience than I because there is no way I could have gone as long as you have, being petrified in your own home!
I 100% commend you on everything you have done to bring peace into your home by following everyone's suggestions, but honestly, when is enough ENOUGH?
If in your shoes, I would try to rehome Cc to a home where she is the only pet, obviously with full disclosure of Cc's behaviour. There are lot of people that bring "problem-cats" into their home, but if you can't find anyone, then maybe it is best to just surrender her to a shelter, and let them decide on what to do with her.

I am so very sorry for the situation you are in, and are living in, but Hun, your sanity is worth WAY more than this! You are literally scared to death of this cat that literally attacks you even after you seclude yourself in your room! Nobody deserves to go through that.

Lastly, there is only so much one person can take and you are literally taking on something that a team of 20 can't even fix or control. Don't think that you are a failure or that you are giving up too soon, because you have gone above and beyond what most people would have. I am not a quitter either but seriously, how much more of this can you take? You are literally locking yourself in your room, crying because of how scared you are of this broken cat! Remember...You are NOT a failure. You HAVE done everything humanly possible for this kitty but in my opinion, there really is no hope for her living a HAPPY life there (your home).

I am wishing you all the very best, and I pray that everything works out for you.
Sending lots of hugs and love.
 
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