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- Mar 11, 2024
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After having raised other cats over years and having had good relationships with, I adopted a cat from a shelter a few months back, whom I am finding difficult to deal with. I realize she must have not been socialized and may have been mistreated in her first year of life and should have been a red flag being noted that her last adopters had her for only 11 days due to behavioral issues, but I guess I thought I might "make a difference". (Let me say, I had been mourning the loss of my previous cat a while and been depressed when I was motivated to adopt, so I think I was not feeling entirely rational at the time, having considered getting one who was older, yet feared the possibility of more ingrained problems).
This cat is young and thought we just needed to adapt, so I have hung in there - though beginning to think I have made a big mistake and considering giving her up. This is undoubtedly serious, and let me tell you, I never considered that sort of thing with any previous pet I had raised, none being pre-owned except one having been a foster.
This cat possesses such behavior that makes me worn out, not being used to:
* Hyperactivity, dilated pupils most times.
* Changeability, moodiness.
* Getting into things, having altered my surroundings for - climbing upon high cabinets and wanting to pull framed items off walls.
* Unprovoked sudden biting of hand or foot, scratching with claws around my ankles, having jumped upon my back.
* Disrupts her wet food dish and feeding area, scraping a lot before or after eating, even with something she has liked.
* Does not sleep fully when I am sleeping.
* Is not familiar or interested with being brushed, cat beds or most all cat treats.
* Is VERY picky about wet foods, my having wasted food and $.
* Though seemingly wanting to sit with me and liking attention, she will suddenly bite my hand.
I am spending a lot of time trying to correct things and making it work, but it is exhausting. As said, having had other cats prior, I never experienced such difficulties, having bonded with as babies and raised into an older age. I was seeking pet companionship again, not an out-of-control situation. Though it is suggested to hire a behaviorist and try medications, I see that it is not only expensive, but may not help. Having seen two Vets, once very early on for a "Free" exam, and later for another issue, my discussing these issues were not really considered or responded to. I have read something about Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, which seems to be possible, If I thought I could really get help and not a run-around, I might try. (I cannot be wasting $$). Note: I have tried the Feliaway spray, but not the diffuser, for a few concerns, so have not considered.
What I have read is how it may be best to have one put down due to behavioral issues, rather than dumping at a shelter. I would be disturbed with doing either - but would always wonder what would have happened with her and likely would not be adoptable in her condition. Believe me, I just have wanted it to work out, but am finding we are not even really connecting, which saddens me and is not what I had been wanting. If I thought this could still work out, I will hang in, but I've become drained and not a young person, having other things to tend to besides, feeling my life is unnecessarily altered.
I haven't known how commonplace this kind of situation might be and wanted to know how relatable it is to others. Thanks -
This cat is young and thought we just needed to adapt, so I have hung in there - though beginning to think I have made a big mistake and considering giving her up. This is undoubtedly serious, and let me tell you, I never considered that sort of thing with any previous pet I had raised, none being pre-owned except one having been a foster.
This cat possesses such behavior that makes me worn out, not being used to:
* Hyperactivity, dilated pupils most times.
* Changeability, moodiness.
* Getting into things, having altered my surroundings for - climbing upon high cabinets and wanting to pull framed items off walls.
* Unprovoked sudden biting of hand or foot, scratching with claws around my ankles, having jumped upon my back.
* Disrupts her wet food dish and feeding area, scraping a lot before or after eating, even with something she has liked.
* Does not sleep fully when I am sleeping.
* Is not familiar or interested with being brushed, cat beds or most all cat treats.
* Is VERY picky about wet foods, my having wasted food and $.
* Though seemingly wanting to sit with me and liking attention, she will suddenly bite my hand.
I am spending a lot of time trying to correct things and making it work, but it is exhausting. As said, having had other cats prior, I never experienced such difficulties, having bonded with as babies and raised into an older age. I was seeking pet companionship again, not an out-of-control situation. Though it is suggested to hire a behaviorist and try medications, I see that it is not only expensive, but may not help. Having seen two Vets, once very early on for a "Free" exam, and later for another issue, my discussing these issues were not really considered or responded to. I have read something about Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, which seems to be possible, If I thought I could really get help and not a run-around, I might try. (I cannot be wasting $$). Note: I have tried the Feliaway spray, but not the diffuser, for a few concerns, so have not considered.
What I have read is how it may be best to have one put down due to behavioral issues, rather than dumping at a shelter. I would be disturbed with doing either - but would always wonder what would have happened with her and likely would not be adoptable in her condition. Believe me, I just have wanted it to work out, but am finding we are not even really connecting, which saddens me and is not what I had been wanting. If I thought this could still work out, I will hang in, but I've become drained and not a young person, having other things to tend to besides, feeling my life is unnecessarily altered.
I haven't known how commonplace this kind of situation might be and wanted to know how relatable it is to others. Thanks -