- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #81
- Joined
- May 2, 2018
- Messages
- 2,906
- Purraise
- 3,663
Sorry about your tech troubles, I wondered what happened to you.Hey! I had not gotten alerts on any of your recent posts. I have not forgotten you but my ability to be on site was hampered by technical problems. I am so sorry to hear Merlin is sick but since I was away from the posts and came back to a lot of information I may have a little insight that has gotten lost in more recent discussion. Your first post about adopting Merlin mentions an apparent allergic/ bacterial or something going on that you gave him Zyrtec for which, to me, indicated an issue as well as a possible cause for him to try and get you to help him by biting. That bite was his only way to get your immediate attention. Cats will do that. Moving forward to now, he is showing other signs of feeling bad with stomach upset. It makes perfect cat sense that he is more frantic and is nipping. He is just trying to tell you he needs help. I really do not see him as untrainable. I see him as asking his loved one to fix his tummy. I did read the posts about getting a poop test. Did you tell the vet about his apparent allergic reaction early on? I am wondering if it is a food reaction. Was he always eating the foods he is on now?
My other thought is that he is picking up on your stress levels. I know you have been very worried about all of this. Stress can do to him what it does to you. I know you mentioned your own tummy issues. This cat has looked to you for love and wants to return it as well. They understand when you are suffering and they want to save you, just as you saved them. I can see by your posts that you are finding it upsetting and I feel for you in this. Can you try some calming routine before you go in to work with Merlin? I wish I was near you. I would try to give you a break so you can have some deep breaths and a little time for yourself. Maybe a cup of Chamomile tea before going to be with Merlin? Relaxing music? Whatever makes you feel relaxed is sure to transfer to Merlin.
I asked the first dvm about his paw and if that could be why he bit me, she said no, it wouldn’t be a reason etc. Again I don’t think that is the reason now because he knows I am giving him all these meds etc which he is mostly refusing. None of my other cats have ever bitten me to let me know anything. Except maybe Quinn, but he as you know is a biter, but who fortunately does not break the skin.
I think it is anxiety and some kind of dominance obsession to stop me from getting away etc. I still think he has some kind of neuro or mental health issue maybe but who knows. There is no way to know for sure. But both dvm said no. I did tell the new dvm about the allergy etc. he suggested a diet change so I got some cans of an rx food with limited ing and special hydrolized protein by Royal canin at the dvm. He said next step is ultrasound but if he is released I won’t be doing that obviously.
I am beyond upset and stressed and I am not sure how much longer I can do all of this. Meditation etc. will not help the end result or stop him doing all of this. The longer he is inside the worse this whole situation gets if no one will take him. I can barely do stuff and put my long boots on to spend any time with him with my back now. I am pretty sure lifting the cage to clean etc caused my spasm but if I leave him loose which I have to do now it is an argument with him to keep him away from me and I have to worry about him biting etc. when I am focused on other stuff.
I tried a pheromone spray on a shirt of mine and a wand feather toy today to see if it would curb his manic behavior. It may have calmed him a tiny bit, I am not sure. He was scared of it at first but I got him to play and he ran around in circles chasing it. After a while I was able to leave while he lay down. He is usually actively trying to escape the studio now when I come in and out and is frantically marking me etc when I am there most of the time while he is loose.
Last edited: