Timid Cat Traumatized?

[suzan30]

I hope I can get some advice about my kitty, Charlie. I adopted him about 3 months ago, and was told by the rescue that he had come from a hoarding situation and had not been well adequately socialized. I found him very shy but if I sat with him, he would come for pettng and rub against me. Unfortunately, soon after I got him, he developed an eye infection. We went to the vet but the ointment he was initially prescribed caused an allergic reaction and his eyes swelled completely shut. We went to the emergency vet (this was labor day) and he was prescribed another antibiotic. At that point, he was still segregated from my other cat in a small room and with eyes swollen shut, I was able to capture him and put the drops in and eventually the infection cleared up.

Now, however, he is very wary of me. He gets along great with my other two cats (see the pic) and he does sleep with me and lets me stroke him, but only at night and only when I am in bed. Any other time I approach him, he runs away as if terrified. I've been giving him time, offering treats, and playing with him. But now his eyes have discharge again and it is literally impossible to get him into the carrier for a trip to the vet. I've had to cancel two appointments already.

What can I do? I don't want to ignore the signs of an eye infection but I don't want to terrorize him either. And if I was able to get him to the vet, I don't see how I can get drops into his eyes.

 

[verna davies]

Would your vet come to your home to treat him? Failing that, perhaps you could take some clear photos if the eyes and show them to the vet. As he has treated your cat previously he may know what is needed.

 

[Columbine]

Poor little boy He's so lucky to have found you

I agree that a home visit from the vet might be a good idea. Calling the vet and seeing if they'd prescribe some drops without seeing him is another great option. If you decide to try the latter, take some clear pics of Charlie's eyes and send them to your vet - its better if they can see what's going on, and it might make them more inclined to do an over-the-phone prescription too Whatever happens, it's worth reminding them of Charlie's allergic reaction to his first eye drops, just to make sure it doesn't happen again (yes, I know it'll be on his notes, and they should be on top of that kind of thing, but it never hurts to give a gentle reminder ).

If you do have to take him in, there is an alternative to a cat carrier. Get a laundry basket, and put some favourite blankets inside, then just leave it somewhere suitable for the cats to find and use as a bed (and they will....cats seem to be irresistibly drawn to laundry baskets ). Once Charlie's happily using it as a bed, simply pop a second laundry basket on top (to make a kind of cage), and secure it with zip ties. Sure, its bigger and less manoeuvrable than purpose made carriers, but it's perfectly safe, and a much easier way to get carrier-shy or less socialised cats to and from the vet Leave the bottom laundry basket out as a bed all the time, so it stays as a 'happy' safe place for them to sleep.

When it comes to applying the eye drops, you have two options. The first is wrapping him in a towel like a burrito, which will keep you safe and him secure whilst you apply the drops (I've never used this technique myself, but I know it's worked well for a lot of people here). The other is to hold him calmly, but just firmly enough that he can't escape, and do the eye drops that way (I'll kneel on the floor with my feet together and knees apart, and have the cat between my legs. My feet stop kitty reversing out backwards, my left hand on his chest gently restrains forward movement, and my right hand applies the medication). I know this is far easier said than done with such a nervous kitty, but it is possible. I always have some extra yummy, best-treat-in-the-world type treats/food on hand for when I'm done, so that every treatment ends on a good note. Plain cooked chicken or turkey is a firm favourite in this house, as is a little tuna (in spring water, NOT oil or brine). Many members swear by plain meat baby food too, especially when its warmed up.

In terms of catching Charlie, timing is everything. The best time to get him is when he's relaxed, maybe even sleeping (I know that sounds mean, but the less time he has to think about what's happening, the easier it'll be for both of you). I'll approach quietly, calmly, and from behind if possible, as it's easier to get a hold of kitties that way. I use the same approach when I have to put mine in the carrier too. I have the carrier set up, front door open, just out of kitty's sight, then scoop them up and 'feed' them head first into the carrier. Almost all the time, doing it this way is quick, painless, and kitty is in there almost before he knows what's happened. I've even used this technique with great success with the semi feral barn cat we care for.

I hope this makes sense, and that at least some of it helps. Do let us know how Charlie's doing now