I have an older cat, named Cricket, who is about 6-7 years old and has been living with my parents and I for about 6 years. She was a stray cat who must have been through something traumatic because she's always been extremely shy and afraid of everything and everyone (except for my parents and I, of course
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Then, about 6 months ago, I brought home a younger stray cat who is about 9 months old now (her name is Tazzi). Tazzi is a very wild and energetic cat who isn't afraid of anything and is the complete opposite of Cricket. But, ever since I brought Tazzi home, Cricket has become really reclusive and more bashful than ever. Cricket now hides upstairs in one room and only comes out to eat and relieve herself. When she does come out, Tazzi jumps on her and chases her, obviously wanting to play, but Cricket hates it and always runs away or growls at her. Also, I don't know if maybe the new cat gave her fleas or something, but she's been ripping the fur out of her back (near her tail) and out of her stomach and seems to have a bad infection on her chin, none of which ever happened before Tazzi arrived. We've given both the cats flea baths about twice and we keep them inside to avoid getting more fleas. I've also combed Cricket for fleas and couldn't find anything except what look like scabs or bumps all over her. The bumps seem to be itchy. Tazzi seems to have overcome the flea problem and doesn't scratch herself any more than usual. And as for Cricket's chin, I've been washing it with soap and water and then using peroxide on it to try to clear up the infection. It seems to be getting better, but what gives? What are all these infections and bumps on Cricket and why is she ripping her fur out?
Is there anything I could do to make the situation better for Cricket? She just seems to be so stressed out and suffering a lot
Thanks!!!
Then, about 6 months ago, I brought home a younger stray cat who is about 9 months old now (her name is Tazzi). Tazzi is a very wild and energetic cat who isn't afraid of anything and is the complete opposite of Cricket. But, ever since I brought Tazzi home, Cricket has become really reclusive and more bashful than ever. Cricket now hides upstairs in one room and only comes out to eat and relieve herself. When she does come out, Tazzi jumps on her and chases her, obviously wanting to play, but Cricket hates it and always runs away or growls at her. Also, I don't know if maybe the new cat gave her fleas or something, but she's been ripping the fur out of her back (near her tail) and out of her stomach and seems to have a bad infection on her chin, none of which ever happened before Tazzi arrived. We've given both the cats flea baths about twice and we keep them inside to avoid getting more fleas. I've also combed Cricket for fleas and couldn't find anything except what look like scabs or bumps all over her. The bumps seem to be itchy. Tazzi seems to have overcome the flea problem and doesn't scratch herself any more than usual. And as for Cricket's chin, I've been washing it with soap and water and then using peroxide on it to try to clear up the infection. It seems to be getting better, but what gives? What are all these infections and bumps on Cricket and why is she ripping her fur out?
Is there anything I could do to make the situation better for Cricket? She just seems to be so stressed out and suffering a lot