He's been on it a week now. I noticed over the weekend how much it
effects him. I'll keep him on it to see if it evens out, plus taking
him to TED tomorrow, I'll talk to her about this, and if its
"normal" and when to expect to see some activity out of him. As you
probably remember, I'd posted about his aggressiveness over the last
couple of years but had been really scared of putting him on drugs.
Back then it was just me he attacked. Now it's Bonnie, and sometimes
the kittens, and he has just been increasingly unhappy about
something.

We decided today to do that. She's never used clomicalm for a cat
before, plenty of dogs though. It was my idea after doing some
research and finding a Cornell document about it. What the heck do I
know? :)

Thanks Christine, and everyone else!  His eye isn't scratched
according to TED, but the lid underneath got infected by the
scratch. He's got more drugs now and some drops to put in 3 times a
day (that's going to be rough but I'll get it done).

His clomicalm (clomipraline hydrochloride, in case it isn't the
same thing) dosage is 1cc per day. The vet and I talked today and
decided to lower it to .7 to see if it calms him without making him
sleep all the time.  I'm glad to read that Midnight is getting
helped by it! Not that any of us would fall into this category, but
the Cornell article stated that it was tried for cats because these
issues are top on the list for people surrendering cats to
shelters. If more people knew there was a chance to modify the
behavior with drugs (and I believe it should only be a last
resort!) than maybe more would be kept. :(

"the Rock".  He approves!  lol

Yeah, just the other day Sammy swiped at something I had in my hand and
"accidentally" ran her claw across the ball of my thumb.  For a few minutes
I couldn't see anything there, it just hurt, but then it started bleeding
and I've had to treat it for days and days.  It was exactly like being cut
with a razor - the claw was so sharp that the *width* of the cut was almost
invisible, but the *depth* of the cut was incredible.  Kitten claws are
indeed wicked things!

Hugs,

CatNipped

Yes. I've had 3 diffusers in my house at all times since before
getting him.  Thanks though!

Huh.  This is really interesting, and particularly topical to me because I'm
trying to figure out my own nutritional needs while trying to lose fat.

I did the lowfat thing last summer, trying to stay below 40g of fat a day
while also riding my bike intensely almost daily.  At the beginning of the
summer, I felt great, but by the end, I was getting sick constantly, had no
energy when exercising ... it was all bad.

I realized I was doing one of two things in pursuit of a lowfat diet.  One was
to eat proper lowfat foods: mostly veggies and not that much meat.  I was
never able to get enough calories for an active lifestyle that way, though,
although at the time it seemed like a good thing.  The other was to eat
defatted foods: lowfat or no-fat dairy products, mayo, whatever.  The problem
there is that I ended up eating all sorts of artificial crap in pursuit of my
lowfat goals.  Artificial crap can't be healthy, and ultimately, health is
what this is all about.

After more research, I'm starting to think that a low-fat diet is detrimental
to the health of a person who exercises frequently and intensely.  There's
research to back it up.  Weight lifters specifically are big on protein and
fat, whereas endurance people like cyclists are big on carbs (and protein and
some fat).

Er, sorry to derail.  It's on my mind a lot lately.  I want to eat right, but
everyone has a different idea of what "eating right" entails.  I can't swear
that going the low-fat route sabotaged my health last year, but ... I
definitely suspect it.

<snip>

You've given me something to think about. He does have "supposed"
allergy problems that cause skin outbreaks. There might be something
to that, CN.

Purrs for Shamrock!

Elavil is a very blunt instrument.  I was on Elavil as a young adult,
and I had to go off it because it caused me to have seizures.  I think
it's hardly ever prescribed anymore for people.  I don't think I'd
want to give it to a little cat.

Theresa
Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh
My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com

Thank you, to you and everyone else.  I'm overwhelmed with the
support once again, and Shamrock thanks you all.

I talked it over with TED today and the dose is being lowered.
She's never used Clomicalm for a cat before, but she said the dose
was rather low. Shamrock might be one of those who metabolize stuff
like that differently. I read your post to Susan about how you felt
it was better to have Tiger peeing than to be spaced out, and I see
what you mean!!  :( In this case though, he is terrorizing Bonnie
to the point where she wouldn't come out of my room, and he often
attacks me, and now the kittens.  I've been trying different
behavior modification for a long time now, and nothing changes. I
felt it was the last resort before Bonnie was ruined forever. She
has, thankfully, realized Shamrock isn't chasing her and
terrorizing her as much now and has herself calmed down and sitting
here with both of us now. :) I don't plan on this being long-term,
but will do whatever it takes.

He and I thank you. :)  He's doing better, his eye is open now but
I think I'm going to have to stop the ABs. And probably the
clomicalm. He isn't eating. And is nauseous. :( Not throwing up,
but not eating much and making the motions with his mouth like
something tastes bad. I just tried to tempt him with his favorite,
tuna, but he wouldn't eat it. Since his eye is getting better, I
guess I'll hold off all drugs except for the eye drops until he is
eating well again. And call the vet in the am. :(