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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / March 2004Case of Misplaced Aggression??
Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago. She had been happily playing with a new toy, then a minute later the other cat (Seamus) jumped off of something, onto an open paper bag. I wasn't watching but heard the whole thing - Jewel must have been on a windowsill and got scared by that noise, and that in turn made her knock over a bunch of picture frames and bottles, and both cats went racing down to the basement in a flurry of noise and activity. I went right down to them. Seamus was hiding, Jewel was growling a bit and puffy, but was going to calm down I thought. Unfortunately on my way up the stairs with Jewel I dropped something heavy and again very loud which bounced off all the steps on the way down to the basement. This really freaked out Jewel, who flew up to my bedroom, where she has been since. Whenever I try to get near her I get growled at, along with that most horrible of yowls - howls - whatever it is, that you have ever heard. If you have ever heard that sound you understand, there is nothing like it. She has tried to attack me a few times now, and I don't know what to do. I know there have been posts about this before, but I guess I am looking for support as much as suggestions. For now I have put some food and water in the room, tried to get a litter box in but she was guarding the door so well I couldn't. I can't even get some clothes off a hook that I tried to get. For now I am just really scared for her, and upset about what is going on with her. I don't know what to do to help her. Should I keep going up to talk to her, or leave her alone for a while. I would like to at least get her over to "her" room, but there is no chance of that right now. I thought she would be a little better by now, but if anything it is worse. From what I can tell she doesn't seem to be hurt, which I was afraid of. She was up on a cedar chest one time I looked in, and seems to move ok. Any help is appreciated! Teri > Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago. > She had been happily playing with a new toy, then a minute later the [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > Any help is appreciated! > Teri Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've been there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.) I just would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense YOU being scared of HER as well and that is part of the problem. I think I would, after a while, just sit outside the door and talk to her in a normal, calm voice. I would definitely let her be where she wants right now. After a while, try sliding a litter box in there. I think she might be happy just to spend the night in there. I'm hoping others have some immediate suggestions. I would also get some Feliway tomorrow if you can and start using it around to try to calm the situation. She may need to be separated for a while. But definitely, you need to calm down as well. Talk yourself out of being afraid. Instead, whether she understands or not, talk to her. Tell her everything is fine. use a calm voice. Just try that periodically on the other side of the door. I'm so sorry such a trauma happened, especially while playing. It makes things tough. Karen >Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've been >there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.) And you got past it ok?? I am trying hard to be calm, but each time I go up to talk to her I feel worse. You can't understand it unless you have been through it. >I just would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense YOU >being scared of HER as well and that is part of the problem. I think I >would, after a while, just sit outside the door and talk to her in a normal, >calm voice. I would definitely let her be where she wants right now. After a >while, try sliding a litter box in there. I think she might be happy just to >spend the night in there. A friend is coming over yet tonight. She usually is a little scared of him, but I thought I would see if he could at least get a litter box in there for her. I am afraid of her not eating too, but I have some time to really get worked up over that yet. >I'm hoping others have some immediate suggestions. >I would also get some Feliway tomorrow if you can and start using it around >to try to calm the situation. I already tossed a feliway sprayed tissue in the door. That is the most I can do at this point. Maybe I will spray some in later as well. >She may need to be separated for a while. But >definitely, you need to calm down as well. Talk yourself out of being >afraid. Instead, whether she understands or not, talk to her. I have been talking to her from outside the door, but she growls. Man this is so hard, usually she sleeps right on my hip or by my belly and just purrs and purrs. >Tell her >everything is fine. use a calm voice. Just try that periodically on the >other side of the door. I'm so sorry such a trauma happened, especially >while playing. It makes things tough. I just keep thinking of how I heard her dancing around and batting her toy around right before this. And how I shouldn't have picked up that food processor that I ended up dropping. Damn it! Thanks Karen. Teri >> Wow. Poor thing. I think you need to calm down too (I understand. I've been >> there. It's hard, but you just have to calm yourself down as well.) > And you got past it ok?? I am trying hard to be calm, but each time I > go up to talk to her I feel worse. You can't understand it unless you > have been through it. Well, I know the heart pounding part. I was able to calm down pretty quick though which helped. Play soft music. Have some tea. Sind a lullaby. Anything. Remember, you can be of no help if you are scared too. You are the rational human in the matter. >> I just would leave her completely alone for a while. I'm sure she can sense >> YOU [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > box in there for her. I am afraid of her not eating too, but I have > some time to really get worked up over that yet. I wouldn't worry about the not eating yet. You said you got some in there. I mean, she WILL eventually calm down. >> I'm hoping others have some immediate suggestions. >> I would also get some Feliway tomorrow if you can and start using it around >> to try to calm the situation. > I already tossed a feliway sprayed tissue in the door. That is the > most I can do at this point. Maybe I will spray some in later as > well. That's good. You could just spray a little outside the bottom of the door. Don't over do. >> She may need to be separated for a while. But >> definitely, you need to calm down as well. Talk yourself out of being >> afraid. Instead, whether she understands or not, talk to her. > I have been talking to her from outside the door, but she growls. > Man this is so hard, usually she sleeps right on my hip or by my belly > and just purrs and purrs. She will again. >> Tell her >> everything is fine. use a calm voice. Just try that periodically on the [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Thanks Karen. > Teri Why were you carrying a food processor?? Well, hindsight is 20/20. Please let us know how it is today. It may be better because you will have had to leave her alone for some time. I think that is a big key. Give her some space. Karen > A friend is coming over yet tonight. She usually is a little scared > of him, but I thought I would see if he could at least get a litter > box in there for her. Tell your friend to be very careful. Your cat is already both scared and angry. The sight of someone she already fears could create a still more difficult (and dangerous) situation. > I already tossed a feliway sprayed tissue in the door. That is the > most I can do at this point. Maybe I will spray some in later as > well. I should have read your response to Karen before I sent my first message when I suggested Feliway. Instead of just tossing a tissue in the door, how about spraying some? I can't quite picture the environment, but could you stand around a corner and at least get some sprayed into the atmosphere? Feliway really is very effective in reducing stress, but you are also dealing with a cat that has recently been traumatized -- so give it lots of time before you try to approach her. You may even find that after you go to bed tonight, you will wake up and find her in the room with you (but it will have been *her* decision and timing). MaryL I had a similar problem with Tiger after I punished him by putting him out on my deck (in his carrier). It was dark and 18 below zero (F). I only left him out there for five minutes but when I brought him in he was very upset. I couldn't get near him without growling, moaning, and spitting. That night, he came on my bed about midnight and curled up next to me. He was fine after that. -MIKE >I had a similar problem with Tiger after I punished him by putting him >out on my deck (in his carrier). It was dark and 18 below zero (F). I >only left him out there for five minutes but when I brought him in he >was very upset. I couldn't get near him without growling, moaning, and >spitting. That night, he came on my bed about midnight and curled up >next to me. He was fine after that. Freaky though, wasn't it?? Teri > > Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago. > > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Karen I agree with what Karen has written. Leave Jewel alone for awhile (which could even be a couple of days) until *she* is ready to approach you. It would probably be a good idea to put a litter box in her room. If she won't let you, place it just outside the door. She has obviously been traumatized by the whole series of events and needs time to adjust. Do you have access to Feliway? If so, be sure to use that. If you don't have any but are able to purchase some, I would suggest you use the plug-in dispenser *if* you can reach an outlet in the room. If not, use the spray type (or maybe even *both*). MaryL > Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago. > She had been happily playing with a new toy, then a minute later the [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > Any help is appreciated! > Teri Wow... my heart goes out to you on this one.. I can only repeat what Karen already said.. I know it;s hard but you should try to relax. One of my cats got out the front door of my apartment and fell off the front balcony, a 20-30 foot drop... she was scared and she just fell.. didn't land on her feet. And this was the night after coming home from the vet after getting spayed. I was so scared I ran out in a t-shirt and boxers and crawled around under bushes calling for her.. thankfully, she didn't run.. When I got her back inside *I* was so scared she wouldn't come to me so I could check her over.. once I calmed down she let me hold her and check her tummy... Talk to your girl and let her know everything is okay.. just think calm and happy thoughts... Mar ------------------------------------------------ "I meant," said Ipslore, bitterly,"what is there in this world that makes living worthwhile?" Death thought about it. "Cats," he said eventually, "Cats are nice." -Terry Pratchett, 'Sourcery' >Wow... my heart goes out to you on this one.. I can only repeat what Karen >already said.. I know it;s hard but you should try to relax. One of my cats >got out the front door of my apartment and fell off the front balcony, a >20-30 foot drop... she was scared and she just fell.. didn't land on her >feet. And this was the night after coming home from the vet after getting >spayed. I couldn't even imagine that, how bad I would feel for her. I am glad she was ok. Well first of all, I was carrying the food processor because it was downstairs, and I needed it upstairs. Jewel seemed like she was going to be ok, and was starting to walk up the steps, so I went along with her. Last nite my friend came over at 2. The last time I had been up to the room was around 12, and I got hissed at even with the door closed, and when I cracked the door open she lunged at me like a snake. Well, I told Jake to be careful, but he just went right in, and talked to her for a few seconds and she slowly came over to him. I stayed out, but talked to her too so she would hear my voice while she was with him. He left the door open then and I put Seamus in another room. An hour later I went up to go to bed, and she was laying on the cat napper on the window so I knew she was not in attack mode anymore. I was afraid to talk to her so I just got in bed, and a minute later she hopped up and purred a little and went to sleep with me. She was very happy this morning, and I slowly opened to door to where Seamus was, and they just kind of smelled each other and were ok. Both cats are a little jumpy this morning when there is a strange noise here or next door, but they also have play-chased each other around a bit too. What a "frikkin" ordeal that was. Scary as anything! She seemed like she was brain damaged or possessed or something, and I had no doubt that she was going to try to kill me. Thank you everyone for your responses, (even at that hour Karen). I am going to call their doctor's office tomorrow to talk to the Behavioral Specialist. Jewel did that once before about a year and a half ago after she saw me petting a strange cat outside. She had me cornered in the kitchen for about 10 minutes, but then calmed down and was fine. This was 8 hours. So thanks again. If anyone else ever has this happen I will be glad to give support, knowing first hand how scary and truly bazaar it is! Teri > Last nite my friend came over at 2. The last time I had been up to > the room was around 12, and I got hissed at even with the door closed, [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > Teri I think this rather proves what several people here said--her hysteria was feeding off of your fear. Calming down in this situation is ideal, but not required. If cats are like people in this way, all you need to do is appear to be calm. Business as usual. About her recovery: cats can turn on a dime, and seem to forget all about trauma so quickly many times. Even just when I annoy Cheeks by picking her up and kissing her etc. (she's just so CUTE!) she pouts for like ten minutes and then comes up on the bed or couch for some love. circa Sun, 29 Feb 2004 17:13:37 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Mary (rosefan@email.com) said, > Even just when I annoy Cheeks by picking her up and > kissing her etc. (she's just so CUTE!) she pouts for like ten minutes > and then comes up on the bed or couch for some love. Oscar and Camille both dislike being picked up, but sometimes they're soooo squishable that I just _have_ to do it. The second I put their little feetsies back on the floor, they're happy again. :-) Laura  SignatureI am Dyslexia of Borg, Your a.s will be laminated. > Oscar and Camille both dislike being picked up, but sometimes they're > soooo squishable that I just _have_ to do it. The second I put their > little feetsies back on the floor, they're happy again. :-) Aren't we lucky they are so forgiving? :) By the way, Oscar isn't named for Mr. Wilde, is he? One of my favs for one-liners. Up there with Dorothy Parker. > Laura circa Mon, 01 Mar 2004 16:55:21 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Mary (rosefan@email.com) said, > > Oscar and Camille both dislike being picked up, but sometimes > they're [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Dorothy > Parker. In part, yes, he is. Both Oscar Wilde and Dorothy Parker have provided me with many a sig line. <G> Additionally, Oscar was the Americanized version of my grandmother's maiden name (Aasgaard), *and* when Oscar was a kitten, he had the grumpiest little face that he looked like Oscar the Grouch. Camille is named for Camille Claudel, but nobody ever seems to ask about that one. ;-) Laura SignatureI couldn't help it. I can resist everything except temptation. -Oscar Wilde >> Aren't we lucky they are so forgiving? :) By the way, Oscar isn't >> named [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > Camille is named for Camille Claudel, but nobody ever seems to ask > about that one. ;-) Cos it's such a kitty name. :) Not to change this into a "where did your kitty get its name" thread, but I have to put mine in. My RB Marley was named for where he was found as a kitten, Marley Station outside of Baltimore. Shadow was already Shadow named by the twin girls of the witch who ended up putting him out on the street at 3 years old. Shamrock (Shamwock in baby talk) was named because his official name on the SPCA paperwork when I started fostering him was "Stray" (one of the forms actually names him BWM which I think meant Black/White Male, and I almost named him BMW), and it was Mar 16 two years ago. Bonnie's name was given to her by Megan. Short for "Bonus Cat" because I wasn't prepared to take in another after Shadow got sick, but no one else would take this small unsocialized feral. Plus Bonnie fits with Shamrock (Irish theme) whom she adores, and has from the start. Those are the loves of my life now. :) circa Mon, 01 Mar 2004 20:12:46 -0600, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Cheryl (jlhshadow@NOSPAMhotmail.com) said, > Shamrock (Shamwock in baby talk) Ah, it's not just me who has "real" names for the cats and baby talk names for the cats. :-) My beasties' BT names: Jacob: Ti Ti or Di Ti(I have no idea how I started calling him that, and it's hard to spell it phonetically because it's neither a real "d" sound nor a real "t" sound- more like "dt"), Deet (from Ti Ti), Chakie-Chakie, Jakie-jake Oscar: Wabbit, Occa Wabbit (because as a kitten, I swear he was mounted on springs and he bounced everywhere; the "Occa" comes from a former housemate's toddler daughter who couldn't pronounce "Oscar" and who would joyously screech "OCCA!" every time she saw him), Occa Wawit Camille: Mee-mille, Bunny, Honey-bunny, Buh-bunny, Girly-girl, Pree- girl (pretty girl) I'm surprised any of them respond to their real names. ;-) Laura SignatureI am Dyslexia of Borg, Your a.s will be laminated. > Ah, it's not just me who has "real" names for the cats and baby talk > names for the cats. :-) I call Hodge "Gertrude" when he does something bad. Funny, he doesn't find it as insulting as he should . . . ;) Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/ http://slywy.diaryland.com/ circa Sun, 07 Mar 2004 16:51:47 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Diane L. Schirf (delenn@mindspring-getridofthistoreply-.com) said, > > Ah, it's not just me who has "real" names for the cats and baby talk > > names for the cats. :-) > > I call Hodge "Gertrude" when he does something bad. Funny, he doesn't > find it as insulting as he should . . . ;) Funny how they ignore our best insults, isn't it? ;-) Laura SignatureI am Dyslexia of Borg, Your a.s will be laminated. > Ah, it's not just me who has "real" names for the cats and baby talk > names for the cats. :-) What a great topic! If you all are willing to embarrass yourselves, hey, I'm right there! Gnarly Jean was sometimes Gnarlita Marie (when she was acting super girly and flirting with my boyfriend) Ni Lee, Chinese Cat (when sleepy) Gnarly Yamacatta (after skater Kristi Yamaguchi, inspired by a long slide she took on the hardwoods) and Snarly Jean at times, depending on her mood. Because she is so sleek and slender, Cheeks became Weasel for a while, which somehow changed into Cheeks, Royal Princes of the Ancient Tribe of the Woosilah Wee and then, I am embarrassed to say, Woodrow the Weasel Girl, and finally, Woody. The more I love a creature the more names they seem to have. I did this to my sister growing up, too. :) I wasn't even aware of it until an old friend visited and hearing me refer to Gnarly by several names said "why does she have so many NAMES?" It was then I knew that we were drifting apart. A bad sign. > Jacob: Ti Ti or Di Ti(I have no idea how I started calling him that, > and it's hard to spell it phonetically because it's neither a real [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > I'm surprised any of them respond to their real names. ;-) How cute. :) Shadow's baby talk name is harder to type. Shaaa (more of just an "s" sound with only a slight "sh" sound), looong drawn-out short "a", - doh (the shaaaa part is high pitched falsetto sort of, ending with "doh").. When I talk to him like that he gets all squinty-eyed, and purrs. He loves it. lol >How cute. :) Shadow's baby talk name is harder to type. Shaaa (more of >just an "s" sound with only a slight "sh" sound), looong drawn-out short >"a", - doh (the shaaaa part is high pitched falsetto sort of, ending with >"doh").. When I talk to him like that he gets all squinty-eyed, and >purrs. Ha! Around here, it's Yoda, the Yo-Man, Yodie, Yodi-Man. Double-Yo-Seven, The International Cat of Mystery. Yodie-Odie-Odie-O. Or, Yooooda, Ya-Ya-Ya-Ya YOOOODA. (Sung to the tune of the Kinks' "Lola", which, by the way, I was singing before Weird Al ever thought about recording it) Bootsie, Booty-Girl, Girly-Girl. Her Royal Boot-ness. Sherry "Sherry " <sriddles@aol.comkitty> > Ha! Around here, it's Yoda, the Yo-Man, Yodie, Yodi-Man. Double-Yo-Seven, The > International Cat of Mystery. Yodie-Odie-Odie-O. Or, Yooooda, Ya-Ya-Ya-Ya > YOOOODA. (Sung to the tune of the Kinks' "Lola", which, by the way, I was > singing before Weird Al ever thought about recording it) > Bootsie, Booty-Girl, Girly-Girl. Her Royal Boot-ness. Ha hahaha! I had no idea other people did this! >circa Mon, 01 Mar 2004 20:12:46 -0600, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, >Cheryl (jlhshadow@NOSPAMhotmail.com) said, >> Shamrock (Shamwock in baby talk) >> >Ah, it's not just me who has "real" names for the cats and baby talk >names for the cats. :-) I have a way of saying Kira's name that gets her attention more. It's hard to write, but something like keer wah with the wah drawn out. If I want Maynard's attention, all I have to do is whistle, and he'll come in a hurry. Chase is also known as Chaser, Chaster, angel boy, as well as the cucumber or the watermelon. I think the he looks more like a cucumber than a watermelon. Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com << Camille is named for Camille Claudel, but nobody ever seems to ask about that one. ;-) Laura >> I saw the movie a few years back...tragic life. Candace (take the litter out before replying by e-mail) See my cats: http://photos.yahoo.com/maccandace "One does not meet oneself until one catches the reflection from an eye other than human." (Loren Eisely) circa 05 Mar 2004 01:58:37 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, MacCandace (maccandace@aol.comlitter) said, > << Camille is named for Camille Claudel, but nobody ever seems to ask > about that one. ;-) > > Laura >> > > I saw the movie a few years back...tragic life. Quite. She was an incredibly gifted artist, and many of the hands and feet in Rodin's sculptures were actually created by her (and she was also the subject for some of his most beautiful pieces), but she had a terribly difficult life and was quite mad at the end. Laura SignatureI am Dyslexia of Borg, Your a.s will be laminated. > I am going to call their doctor's office tomorrow to talk to the > Behavioral Specialist. Jewel did that once before about a year and a > half ago after she saw me petting a strange cat outside. She had me > cornered in the kitchen for about 10 minutes, but then calmed down and > was fine. This was 8 hours. .........Why don't you get a thyroid test run first. buglady take out the dog before replying >> Wow... my heart goes out to you on this one.. I can only repeat what Karen >> already said.. I know it;s hard but you should try to relax. One of my cats [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > > Teri So glad to hear she calmed down!!!! I think it would be a good idea to get feliway diffusers for parts of the house. Maybe begin practicing yoga so you can call upon calmness when you need it! Usually, have the trouble is their ability to sense our own fear. When I was always afraid that a big fight would break out (after such happened several times with Grant and Pearl) it was always bad, but I have come to force myself to never get nervous over confrontations and as soon as my nervousness went down, so did theirs. I've no doubt that I contributed to all of our agression problems. Karen > Last nite my friend came over at 2. > He left the door open then and I put Seamus in another room. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > happy this morning, and I slowly opened to door to where Seamus was, > and they just kind of smelled each other and were ok. I'm delighted to hear this. I sort of suspected that she would go back to her regular routine if you just opened the door and left her alone to calm down on her *own* time schedule. > I am going to call their doctor's office tomorrow to talk to the > Behavioral Specialist. Jewel did that once before about a year and a > half ago after she saw me petting a strange cat outside. She had me > cornered in the kitchen for about 10 minutes, but then calmed down and > was fine. I think it's an excellent idea to consult a behavioralist since this same thing happened on another occasion. I also think it would be a good idea to plug 2 or 3 Feliway diffusers into outlets in central locations, and *always* use them. It may be that she will benefit from the calming effect. A medical evaluation is also in order. In fact, this is probably the first action to take. Good luck, and please keep us updated. MaryL This was 8 hours. > So thanks again. If anyone else ever has this happen I will be glad > to give support, knowing first hand how scary and truly bazaar it is! > > Teri Should I keep > going up to talk to her, or leave her alone for a while. ..You're freaking your cat out. She thinks there's still something wrong by the way you're acting. Either leave her alone or go into the room whre she is, sit on the floor, close your eyes and just breathe. Eventually you'll calm down and your cat will no longer be afraid of you. buglady take out the dog before replying >..You're freaking your cat out. She thinks there's still something wrong by >the way you're acting. well I was just talking to her. and I talk to her all the time. I was trying to calm her down, she was the one freaked out. >Either leave her alone or go into the room whre she >is, sit on the floor, close your eyes and just breathe. The point was, I could not get into the room. I could not even open the door, she was sitting four feet inside the door and literally attacked it whenever she saw me. At one point I tried to just casually step in like nothing was going on to get a pair of sweat pants off a hook inside the door, and if not for the overhang of the waterbed which she cracked her head on when she tried to lunge up and rip off one of my limbs, I probably would have bled to death. You had to be there. I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't either. Teri > The point was, I could not get into the room. I could not even open > the door, she was sitting four feet inside the door and literally > attacked it whenever she saw me. Don't you wonder what would have happened if you, the much bigger creature with thumbs AND a well-developed forebrain, just walked in anyway? Calmly? I'm betting she would have retreated. At that point I would have put the cat box in there and left, leaving the door open, and ignoring her completely until she came to me. At one point I tried to just > casually step in like nothing was going on to get a pair of sweat > pants off a hook inside the door, and if not for the overhang of the > waterbed which she cracked her head on when she tried to lunge up and > rip off one of my limbs, I probably would have bled to death. You had > to be there. I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't either. Hmmm. You did try it. Well, maybe this is something I have never seen. It would be really hard for me to live with an animal I was afraid of. I'm glad you can, and hope you can get some help dealing with her response to fear. Keep us posted. circa Sun, 29 Feb 2004 17:24:59 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Mary (rosefan@email.com) said, > > The point was, I could not get into the room. I could not even open > > the door, she was sitting four feet inside the door and literally [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > would have put the cat box in there and left, leaving the door open, > and ignoring her completely until she came to me. In defense of the OP, my parents' cat is a complete psycho bastid, and on two occasions has literally chased me through their house, snarling and hissing. Both times it was when I was holding another cat (the first time, it was my parents' other, now-deceased siamese, Harvey; the second time, it was Alex when he had a pharangeal feeding tube and I was in Michigan for my friend's wedding and had to bring Alex along [long story]). My parents' veterinarian thinks that BFRB (Big Fat Rat Bastard) either really, really hates me or really, really loves me. Either way, his behavior around me is just plain bizarre. He has some major jealousy that centers around me somehow; we just aren't sure if it's because he's jealous *of* me, or jealous of me giving attention to anybody/anything else. Laura SignatureI am Dyslexia of Borg, Your a.s will be laminated. >In defense of the OP, my parents' cat is a complete psycho bastid, >and on two occasions has literally chased me through their house, >snarling and hissing So what would have happened if you didn't run? Probably would have perplexed the hell out of the cat :-) -mhd circa Sun, 29 Feb 2004 19:37:28 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, hamandcheese@betweentheknees.com (hamandcheese@betweentheknees.com) said, > >In defense of the OP, my parents' cat is a complete psycho bastid, > >and on two occasions has literally chased me through their house, > >snarling and hissing > > So what would have happened if you didn't run? Probably would have > perplexed the hell out of the cat :-) No, I would have been injured. The first time he did it, I _didn't_ run at first. That proved to be a painful mistake. Laura SignatureI am Dyslexia of Borg, Your a.s will be laminated. > circa Sun, 29 Feb 2004 19:37:28 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, > hamandcheese@betweentheknees.com (hamandcheese@betweentheknees.com) [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > No, I would have been injured. The first time he did it, I _didn't_ > run at first. That proved to be a painful mistake. I had a feeling you had tested this out. :) circa Mon, 01 Mar 2004 16:50:08 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Mary (rosefan@email.com) said, > > > >In defense of the OP, my parents' cat is a complete psycho > bastid, [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > I had a feeling you had tested this out. :) <cackle> I can be a bit thickheaded. <G> Laura SignatureIt costs me never a stab nor squirm To tread by chance upon a worm. "Aha, my little dear," I say, "Your clan will pay me back one day." -Dorothy Parker > > I had a feeling you had tested this out. :) > > > <cackle> I can be a bit thickheaded. <G> Me too, and as you can see by my original answer to this post, I might have tried it too! I don't think I have ever had a cat get really scary agressive with me. It's good to know they can really hurt you. I had no idea. >Me too, and as you can see by my original answer to this post, I might >have tried it too! I don't think I have ever had a cat get really >scary >agressive with me. It's good to know they can really hurt you. I had >no idea. I remember a story when a lady was attacked in her home by an intruder. The cat launched himself at the guys head and attacked him while teh lady ran next door and called 911. The cat basically saved her life while causing some damage to the guy's head. An upset cat, even with clipped claws, can cause some damage. It's like holding on to a ball of claws. You can't. I remember holding a cat when she was startled. It was a blur, she moved so fast, but I was left with a bunch of parallel bleeding lines. Also, when Kira get mad at me and feels neglected, she will swat at me. On some occasions, she has ran up behind me, leaped, and wrapped her paws around my upper thigh. She wasn't hurting me, but she could have if she had wanted to. Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com circa Tue, 02 Mar 2004 05:23:46 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Mary (rosefan@email.com) said, > > > I had a feeling you had tested this out. :) > > > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > agressive with me. It's good to know they can really hurt you. I had > no idea. Definitely. Cats may be small relative to humans, but they're given some pretty useful weapons. Laura SignatureI am Dyslexia of Borg, Your a.s will be laminated. "Laura R." I love her, still want to go stay in her room at the Algonquin. Re: worms--Kenneth Patchen has a great poem in which we find the phrase "... and the worms have evolved a very effective way of writing history." circa Tue, 02 Mar 2004 05:25:36 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Mary (rosefan@email.com) said, > Re: worms--Kenneth Patchen has a great poem in which > we find the phrase "... and the worms have evolved a very > effective way of writing history." That's why I want to be cremated when I die. :-) Laura SignatureA proverb is a short sentence based on long experience. -Miguel de Cervantes > That's why I want to be cremated when I die. :-) No WAY! Did you know that you don't turn to nice little dust one can "sprinkle" anywhere, but big old chunky stuff that rattles around? Grossed me right out. I want to be buried so that I can write the epitaph on my stone. :) > A proverb is a short sentence based on long experience. > -Miguel de Cervantes >No WAY! Did you know that you don't turn to nice little dust one can >"sprinkle" anywhere, but big old chunky stuff that rattles around? >Grossed >me right out. I want to be buried so that I can write the epitaph on >my >stone. :) Hey, you can write the epitaph on your stone right now. Being the control freak that I am, I've had a stone set up at the cemetery for years. It's the only way to make sure everything's spelled right :-) Funny story...when they were setting the stone, they ran a slab of concrete footing first. I was there, with the dog. The dog ran across tthe concrete, leaving pawprints. The monument guy sighed, then went to smooth it again, and I said, "No, leave it just like that." After all, I've lived with paw prints all over the cat, pet hair all over me, that slab says more about me than any epitaaph could. Sherry >Hey, you can write the epitaph on your stone right now. Being the control >freak that I am, I've had a stone set up at the cemetery for years. It's the [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >over the cat, pet hair all over me, that slab says more about me than any >epitaaph could. That sounds perfect! I think I would like that on mine. It would represent me well. Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > Hey, you can write the epitaph on your stone right now. Being the control > freak that I am, I've had a stone set up at the cemetery for years. It's the > only way to make sure everything's spelled right :-) I do plan to have something set up, but am afraid starting the process migh hasten my demise!! LOL!! > Funny story...when they were setting the stone, they ran a slab of concrete > footing first. I was there, with the dog. The dog ran across tthe concrete, > leaving pawprints. The monument guy sighed, then went to smooth it again, and I > said, "No, leave it just like that." After all, I've lived with paw prints all > over the cat, pet hair all over me, that slab says more about me than any > epitaaph could. Love it. >> Hey, you can write the epitaph on your stone right now. Being the >control [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >I do plan to have something set up, but am afraid starting the process >migh hasten my demise!! LOL!! Well, to further explain, I have an uncle who is in the business, and wanted to do one for us before he retired. Except for that, I probably wouldn't have done it. Sherry > Well, to further explain, I have an uncle who is in the business, and wanted to > do one for us before he retired. Except for that, I probably wouldn't have done > it. Lucky you, what a great (albeit unusual) gift! I think it's a great thing to do. But the expense! I want a digital camera and a laptop this year. :) > > The point was, I could not get into the room. I could not even open > > the door, she was sitting four feet inside the door and literally [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > would have put the cat box in there and left, leaving the door open, > and ignoring her completely until she came to me. Fortunately, the immediate problem seems to have been resolved. However, I think advice like this (if followed) could be very dangerous. This cat was under stress and was in attack mode. Walking into the room in this situation could result in injury to the person and still more stress for the cat. The best recourse is to simply leave the cat alone for awhile -- for as long as it takes -- until it calms down. Each attempt to force the issue can actually prolong it even further. MaryL >Fortunately, the immediate problem seems to have been resolved. However, I >think advice like this (if followed) could be very dangerous. This cat was [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >as long as it takes -- until it calms down. Each attempt to force the issue >can actually prolong it even further. I have to agree. My first choice would be to leave the cat alone and let it come out when it is ready. Give it some time to cool off. If I really needed to go into the room because I needed something or that was my room to sleep in, then I would put on some extra clothes or wrap myself in a blanket so that I would have some protection from claws. Then I could walk in calmly with no fear. I have a rescued dog who had some major fear issues, and the easiest way for her to calm down was to be near somebody who was relaxed. So, in a bad thunderstorm, I wouldn't cuddle her or play to her fears (that only rewarded them), but I would let her curl up next to me and sense my calmness. A lot of times, she would hear a noise and look at the other dog, who (bless her) wasn't bothered by anything. She was ready to run and panic, but she'd see the other dog relaxed, and she'd calm down again. Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com >Don't you wonder what would have >happened if you, the much bigger creature >with thumbs AND a well-developed >forebrain, just walked in anyway? Calmly? >I'm betting she would have retreated. You'd lose that bet. The stupidest thing a person can do is try to be in a room with a cat that has just exhibited such an intense case of redirected aggression. You can pretty much guarantee injury and blood loss. To offer this as something one should try is irresponsible to say the least and could result in serious harm. Megan Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray >> ..You're freaking your cat out. She thinks there's still something wrong by >> the way you're acting. [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > to be there. I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't either. > Teri Teri, I think that is always a cue to definitely let her be, even though you want to check on her. I know that's hard because we want to check on them, but it sounds like she has a level of "leave me alone" beyond most cats in extreme situations. That is *if* something like this would happen again. Karen >Teri, I think that is always a cue to definitely let her be, even though you >want to check on her. I know that's hard because we want to check on them, >but it sounds like she has a level of "leave me alone" beyond most cats in >extreme situations. That is *if* something like this would happen again. Thanks. I sure hope if doesn't happen again, but that is why I want to call the doctor's office tomorrow. I am not "living with a cat I am afraid of", as someone suggested, it was a freak case of her being scared to death and directing that fear at me. Which is why I think she calmed right down with Jake, he wasn't here when the incident happened, so she had no reason to kill him. But you are right, I think I did rush into trying to help her when I should have just given her a few more hours. But I was scared about her being in that state, because I can't imagine how she must have felt. Today though, as loving as usual. Teri <snip story of redirected aggression> When a cat experiences a sudden scare, or sees a strange animal through a window, it is common for the cat to go into "fight" mode and attack the nearest living being. Unfortunately in this case it was "you." In this type of situation the best thing to do is grab a pillow, cushion, or whatever is handy, put it between you and the cat, then herd the cat into a room, turn the light off and close the door. Trying to interact with a cat that is acting this way will generally upset the cat "more" and can also put you at risk for severe injury. You can also use the cushion and block the cat from getting to you while you slide a litterbox in the room, as it is best to leave the cat alone at least overnight so it can calm down. It's better to be safe than sorry, and the cat should be left completely alone for at least half a day. Sometimes it can take longer than that, but eventually they do calm down. Megan Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray >Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago. >She had been happily playing with a new toy, then a minute later the [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] >Any help is appreciated! >Teri I haven't had a chance to go through all the posts yet but my recommendation is a radio. Whatever background she is used to be it talk or music. Turn it on and just leave her alone. Your fear is sensed by her and only aggravates the situation. If you can put a litter pan, water and kibble in, I am sure she would eventually react. To help calm you down, carry a spray bottle with you and use it if you have to. I hope the situation has improved by the time you read this. Good luck. >Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago. So, I talked to the behavior specialist at our vet's office today. She said, as others already have, that what happened was a "normal" reaction to intense fear. The thing to do is leave the cat where it is, if that happens to be isolated in a room, shut the door, turn off the light, get water, food, and box in there is possible, and stay away for six hours. If going back then gets the same reaction give it a few more hours. So, like I have already been told, my natural reaction of wanting to keep trying to calm her down, is no help at all. There is nothing you (I) can do to make them get over it sooner, which is a helpless feeling when you see your little baby that freaked out. Hopefully I never will again! I am pleased to report that ever since that nite's episode ended Jewel continues to be her usual happy little self. Oh, the other lesson I learned from this - is to not let open paper bags laying on the floor for cats to jump off of ledges onto... and to find a place to store the food processor in the kitchen! Thank you all. Teri Seamus and Jewel > >Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > reaction of wanting to keep trying to calm her down, is no help at > all. Thanks for letting us know, Teri. >There is nothing you (I) can do to make them get over it sooner, > which is a helpless feeling when you see your little baby that freaked > out. Hopefully I never will again! I hope not too. This is how we learn from one another. circa Mon, 01 Mar 2004 22:46:24 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, teri (teric@enter.net) said, > >Jewel (sweetheart of a cat) had a hell of a scare five hours ago. > [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > Teri > Seamus and Jewel Glad to hear that all has settled down well and happily. :-) Laura SignatureThis is not a book to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force. -Dorothy Parker "Laura R." <UseFirstInitialPlusRobinson@technologist.com>> This is not a book to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown > with great force. I love this one! Did you know that she was one of the first to review Milne's "Winnie the Pooh?" Her column was called "Constant Reader," and at one point she said "Tonstant Weader Fwowed Up." :) "Brevity is the soul of lingerie." Dorothy Parker circa Tue, 02 Mar 2004 05:27:54 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Mary (rosefan@email.com) said, > >> This is not > a book to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > point she > said "Tonstant Weader Fwowed Up." :) I think that Dorothy Parker and Oscar Wilde were two of the greatest wits to ever set pen to paper. Of course, I also think Stephen King does some of the best character development in modern literature, so I have odd tastes. ;-) > "Brevity is the soul of lingerie." Dorothy Parker This is one of the stock sig lines stored in my sig list. :-) Laura SignatureThere's a hell of a distance between wisecracking and wit. Wit has truth in it; wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words. -Dorothy Parker > I think that Dorothy Parker and Oscar Wilde were two of the greatest > wits to ever set pen to paper. Yes. And there was more to Oscar than many thought. He could flip off something like "After 20 years of romance a woman looks like a ruin. After 20 years of marriage she looks like a public building" but then could also say: "A dreamer is one who can only see his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world." Or the terribly true ( and here, terribly paraphrased) "There are only two kinds of people in the world, the tedious and the charming. I, for one, never listen to what tedious people say and I never interfere with what charming people do." Of course, I also think Stephen King > does some of the best character development in modern literature, so > I have odd tastes. ;-) He's a brilliant story teller. For someone really good in a very different way (and I bet you have read her) how about Anne Tyler? Instead of extraordinary events and circumstances, she writes of the terribly ordinary in a way that is achingly beautiful, honest, and many times really funny. I am reading Breathing Lessons now, and I have about four more to go ot finish off every thing she has ever written.
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