Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/18/2008

Question
I have 2 cats and I had one (Gabi) spayed about 4 months ago. And since then she has become very fearful. I really hate the fact that she is not herself like before. She is coming around, but she still has some way to go. Because of this I am afraid to spay the other one (Lolita). They are indoor cats so she wont run the risk of getting pregnant. But I do know it's best for her that I spay her but I'm really scared (cuz to begin with she was more fearful than Gabi.)

Lolita was diagnosed with food allergies and recently Gabi has been showing the same symptons. The vet gave me some medicine to give to them both and I have been doing so. As a result, Gabi is even more fearful now. To make matters worse, I showered them today and it was very stressful for them both. Before Gabi's operation, she was very easy-going with most things and hardly objected to getting a shower, in fact she surprised me because I think she even enjoyed it. Today however, she was very stressed and scared. Now, she is  even MORE withdrawn and scared. I hate to see her like this. Lolita was scared too but she came around me not too long afterwards.

After giving them their medicine, I started giving them a treat so that they would associate the experience with something pleasant. But now when I call them to come get their treat they are scared because they think I will give them their medicine again. It totally did not work the way I anticipated at all.

Do you have any suggestions on how I can give them their medicine in a way that is not scary for them? And any tips concerning helping Gabi to feel less scared and be comfortable the way she used to be before the operation?

I had them tested for cat HIV and cat leukemia and it came back negative, thank God. At the moment I am putting 4 drops of Bach's Rescue Remedy in their water. But I don't know how often I should use it.

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Lillian,

Bach's Rescue Remedy can be given in the water during any time of stress. You can use up to ten drops every time the water is changed depending on the level the cat is stressed. If your cat does not like the taste (though the alcohol content is almost negligible after dilution), you can rub one or two drops behind the cat's ear. The remedy can be given by mouth, which is the most effective method. Only a few drops (4-8) are necessary, and need not be swallowed, but only must contact the mucous membranes (gums, tongue, lips). Be careful not to contaminate the dropper by touching it to the animal (if this occurs, rinse the dropper in very hot water before returning it to the bottle). You can also add a dropper full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution). You can add a dropper full to a spray bottle filled with bottled spring water, and use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas. You can even put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it--the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb essences in this way.

For most behavioral problems, you can give 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks, or add a dropper full to their drinking water every day until no further signs of distress are present.

There is no improper or wrong method of applying the Bach Remedies. It is truly not necessary to be precise in counting the number of drops in any of the dilution methods. You cannot overdose the Bach's Remedies, they are non-toxic and have no side effects.

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Do NOT give cats showers unless they have rolled in something 'nasty'. Cats clean themselves and do not need baths. Plus that is adding stress that they DO NOT need right now.

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I am not a vet and can not give you 'expert' advice on allergies,  but If it were me, I would get a second opinion from a different vet on the cat's food allergies. Usually medication is not given unless they have a skin condition as a result of the allergies. Normally, the cats are allergic to an ingredient in the food. The common  procedure is to change all the foods being given and try different ones, or get a hypo-allergenic cat food from your vet or a pet supply store. Allergies can also be caused by dust in the house.

I hope this information was helpful.