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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Cat Phyc
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Question
I have a Russian blue that is also manx named Addi, she looks a lot like a rabbit. We are pretty sure she was attacked by a bird of prey going by her wounds.
My question is how to help her mentally. Her behavior has changed she won't hardly go out side to use the litter & is going wherever around the house, so we are reintroducing an indoor one. She sleeps so much & just is acting very odd though its been 2 months since the attack.
Do you have any advice on how to help her heal emotionally?
Thank you,
Addi's Mom
Addi's Mom,
It may be a medical issue. If you haven't already, I would take Addi to the vet for blood-work. Her depression may stem from a chemical imbalance, or she may have contracted something from whatever attacked her, or she may have some internal damage.
If a medical problem is ruled out, to help her come out of her depression you need to give her lots of love, attention, kitty treats, and try to get her to play (pet laser lights are excellent) to get her mind off of whatever she is traumatized by.
The vet can also prescribe an anti-depressant for her to see if that helps.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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