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Expert: - 11/11/2008


Question
Hi,
I have a question on my cat's behavior.  I have a male cat, Oreo.  He's approximately 2 yrs. old.  I found him a year ago when I moved into my new house.  He was eating out of my trash cans, and my neighbors informed me that his previous owner up and moved and left him behind (How cruel!) I adopted him, took him to the vet, got his shots, etc.  I've had cats all of my life, but Oreo is by far the sweetest, most affectionate cat I've ever had.  He's also the neediest!  He follows me everywhere I go, and cries when I'm out of his sight.  I can't even go to the bathroom without him standing outside crying until I come out and pick him up.  My vet doesn't seem particularly concerned-SHE doesn't have to live with HIM!(smile) I've never seen a cat act like this.  Help!

Answer
Diane,

It's perfectly understandable that Oreo would be afraid of being abandoned after all, someone he trusted and loved did it once before so there is that chance in his mind that you may do it as well....A bit of Rescue Remedy, lots of love, a few distractions and some hard play sessions should help to reign him in... Rescue Remedy is a Bach Flower Essence that is designed to calm and reassure. You can usually find it in natural health/grocery stores, naturopathic pharmacies, and in some mainstream pharmacies in their supplement section....This is a safe remedy and has worked for me in a variety of situations including separation anxiety. By loving Oreo and reassuring him when he's calm he will get to understand that when he's calm and quiet good things happen...Distractions can be anything from automated toys to a motion activated recording that you made especially for him saying that you love him and he's a wonderful kitty. You can also begin leaving your dirty clothes in an open hamper for Oreo to lay on...Trust me, it sounds gross, but it works because nothing smells more like you than your dirty clothes....My youngest kitty was a street rescue and I started out working with her because my apartment neighbors informed me that this kitty cried every time I left the apartment and didn't stop until I came home...I really saw what they meant when this pretty girl was left at the vet's clinic for a day or so and she cried the whole time we were gone- except of course under anesthetic! Plenty of play is good...Kitty teases and kitten mittens, laser lights (watch the eyes though), and anything that will encourage Oreo to run around will help to make him tired so that he can't fixate on you anymore...These are just a few ideas to get you and Oreo started off....If you need more ammunition I have plenty!

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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