Expert: Ali - 3/16/2009

Question
Thank you very much for answering my previous question regarding my cat Launa who is starving herself to death.  In regards to the cat we recently lost, he was close to the other cat, Animal.  Launa had very little to do with him considering we kept them separated while she healed from her tooth.  While she was in for her tooth I had them check her over for any other possible health conditions, blood work and everything, and they found her to be in excellent health.  My boyfriend and I had to go out to sea for the weekend so we kept her locked in the bathroom with a litter box, food, and water and she did just fine, put weight back on and was very excited to see us once we got home.  However, the min I took her out of the bathroom and she saw the other cat she freaked out again and ran back into the bathroom behind the toilet and peed all over herself.  My mom suggested getting medication for her but I wonder if that will fix her fear of the other cat permanently or only while she is medicated?  I don't want her medicated forever and my boyfriend and I are considering taking the other cat back to Tennessee to be with his parents.  Is it possible that she will never get acclimated to being around other cats?  Thanks again for your advice and I will be getting the other medications you mentioned, I'll try anything at this point.

Answer
Heather,

Unfortunately due to your description of the intensity of your cat's fear and anxiety when confronted with another cat she may never truly be comfortable with sharing her home. It's certainly worth trying the Rescue Remedy as this can be quite effective without the risks and side effects associated with powerful psychotropic drugs often prescribed by vets to treat anxiety or depression. I believe that I mentioned the fact that the medications used to treat anxiety in cats are often small doses of human medications for the same purpose and I have a number of concerns about the use of these medications in cats. I don't necessarily believe that it's in a cat's best interests to require powerful medication daily that changes her brain chemistry - it's not something to be done lightly. I can't promise that your cat will get better without medication, I just think that it's best to keep things as natural as possible and treating this kitty with alternative therapies under the guidance of a holistic vet is probably the smartest idea to start her treatment. A holistic veterinarian is trained in conventional medicine as well as one or more alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy or massage to name a few. These therapies work well for pets and cats respond well to these non-pharmaceutical treatment options. It's worth a try and I think it's the best course of action for your cat's extreme fear.