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Expert: Jessica - 7/5/2009


Question
I have a cat named Victor he used to live outside (not any more) and he is really scared what can i do to make him not be sacred?

Answer
Hi Andrea.  This really just takes a lot of time and patience.  Try to keep him limited to a small area for now.  A bedroom with no hiding spots works well.  Cats feel safest in small enclosed areas, so an entire house can be overwhelming to them and cause them to be fearful and hide.  I recommend to try hand feeding him extra special treats such as boiled chicken breast or bits of tuna.  Also, try to get him to play.  My cats especially love laser pointers.  Be sure to avoid any loud noises that may scare him, and if you can keep a consistent feeding and playtime schedule, this will help him feel a sense of stability.  You might also want to try a product called Feliway.  It helps create a calm atmosphere for cats.  I use the plug-in diffusers in my own home at all times.  Learn more about how it works at www.feliway.com  You can buy it at pet stores, online and through some veterinarians.

Good luck!

Jessica

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Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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