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Question
Hello Karen,
4 years ago, I found a kitten in my yard. I took him in and had him neutered and kept him indoors. He was a very playful and friendly kitten. When he reached adulthood, he slowly became very frightened of people and actually acted like a feral cat. Nothing changed in the home environment to provoke this behavior (we didn't move, and there are no new human or cat residents).
2 years ago, he developed a very strange and destructive habit. He started pulling out chunks of carpet with his teeth and eating it! We tried spraying the carpet with a bitter tasting spray, but that didn't work. I was unable to take him to the vet because I couldn't get him in a carrier.
Sadly, this week he started eating more carpet, and he attacked a family member when they tried to handle him. I trapped him in a cage and surrendered him to a local humane society. I feel terrible about this, but I also feel that I had no other choice.
I am sorry to take up your time asking about a cat that is no longer in my possession, but I would greatly appreciate any ideas you may have on what contributed to his behavior. Thank you. Sincerely, Alicia
Hi Alicia,
There are a lot of different reasons for the behavior changes that you list. And if you had written earlier things could have had a different outcome. He could have seen something outside that frightened him. Cats are affected by what they see. Even if you don't think someone was bothering him, someone or something was. His aggressiveness and feral like behavior could have been corrected.
His eating carpet fibers could have been caused by a number of things. He could have been lacking something in his diet. He could have been bored. He could have had some type of cat disease such as leukemia. He could have been doing it to get your attention. Again this could have also been corrected. However by giving him up to a humane society you did the right thing. He will get what he needs and hopefully he will find a new home. If you get another cat and run into any problem please write to us here. We will be glad to help you through any problem you have. Good luck and take care.
Ciao, Karen
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 9 |
| Comment | The expert did not address the fact that the cat became feral. I am not sure if she understood that we had to trap and surrender him to the humane society because he could not be handled or treated. I merely wanted to know what could have caused his condition (eating carpet). She gave a very complete answer on possible causes which was the reason that I contacted her in the first place. I would like to thank her for her time and for offering to help in future situations with my other cats. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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