Expert: Karen Craft - 2/12/2011

Question
Hi Karen. I hope you are able to provide some insight as I am exhausted at trying to figure this out. I'll provide you with a little background.

Ceilidh is my first cat; she will be 3 in June. I got her when she was 8 weeks old - she had been hand-raised by her previous owner because her mom had been hit by a car. She's always had a distinct personality - a bit saucy, very independent, and affectionate but on her own terms. She is also very quiet - the only time she makes a sound is when we visit the vet. We developed quite the little routine: she always greeted me at the door and would cuddle for a few minutes after, she would constantly curl up next to me at night for belly rubs and then sleep on the computer chair that I would roll up next to the bed and place her favourite blanket on. She would keep me company when I took a bath and followed me everywhere.

Over the last summer I was gone more and worked longer hours and I got the sense that she was very lonely. After much deliberation, I adopted a rescue kitten in November. Brady was 12 weeks at the time and is the complete opposite of Ceilidh in perosonality. He loves to play, is very affectionate, and full of energy. It took about a month for Ceilidh to warm up to him yet after they would constantly play - he would chase her, she would chase him and she always let him know she was 'boss'. Often times they would cuddle and groom one another. Everything seemed fine.

The 1st week of January Ceilidh was sick with an infection. She was on antibiotics for 14days and she lost 1.3 lbs. Bloodwork was done and ruled out any serious health issues - she is up to date on all her shots, has been dewormed and treated for fleas. (Brady is also up to date on shots and healthy). A week after the antibiotics wore off she gained back .6 however things have changed. She doesn't eat as much as she use to and she seems to be sleeping or just relaxing more than ever. She doesn't want to play with Brady at all; she growls at Brady more and all the things she use to do with me before she no longer does. She will greet me at the door but she won't let me pick her up anymore.  She has been off the antibiotics since January 24th and was given a clean bill of health by our vet on the same day.

Ceilidh, to me, seems unhappy and she is more saucy then she use to be. I've gotten a lot of feedback from friends and family who say she is either depressed or sometime during her sickness she decided that she no longer wants Brady around and that is why she ignores him, growls more, and doesn't play with him.

I miss the way things use to be and it breaks my heart to see her like this. I'm at a loss as to what to do. I mean, what if I do give Brady a new home (a friend is willing to take him if it comes to that) and she is still the same - or worse because he is gone? I just don't know what to do.

Oh and if it matters - Ceilidh is a Maine Coon mix and Brady is a mackarel Tabby. They have both been spayed/neutered.

Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I would like our little home to be the way it was before she got sick but I have a feeling that may not happen. =(

Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle,

Sorry to hear about your problems. Sounds like Ceilidh still isn't up to snuff. I would take her to another vet for a second opinion. I don't like the fact that your vet said all is OK when it looks like there still is a problem. Her not eating, the lethargy, and the behavior change says to me she still has something going on. I think the reason she doesn't want Brady or you around is that she is still feeling poorly. Did your vet say what type of infection she had? Did they say what it was from? Go get a second opinion. I think this is what is needed here. Good luck and take care. And let me know what you find out. If my settings are on vacation you can get back to me via feedback.

Ciao, Karen