Expert: Karen Craft - 10/10/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hey Karen,
I have a complicated situation.  I have a beautiful, 2 year old ragdoll cat who recently broke his leg.  (this happened because I fell down the stairs when I was carrying him and he jumped and landed on his leg)  After 5 visits to the vet and 2 sets of X-rays he went in for surgery and the leg was repaired.  Unfortunately he had the broken leg for 6 weeks because the X-rays did not show a break.  (my vet feels awful by the way)  After surgery he started to improve immediately.  He stopped limping and seemed to be much mored interested in things but this stopped about 1 week later.  Here is where it gets complicated.  Around the same time of the accident, we adopted a kitten from the shelter.  He didn't like her at first but seems to tolerate her now.  She plays very rough and he was unable to defend himself a few times.  We kept them separated while he was injured.  He seems so depressed.  He stays in our bathroom all day and is not interested in watching the birds or chittering at the squirels.  I give him pain meds when he seems to be in pain but this doesn't change his behavior. I have bought him several toys and a cat tree but he has minimal interest.  I have heard of traumatic events changing their personalities and I am so scared this has happened to him.  What should I do?

ANSWER: Hi Anne,

Your cat sounds a little put out about the new addition.  Locking him up in the bathroom isn't helping. You need to bring him out. Give him lots of attention. He is thinking that you have pushed him aside and the new kitten is in his territory. It is the kitten you should restrain. Keep an eye on him and when you see him starting to play rough separate him. He won't mind. Kittens minds flit from one thing to another. If you pay more attention to the ragdoll you will see a big change in his attitude. Don't lock him up. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Karen,
This is a follow up to the question I sent you earlier about my depressed Ragdoll cat.  We don't lock him up in the bathroom.  He has full run of the house and we have never locked him up.  We do put the kitten away when she gets rough but the ragdoll always has full run of the house and gets the most attention out of all of our pets.  I reread my question and felt so bad because it sounded like we locked him up.  My concern is that he stays in our bathroom...even though he can leave anytime.  He stays in there even when the kitten is in her room.  I was worried about him staying in the bathroom and having no desire to come out.  I have given him lots more attention in the past 12 hours and played a lot more.  He seems to be better so thanks for the advice. Just didn't want you to think I was a bad Mom.
Anne

Answer
Hi Anne,

LOL,I didn't think you were a bad mom. Actually when a cat is hurt bad you want to keep her confined. But with the kitten in the mix it changes things. I'm glad you are giving her extra attention. That is exactly what she needs. Once her leg is completely healed she should be back able to play with the kitten. She will relax and be back to her normal self. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen