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Cats/Traumatized Kitten

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Expert: - 8/17/2007


Question
Hi, Karen....

We have 2 5-month old kittens. They pretty much stay on our back porch and play with their toys. Wednesday night, a big Tom chased Tanner off the porch and across the road. We didn't know what happened so we assumed the worst or that someone had taken him. He was found this morning, but he is absolutely wild and obviously traumatized. My husband managed to get him in the carrier but he was howling and trying to get out. His brother just looks at him.  The vet advised turning him loose, which we did in my husband's 32 x 40 wood shop. There's nothing in there he can hurt or that can hurt him. It's virtually empty but my husband said he was "bouncing off the walls."  He was such a mild-mannered, sweet little guy and I cannot imagine what has happened to him.

When I get home from work this evening, what do you advise?
I love him like any of the human members of my family.

Thanks,
Carol

Answer
Hi Carol,

Did your vet check him over for bites? He may be going "nuts" because he may be hurt. If everything is okay then let's try a few things. Get a product called Feliway. This will help calm him down. Talk to him quietly and feed him special treats. Rather than be in the wood shop how about moving him to a room in the house. He may still be able to smell the Tom and is very afraid.

He sounds like he would be a good candidate to be a totally indoor kitty. Bring his brother in as well. He may be missing his companionship also. Try these things and see how he is. Write back and let me know. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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