User Tag List

+ Reply to Thread
Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast
Results 11 to 20 of 26

Thread: Need advice

  1. #11
    Points: 174,762, Level: 99
    Level completed: 28%, Points required for next Level: 2,888
    Overall activity: 23.0%
    Achievements:
    SocialVeteranTagger First Class50000 Experience Points
    Dr. Who's Avatar Advisor
    Karma
    870666
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Gallifrey
    Posts
    69,089
    Points
    174,762
    Level
    99
    Thanks Given
    12,826
    Thanked 12,929x in 8,807 Posts
    Mentioned
    205 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Adelaide View Post
    My youngest cat (of two) is very dependent and high-strung. He either needs my attention or the attention of the older cat. The older cat cleans him and sleeps with him regularly. They are both technically adult cats, although the younger one Louis is turning 2 in the fall (Theodore is 3 or 4). They are ragdolls. But Louis was always coddled by Theodore and I think that is probably why he is so dependent, whiny and high-strung. Normally, it's kind of cute although his screaming at 4am we could do without. My family in Canada loves my Youtube videos of the cats making out.

    But I am moving soon and have tried taking the cats to the condo to get a feel for it. Theodore prances around all happy and Louis cowers and starts hyperventilating. The last time I took Louis, he went as far back in his carrier as possible and would only calm down if I put my arm and face in the carrier (it was a very long 6 hours). I ended up half-napping on the floor to try and assure him everything was fine. His breathing way too fast and he was drooling.

    So, I called the vet who is calling me back. I get the feeling he is going to need medication, probably a short-term prescription for something like Valium. The only time I have ever seen a cat that scared was the last time I flew with Theodore (in the cabin with me) and he drooled and hyperventilated but it was a relatively short flight (although I was myself almost in hysterical tears when we landed because I was so worried about him). Theodore is a champ at this point - planes, cars, new apartments - he's done it all. He has more air miles than many people. Louis... this is the first time things have changed for him in any way.

    Has anyone else here ever had to give a cat or dog psychiatric medication for anxiety? I am not too keen on the idea but I honestly think there is no other option. I would rather have it on hand than be screwed (with a huge bill or a sick cat) because we have to go to the emergency vet.
    I have used tranquilizers transporting my dogs on planes. Otherwise not so much. However, with cats you have to keep in mind that they can be more attached to their home than their owners. So if you are going to move such an animal, you need to mitigate the psychological anxiety of being separated from the only environment that they have ever known. That can generally mean keeping them somewhat sedated until they get accustomed to the new environment. He will probably hide for a long time.
    In quoting my post, you affirm and agree that you have not been goaded, provoked, emotionally manipulated or otherwise coerced into responding.



    "The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”
    Mahatma Gandhi

  2. The Following User Says Thank You to Dr. Who For This Useful Post:

    Adelaide (03-25-2017)

  3. #12
    Points: 145,642, Level: 91
    Level completed: 72%, Points required for next Level: 1,008
    Overall activity: 0.0%
    Achievements:
    Social50000 Experience PointsVeteran
    Private Pickle's Avatar Advisor
    Karma
    181646
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Rocky Mountain High
    Posts
    49,929
    Points
    145,642
    Level
    91
    Thanks Given
    8,572
    Thanked 13,113x in 9,773 Posts
    Mentioned
    307 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Adelaide View Post
    My youngest cat (of two) is very dependent and high-strung. He either needs my attention or the attention of the older cat. The older cat cleans him and sleeps with him regularly. They are both technically adult cats, although the younger one Louis is turning 2 in the fall (Theodore is 3 or 4). They are ragdolls. But Louis was always coddled by Theodore and I think that is probably why he is so dependent, whiny and high-strung. Normally, it's kind of cute although his screaming at 4am we could do without. My family in Canada loves my Youtube videos of the cats making out.

    But I am moving soon and have tried taking the cats to the condo to get a feel for it. Theodore prances around all happy and Louis cowers and starts hyperventilating. The last time I took Louis, he went as far back in his carrier as possible and would only calm down if I put my arm and face in the carrier (it was a very long 6 hours). I ended up half-napping on the floor to try and assure him everything was fine. His breathing way too fast and he was drooling.

    So, I called the vet who is calling me back. I get the feeling he is going to need medication, probably a short-term prescription for something like Valium. The only time I have ever seen a cat that scared was the last time I flew with Theodore (in the cabin with me) and he drooled and hyperventilated but it was a relatively short flight (although I was myself almost in hysterical tears when we landed because I was so worried about him). Theodore is a champ at this point - planes, cars, new apartments - he's done it all. He has more air miles than many people. Louis... this is the first time things have changed for him in any way.

    Has anyone else here ever had to give a cat or dog psychiatric medication for anxiety? I am not too keen on the idea but I honestly think there is no other option. I would rather have it on hand than be screwed (with a huge bill or a sick cat) because we have to go to the emergency vet.
    Sedatives for pets who have problems traveling are common. Ask the VET and they will take care of you.
    I find your lack of faith...disturbing...

    -Darth Vader

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to Private Pickle For This Useful Post:

    decedent (03-27-2017)

  5. #13
    Points: 145,642, Level: 91
    Level completed: 72%, Points required for next Level: 1,008
    Overall activity: 0.0%
    Achievements:
    Social50000 Experience PointsVeteran
    Private Pickle's Avatar Advisor
    Karma
    181646
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Rocky Mountain High
    Posts
    49,929
    Points
    145,642
    Level
    91
    Thanks Given
    8,572
    Thanked 13,113x in 9,773 Posts
    Mentioned
    307 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Dr. Who View Post
    I have used tranquilizers transporting my dogs on planes. Otherwise not so much. However, with cats you have to keep in mind that they can be more attached to their home than their owners. So if you are going to move such an animal, you need to mitigate the psychological anxiety of being separated from the only environment that they have ever known. That can generally mean keeping them somewhat sedated until they get accustomed to the new environment. He will probably hide for a long time.
    A week or two. No biggie. The other cat being around will help.

    Also while we love our pets we must remember that they are animals. Worrying about the acclimation of a cat will only add to your own stress with acclimating to a new place and the cat will pick up on that. They will know their owner is uncomfortable and until that "vibe" changes they will hang onto it.

    Focus on yourself and the cat will follow.
    I find your lack of faith...disturbing...

    -Darth Vader

  6. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Private Pickle For This Useful Post:

    Adelaide (03-25-2017),decedent (03-27-2017),Peter1469 (03-25-2017)

  7. #14
    Points: 74,571, Level: 66
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 879
    Overall activity: 40.0%
    Achievements:
    50000 Experience PointsSocialVeteran
    Standing Wolf's Avatar Senior Member
    Karma
    314970
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    25,612
    Points
    74,571
    Level
    66
    Thanks Given
    5,716
    Thanked 21,087x in 12,282 Posts
    Mentioned
    415 Post(s)
    Tagged
    1 Thread(s)
    As others have suggested, meds may help in the short term, but what would also help a great deal is if you can manage to move as many of the belongings (his and yours) that he's used to smelling and having around in your old place into your new place. Cat beds, rugs, toys, maybe even a piece of furniture or two that he seems fond of. I believe ragdolls are one of the breeds that is less susceptible to the effects of catnip, but if he likes it that can be an anxiety suppressing distraction.
    Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing.” - Robert E. Howard

    "Only a rank degenerate would drive 1,500 miles across Texas and not eat a chicken fried steak." - Larry McMurtry

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to Standing Wolf For This Useful Post:

    Adelaide (03-25-2017)

  9. #15
    Points: 145,642, Level: 91
    Level completed: 72%, Points required for next Level: 1,008
    Overall activity: 0.0%
    Achievements:
    Social50000 Experience PointsVeteran
    Private Pickle's Avatar Advisor
    Karma
    181646
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Rocky Mountain High
    Posts
    49,929
    Points
    145,642
    Level
    91
    Thanks Given
    8,572
    Thanked 13,113x in 9,773 Posts
    Mentioned
    307 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Standing Wolf View Post
    As others have suggested, meds may help in the short term, but what would also help a great deal is if you can manage to move as many of the belongings (his and yours) that he's used to smelling and having around in your old place into your new place. Cat beds, rugs, toys, maybe even a piece of furniture or two that he seems fond of. I believe ragdolls are one of the breeds that is less susceptible to the effects of catnip, but if he likes it that can be an anxiety suppressing distraction.
    In my opinion that will help her think she is doing the best she can for the cat and give her a sense of security. It's that sense of security and not the actions she did to gain it that the cat will gravitate to.

    It's all about how the pet owners feel and act. The faster she is comfortable the faster the cat will acclimate.
    I find your lack of faith...disturbing...

    -Darth Vader

  10. #16
    Points: 74,571, Level: 66
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 879
    Overall activity: 40.0%
    Achievements:
    50000 Experience PointsSocialVeteran
    Standing Wolf's Avatar Senior Member
    Karma
    314970
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    25,612
    Points
    74,571
    Level
    66
    Thanks Given
    5,716
    Thanked 21,087x in 12,282 Posts
    Mentioned
    415 Post(s)
    Tagged
    1 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Private Pickle View Post
    In my opinion that will help her think she is doing the best she can for the cat and give her a sense of security. It's that sense of security and not the actions she did to gain it that the cat will gravitate to.

    It's all about how the pet owners feel and act. The faster she is comfortable the faster the cat will acclimate.
    Oh, agreed. I have one cat in particular, who has been with me for 16 years, who knows my moods better than I do myself, and can read me in a heartbeat.
    Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing.” - Robert E. Howard

    "Only a rank degenerate would drive 1,500 miles across Texas and not eat a chicken fried steak." - Larry McMurtry

  11. #17

    tPF Moderator
    Points: 152,027, Level: 93
    Level completed: 47%, Points required for next Level: 2,023
    Overall activity: 1.0%
    Achievements:
    SocialTagger First ClassCreated Album picturesYour first GroupRecommendation First Class50000 Experience PointsVeteran
    Adelaide's Avatar tPF Moderator
    Karma
    341325
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    N. Pole and VA
    Posts
    30,757
    Points
    152,027
    Level
    93
    Thanks Given
    4,025
    Thanked 18,449x in 11,739 Posts
    Mentioned
    1723 Post(s)
    Tagged
    3 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Private Pickle View Post
    Sedatives for pets who have problems traveling are common. Ask the VET and they will take care of you.
    Even though I told the vet that I have tried the calming sprays, she still wants me to try it before she will prescribe anything. The sprays have special pheromones. Neither cat ever reacts how they are supposed to. They also only work in small spaces. She also wants me to try a pheromone collar and pheromone plug ins you can put in electrical sockets. But I am questioning this path because I know that I have practically sprayed it in their face before with no action. But, if I try and it doesn't work, she will prescribe a low dose of Xanax. She doesn't want to do it right off the bat because he will be sleepy. In my mind, sleepy is better than panicked but I guess we will see.

  12. #18

    tPF Moderator
    Points: 152,027, Level: 93
    Level completed: 47%, Points required for next Level: 2,023
    Overall activity: 1.0%
    Achievements:
    SocialTagger First ClassCreated Album picturesYour first GroupRecommendation First Class50000 Experience PointsVeteran
    Adelaide's Avatar tPF Moderator
    Karma
    341325
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    N. Pole and VA
    Posts
    30,757
    Points
    152,027
    Level
    93
    Thanks Given
    4,025
    Thanked 18,449x in 11,739 Posts
    Mentioned
    1723 Post(s)
    Tagged
    3 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Ethereal View Post
    Animals that have lots of anxiety are usually very pampered. Like humans, they need to be exposed to a wide range of stimuli otherwise they become hyper-sensitive. I would suggest incrementally exposing Louis to new situations and environments so that his body and mind become used to unfamiliar stimuli. And, of course, medication can also help the process.
    Not sure that it can be corrected at this point. As ragdolls, they can never go outside (lack any killer instinct and would probably be eaten by a racoon or something). Visits to the condo before we move are difficult due to painters, the commute, and so forth. I guess I could go for walks with him in his carrier, but the streets are noisy since we are downtown. They both like the arrangement they have with the cleaning and cuddling. And Louis is so cute that you just have to touch him once and he'll start purring. He's high-strung, but super loving.

  13. #19
    Points: 49,511, Level: 54
    Level completed: 37%, Points required for next Level: 1,139
    Overall activity: 0%
    Achievements:
    SocialTagger First ClassRecommendation Second Class50000 Experience PointsVeteran
    Cthulhu's Avatar Senior Member
    Karma
    72948
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    The spaces between cognitive thought and passive nightmares
    Posts
    13,841
    Points
    49,511
    Level
    54
    Thanks Given
    10,369
    Thanked 8,079x in 5,392 Posts
    Mentioned
    577 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Put cats in a crate, ship them.

    Be there when they arrive. Open when at new place of residence. Wear a thick sweater.

    Deal with wreckage then.

    If you bend over backwards for animals they will not be content until you become a human pretzel.

    Fear profits a man nothing.
    "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

    Ephesians 6:12

  14. #20

    tPF Moderator
    Points: 152,027, Level: 93
    Level completed: 47%, Points required for next Level: 2,023
    Overall activity: 1.0%
    Achievements:
    SocialTagger First ClassCreated Album picturesYour first GroupRecommendation First Class50000 Experience PointsVeteran
    Adelaide's Avatar tPF Moderator
    Karma
    341325
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    N. Pole and VA
    Posts
    30,757
    Points
    152,027
    Level
    93
    Thanks Given
    4,025
    Thanked 18,449x in 11,739 Posts
    Mentioned
    1723 Post(s)
    Tagged
    3 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Cthulhu View Post
    Put cats in a crate, ship them.

    Be there when they arrive. Open when at new place of residence. Wear a thick sweater.

    Deal with wreckage then.

    If you bend over backwards for animals they will not be content until you become a human pretzel.

    Fear profits a man nothing.
    I think I am already a pretzel. They're spoiled... really spoiled.

    They own me, not the other way around, lol.

+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts