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Thread: Need advice

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    Adelaide's Avatar tPF Moderator
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    Need advice

    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.

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    waltky's Avatar Senior Member
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    We once had a cat...

    ... named Louis L. Louis.

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    Quote Originally Posted by waltky View Post
    We once had a cat...

    ... named Louis L. Louis.
    Louis (Loo-wee) is named after a Canadian prime minister. Theodore is named after a US president. If I ever get a third, they will be Winston or Maggie (Margaret). Then I would have the trifecta.

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    Chris's Avatar Senior Member
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    My cat's only 4 months or so still. So no advice. I keep buying him toys and rearranged all the furniture so he can look out all the windows. Cats are supposed to help anxiety, aren't they?

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    Jackson Galaxy, the guy from "The Cat from hell," offers tips in Moving with Your Cat. Basically, go slow, as in weeks!

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    Adelaide (03-25-2017),KathyS (03-27-2017),resister (03-24-2017)

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    My sister is a cat lover (and dog-in the past). Always has a baker's dozen inside. And two or three outside. I'm a dog person currently with no pets.

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    decedent's Avatar Senior Member
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    My sister's dog is so terrified of lightening storms that he shakes violently for a few minutes then eventually faints as the storm gets closer. She gives him medication when she knows a storm is coming. It's a benzo.

    I bet Louis won't need the drugs for long, and I hope you don't feel guilt.


    A good, stiff drink is better than any valium... just sayin'
    I have a big cook.

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    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.
    Oh, bless his heart.

    One of our dogs, Lola, is quite anxious. We don't have meds for her, but when she visits the vet, he comes out to the car and gives her an injection and in about 20 minutes she is compliant enough to put her on a dog cart and wheel her in the vet's office. It's about the only thing to do with 160 lbs. that refuses to walk in of her own accord. And, when she's frightened, she pees.

    We also have two dogs that wear thundershirts, yes, Lola is one of them, and we put them on during storms and also when company comes. It seems to help, but I don't know what it would do for a cat. Probably not much.
    I've heard good things about the meds, and have considered getting some for Lola. If her makes her less-anxious in situations, I think it'd probably be worth it.
    ""A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul" ~George Bernard Shaw

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    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.
    Power always thinks it has a great soul, and vast views, beyond the comprehension of the weak. And that it is doing God service when it is violating all His laws.
    --John Adams

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    I like Jackson galaxys advice, I am moving on the 3rd and have a cat also(not so dependant)
    There is no God but Resister and Refugee is his messenger’.

    Book of Democrat Things, Chapter 1:1






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