Page 2 of 5 FirstFirst 1234 ... LastLast
Results 26 to 50 of 118

Thread: help with my kitty :(

  1. #26
    God/dess
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    8,427
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 30 Times in 22 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    i get that you guys are upset, but ive heard from a few people that their cats were the same way when they first got them. i was on the phone crying and panicking to my mom earlier, and i yelled at her because she wasnt helping (i dont know what i expected her to do, but i was upset). i mean, ive tried everything that's been suggested, and some people have said take him to the vet right away and others have said wait it out til wed or thurs. so you cant blame me for not wanting to take him and possibly scare him more. plus, he's eating now so that's what matters!

    but i put some of the dry food on his plate too and he ate that, it sounded like. i dont want to watch him because i'm afraid he wont eat.

    i'm almost positive he isn't sick, just scared. the woman i got him from told us she fostered many litters, and she has a bunch of pets of her own (2 dogs, 3 cats). she kept him closed in a seperate room, it looked like, and she told us he had his feline lukemia test and one set of shots (distemper). when we called the vet to set up an appointment to get him checked out, though, they said they didnt have any record of her getting his test, which is weird. (she goes to the same vet as us). my mom said it could've just been a mistake, but that freaks me out.

    anyway, we're going to the vet on friday. now, my question is.. i've been putting tiny bits of food at a time on the plate and he's been eating. how much should i give him? will he stop when he's full?

    and thank you guys soooo much for your help!

  2. #27
    Moderator Djoser's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Key West
    Posts
    16,343
    Thanks
    1,395
    Thanked 5,487 Times in 2,768 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    If he's eating the dried food, too-that's a very good sign.

    Keep putting the wet food on the plate, they will often leave some food in their bowl or plate as a 'reserve', they instinctually plan on saving some food for later.

    If you want to avoid spoiling him, eventually you can mix the wet and the dried food together.

    My cat was a sweetie, but would still freak out and get scared even as an older cat, and not want to come out sometimes. But she was raised in a yard with big Harleys roaring through it, a giant Irish Setter that was chasing her to play (she didn't know that though), and little screaming biker brats carrying her around upside down for hours at a time, lol.

    I miss her so much, this is making me sad.
    You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.
    Friedrich Nietzsche

    Free your mind, and your ass will follow.
    George Clinton

    ______________________________________

  3. #28
    God/dess
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    8,427
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 30 Times in 22 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    yeah, now im putting a spoonful or two of wet food and a small handful of dry food on the plate. he still moved away from me though.. buttt like a few people said, it's going to take a while to build up the trust after he was closed in a room like that.

    i'm so freaking happy he's eating though!

  4. #29
    God/dess
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    8,427
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 30 Times in 22 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    hmm and i dont know if this makes a difference.. but now he's laying stretched out instead of all curled up like he has been. that seems like a good thing to me.

  5. #30
    Moderator Djoser's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Key West
    Posts
    16,343
    Thanks
    1,395
    Thanked 5,487 Times in 2,768 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    Yeah it probably means he's starting to relax.

    One way to get him to be more friendly with you, after he is settled, eating, and healthy, is to find out which kind of special "kitty treats" he likes. There's zillions of different kinds, and some cats like some more than others. Try several, and the ones he likes, those are what you use.

    What you do is make him come to you for them. he might not actually touch you or take it out of your hand, but he will approach you if he really likes them. then later he will take them from your hand, then he will jump in your lap for them (with my biker kitty I had to lift her in my lap for a few months first, then she finally started to jump up on her own).

    What he needs more than anything to relax with you is patience and a calm approach. But it sounds like you are making progress, which is great!
    You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.
    Friedrich Nietzsche

    Free your mind, and your ass will follow.
    George Clinton

    ______________________________________

  6. #31
    God/dess
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    8,427
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 30 Times in 22 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    can you give them treats this young? i was told not til they were a year.

  7. #32
    Moderator Djoser's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Key West
    Posts
    16,343
    Thanks
    1,395
    Thanked 5,487 Times in 2,768 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    No, I mean later.

    You can give them treats at 6 months or even earler, I imagine--it's not going to kill them. But you do want them to have a balanced diet while they are growing up, and you don't want to spoil them rotten, either, lol...
    You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.
    Friedrich Nietzsche

    Free your mind, and your ass will follow.
    George Clinton

    ______________________________________

  8. #33
    Banned Katrine's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    13,855
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    Try KittyHooch catnip. Its hydroponic fresh catnip. Nicknamed "white lightening". It costs a bit more but worth it, at vet speciality stores. I'm glad the kitty is seeming to relax, good for you!

    "Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
    "And do the cats give a shit? No, they do not. Why? Because they're cats."-from The Onion

    Quote Originally Posted by Mia M
    If a cupcake was tossed at me... well, I'd only be upset if it missed my mouth

  9. #34
    God/dess
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    8,427
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 30 Times in 22 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    yay yay i'm so happy haha im such a dork but this seriously made my night!

    is it ok to give catnip this young? again, i thought that should wait til they're a year. but like ive said before, im only going by what i've been told, i've never had a cat before!

  10. #35
    God/dess Mare's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2004
    Posts
    2,413
    Thanks
    10,356
    Thanked 3,466 Times in 1,087 Posts
    My Mood
    Stressed

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    Glad to hear he's eating. You're a good kitty mom. It's just hard when you don't know what to do. Everyone here has given great advice.

  11. #36
    Veteran Member toomuchhomeworklately's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Las Vegas, Chicago
    Posts
    248
    Thanks
    5
    Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    Yeah, you're doing great. I had to leave my cat with my parents for 2 weeks while I was out of town & he was the evilest little SOB to them for the first 4 days. All he did was hide & would hiss at everyone who came within a foot of him - he was just so scared being in a different environment. After a week my mom woke up to see my cat sleeping at the foot of my parents' bed. Some cats just take longer to adjust.

    Also, do you really like the current vet? An hour away is a long time for the cat to be in the car. Dogs love cars but I've never known a cat to not freak out being in the car. They could fax over his medical history to a different vet if you decide to find something closer. If you're able to hold him before Friday & he's warming up to you more, put whatever shirt you wore on Thursday in the carrier with him - if he has something near him that reminds him of something safe (you) he'll be less nervous going to the vet (their temperatures rise when they're scared).

    I think it's a great sign that he's stretching out.

    I don't think you're supposed to give him catnip this early, but ask the vet, I might be wrong. I never thought it was useful to give a cat under 2 years catnip anyway because they're so active and pscho when they're young (chasing imaginary things & whatnot).

  12. #37
    God/dess
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    8,427
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 30 Times in 22 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    ^^ yeah, this vet is really good. it's the same vet my mom takes my dogs to. i know an hour is far, but if i ever need to like in an emergency go to the vet im sure i can find one up here.

  13. #38
    Member
    Joined
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    18
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    I'm very happy to hear he is eating. Please keep us posted...hopefully with good news of him warming up to you!

  14. #39
    Featured Member NatalieFRPhilly's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,557
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    he'lll come around don't worry honey! soon you won't be able to have 2 seconds alone not even when you're using the bathroom!

  15. #40
    God/dess Lena's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2002
    Location
    On a sweet muddy river.
    Posts
    6,399
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 78 Times in 43 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    Yes, catnip and kitty treats are fine for kittens. NutriCal is good as a treat and it's also really really good for him if he's not eating much.

    I would stop focusing on him so much. Cat's are prey animals and when they haven't had a lot of socialization their first thought when *anyone* zeros in on them is that your gonna eat them. Just ignore him and go about your routine. When you feed him/interact with him do it exactly the same every time (predictable things aren't as scary). When his need for socializing overcomes his thinking you might eat him, he'll come out. In the meantime if you need to catch him to go to the vet just throw a blanket or towel over him.



  16. #41
    Newbie
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    British Columbia, Canada
    Posts
    5
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    I was always told that the earliest it was suggested to give kittens catnip was six months, but also that there are no known negative side effects... Just that young cats and very old cats may not be interested in it. Maybe try some catnip toys?

    It just sounds like he didn't get too much individual socialisation when he was younger... I've only seen the hiding behavior (for extended amounts of time) in traumatised cats or feral cats, etc... The one cat we have now was feral, we took him in at around five and a half months, and he's the most un-skiddish cat I've ever had now, mind you, the first week or two we had him, he'd run and hide at any noise or movement. We set up a crate for him in the corner of the living room, and he seemed to really enjoy having that "retreat", but at the same time he could watch and listen to the usual household going-ons without being out in the open.

    Great to hear that he's eating... I think things will just keep getting better as time goes on. Good luck!

  17. #42
    Veteran Member idreamofaislin's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Somewhere between chocolate and insanity
    Posts
    224
    Thanks
    10
    Thanked 16 Times in 13 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    My Ella didn't come out for a week and a half unless she thought she was alone or I was asleep.
    She did warm up to me very quickly once I started to rub her food in my hands so it would smell like me. That way she associated my smell with food. (It was really nasty when she had wet food, but it was worth it!)
    I also got bed risers so that I could crawl under the bed to get to her.

    She's the only kitty I've had this problem with. Some are just more jumpy than others. Yours'll get over it.

  18. #43
    God/dess
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    8,427
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 30 Times in 22 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    ooo, rubbing his food is a good idea! i'll try that

  19. #44
    God/dess threlayer's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Syracuse
    Posts
    5,921
    Thanks
    369
    Thanked 419 Times in 290 Posts
    My Mood
    Fine

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    Quote Originally Posted by britt244 View Post
    ^^ he isn't feral. he was just kept away from everybody at his foster home.
    So he was raised feral inside a house rather than in the woods. No real difference here. This will take some time, as you got a kitten that has not been socialized. He definitely has been feeling terrorized but seems to be slowly coming aruond. I like the suggestions above from phairestofthemall.

    I would check out the veracity of the people you got him from, discuss the situation with the vet's office,particularly regarding the FLV test etc and how the kitten was raised. Sounds like the breeder doesn't know or care too much.
    Last edited by threlayer; 03-14-2007 at 02:20 PM. Reason: added last para
    I loved going to strip clubs; I actually made some friends there. Now things are different for the clubs and for me. As a result I am not as happy.

    Customers are not entitled to grope, disrespect, or rob strippers. This is their job, not their hobby, and they all need income. Clubs are not just some erotic show for guys to view while drinking.

    NOTE: anything I post here, outside of a direct quote, is my opinion only, which I am entitled to. Take it for what you estimate it is worth.

  20. #45
    Veteran Member idreamofaislin's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Somewhere between chocolate and insanity
    Posts
    224
    Thanks
    10
    Thanked 16 Times in 13 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    Oh! And put Bach's Rescue Remedy in the water! Just a couple drops helps zen kitties out. I also use Feliway diffusers.

  21. #46
    Featured Member blondi553's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2005
    Location
    ?
    Posts
    1,515
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    not to sound cruel to animals or anything....but i would just get a broom or something with a long stick and kinds force him out and then hurry up and grab him when u have the chance....i recently got a chinchilla like two months ago and everytime i get her out to run around...it takes like 30 min to get her back in by chasing her everywhere. If she gets somewhere i can't reach, i get something long to try and get her out. I have even like turned couches upside down and made like a little baracade trying to get that little thing! im just saying this becuse u have to take him to the vet anyways for his shots on friday right??? hope that helped lol

  22. #47
    God/dess UtahMike's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Utah
    Posts
    2,998
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 64 Times in 43 Posts
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    If he is eating and drinking and using the sandbox, the only other indicator of good physical and mental healthis to see if he grooms himself. Watch especially after eating. Try to get him on dry food as much as possible, because a 100% diet of soft food will ruin his teeth in later life.

    Cats are social (pack) animals and it sounds like this poor little guy was denied any socialization for all of his life up until you. It may take him awhile to come around.

    My cat Micro would lie on the floor by me and roll on his back so I could rub his tummy. He would lie on the bed next to me. He would shove his head under my hand to be petted. But he was five years old before he would sit on my lap.

  23. #48
    Veteran Member
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    536
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    Glad to hear he's eating, awesome! And his stretching out is also a very good sign so good work. To help get him out from under the bed though (and to help you reach him there when you need to) you might consider bed blocks- you can get wood or plastic ones from Bed Bath n Beyond for 10-20 bucks. They raise your bed, making for more clearance underneath, which will make it a less attractive place for him to hide. They're also cool aesthetically and make instant storage space ;]

    P.S. I find it odd you were not provided with vet records when you adopted him, typically that's standard, and especially worrisome since the vet's coming up blank. Call the foster and ask for the records, if she's unhelpful go over her head to her org as she's likely getting funds from them for food and vet visits- depending on the org a certain kind of person might could get away with just pocketing the money and saying she'd gone to the vet... >:[
    Last edited by phairestofthemall; 03-15-2007 at 01:46 AM.

  24. #49
    Moderator Djoser's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Key West
    Posts
    16,343
    Thanks
    1,395
    Thanked 5,487 Times in 2,768 Posts

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    Good god, don't use a broom on the poor little thing. Though you are going to have to get him into a carrying case for the vet trip somehow. Getting a wide flat box just tall enough to fit under your bed and very slowly pushing it under there, so that he can't hide in the middle where you can't reach him, that's probably a better idea. Just push it really slow, like a few inches at a time.

    Or if he is getting used to eating you can try putting the food in the little carrying cage, maybe he will hang out in it like Bobcat was talking about with the crate for his cat. Something that will give him a feeling of security, and also conveniently make it easy to carry him to the vet.

    Keep us posted on your progress, please...
    You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.
    Friedrich Nietzsche

    Free your mind, and your ass will follow.
    George Clinton

    ______________________________________

  25. #50
    Kaylinn
    Guest

    Default Re: help with my kitty :(

    I dont want to freak you out or scare you with this, but I think its important.

    My kittens were also adopted from a "foster home' They were tested and had all their shots.

    Both were sickly when I got them. One had a cold, and sneezed all the time, the other just had some swollen glands, but seemd fine otherwise.

    The sneezy one eventually grew out of it, however, the other one with the swollen glands got worse and worse. Turns out, she has an incurable disease called calcivirus, which is often spread through catterys or places where many cats live together. There is a vaccination for calcivirus, btu unfortunatly, my kitty got it to late.

    My point is...maybe you should concider getting your kitten retested for all the diseases again, just to be safe, espicially if you cant find her records.

    If I could have known about my sick cat 2 years ago before it got so bad, maybe there was more I could have done for her. Now its all I can do to keep her out of pain enough to eat. Her mouth constantly bleeds from the huge open sores on her gums. There is nothign I can do for her at this point. The only medication that can help her the vet wont give me because it can potentially cause blindness. I am currently trying to find another method, or a vet who will give me this drug.


    And as for feeding. What i do with my cats is I leave out dry food all the time for them to graze at whenever they want. I also give them a can of wet food to share once a day as a treat. Wet food isnt as healthy or nutritious as dry food, but they love their "treat food"

    I also give my sick cat baby food every day just because its much easier for her to eat because of the sores in her mouth, she cant eat dry food much anymore, its to painful.


    My cats were also very shy when we adopted them, and hid for weeks. They eventually came out more and more and now, they are always in the room with us. If we move to the living room, they come. When we go to bed, they are both in bed with us. However, they are still very very shy around other people, and always hid when strangers come over. I think they will always be shy cats.

Page 2 of 5 FirstFirst 1234 ... LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Kitty help
    By High-Heel-Lover in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 09-16-2008, 08:32 AM
  2. This is my kitty
    By Snowles in forum Picture Post
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 06-25-2007, 04:02 PM
  3. help me name my kitty!
    By britt244 in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 35
    Last Post: 03-11-2007, 06:08 PM
  4. my kitty kitty!!
    By LuckiCharm in forum Picture Post
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 05-17-2006, 06:07 AM
  5. i got a kitty!!!
    By heidi in forum Picture Post
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 08-26-2004, 01:11 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

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