Question
skunk
For the last month or so my four year old cat, Skunk, has begun meowing incessantly, sometimes for an hour or more at a time. Usually she does it by the door. I can't get her to understand that she is NOT GOING OUT! She is fixed so she's not in heat. I try to play with her and love on her, but she's making me NUTS! It's like having a baby that won't stop crying!
It's really getting out of hand..... Skunk SO SO badly wants out... spring is coming, and it makes me SOOOO sad living in a place where it's just not safe for her to do so.... I let her have the windows (I open one, even if it's cold) trying to satisfy her a little, but she cries and cries and cries (not an "I'm in heat" cry, just a "Mommy.... I REALLY REALLY want to go out and play!" cry")
It makes me so sad for her....., but her crying is driving me BONKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm dealing with a lot and my anxiety disorder is far from being under control.... the last thing I need when in the throws of a "10" panic attack is Skunk going "MEEEEEEEE! MEEEEEEE!" back and forth across the door for hours sometimes.......
Please help!
AnswerHi Amanda. I think you and Skunk have something in common! It sounds to me like Skunk's behavior is being caused by an anxiety problem at this point. Cats can suffer severe anxiety due to changes such as moves, alterations in schedules, or conversions to an indoor-only lifestyle when they have previously been allowed outdoors. I fully agree with your choice to keep her inside. They are safest indoors, and I have successfully made over 200 cats who had once been outdoor cats live indoors only. But the transition is tougher on some than on others, and the stress can cause anxiety disorders to surface in certain cats.
I think it would be a good idea to have Skunk visit the vet or an animal behaviorist. They may be able to start you off with some exercises that could help Skunk relax. I also like a product called Feliway and use the plug-in diffusers at all times in my own home. See www.feliway.com to learn more. You might also try some flower essences with her. I like Spirit Essences, formulated by a holistic vet and animal behaviorist. The Stress Stopper, Changing Times or Ultimate Changing Times formulas may help. See www.spiritessences.com.
If none of these seem to be big enough steps, you should discuss the use of a prescription antidepressant with your vet. Antidepressants have a great anti-anxiety effect in cats. Some of them have mild sedative effects which may be helpful. Most of these medications are only required for a few months while the cat's behavior gets under control. Once in a while, there are cats who require the treatment long-term.
Best of luck!
Jessica
Can you give me an idea for possible cat breed?
Question
Tufts Maverick
My cat Maverick ha
Labor Stalled?
QuestionQUESTION: Recently a very pregnant cat adopted
my kitty Valentine
QuestionQUESTION: my kitten is 3 month old I only had h
Bengal kitten?
Question
Pic Picture
Hello, I was wonderi
Sick kitty
Question
Kelso
Hi, I rescued a feral cat who was
