Dear Meankitty,
My calico, Tessa, was impregnated at an early age by a neighborhood tabby. She now lives with me and one of her calico daughters, Shannon, in my studio apt. Tessa has become quite violent (particularly at night) toward Shannon and myself. Her pupils dilate and the nice, calm, daytime Tessa goes away; making room for insane, ultraviolent Tessa.
I dont like her when she's like that. Not one bit! What on earth do I do? Please help...
Signed,
Charlie
***
Dear Charlie....
What advice would YOU give Dear Charlie, Meankitty fans? What's up with this whole Tessa switcheroo? Is this just Tessa's way of maintaining her SOHC membership? Or is it something deeper?
Sincerely,
Meankitty
www.meankitty.com
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6 comments:
Dear Human, I suggest you find a large cardboard box (say from a new fridge?) that you and your other kitty can sleep in. That way, you can get some rest, and Tessa can just be Tessa...
good luck,
Mr. Softie
Do they have kitty valium?
Cats can take amytriptiline (an anti-depressant) and become somewhat nicer. Of course, someone has to get the pill into the cat.
Has Tessa and/or daughter been spayed? How old is daughter? If she's recently become an adult, that might explain the change. Not that you can do anything about it except for someone to move out.
You could also try Feliway. It's not cheap, and it hasn't solved the problems I've tried to use it for, but it seems more suited to Tessa's problem.
My advice, based on accidental experience, is to have some live catnip growing where Tessa can 'love on it.' At least that's what mine does. She, who brings me headless bunnies, becomes so lovey-dovey, rubbing herself all over it and then me. All she wants is love. And she won't even turn on me, as is her usual schizoid way.
Julie
I am not a fan of medicating kids or pets unless absolute need is demonstrated. Increase daily physical activity by playing & chasing w Tess. Give her places to hide & be herself (box=great idea). Rule out environmental and personal stresses and triggers and then ask the vet if it's the right course of action.
As a pharmacist, I can say with some experience that cats in need of calming can sometimes benefit from fluoxetine, which comes in an oral solution form (so it's easy to give smaller, weight-based doses). It's not the kind of med you give occasionally for isolated incidents- you need a steady level for a month or so before benefit is seen. Cats don't like the flavour, but it can be altered to grape, which they will tolerate.
Several chains have low-dollar generic lists, or you can use a AAA card prescription benefit to pay for pet meds at a community pharmacy (yes it's legit-it covers all members of the household who are uninsured!).
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