My 6 year old male, Willie, is a fully developed 16-17 pounder who recently had a most traumatic experience at the vet. He hates going to the vet, but generally tolerates it once a year for shots. However, three weeks ago when I took him in to have his matted fur combed out, he freaked out. When we arrived a large dog got in his face and scared him. Then the vet made him wait in a "holding cell" for a few hours before he could be seen. During this time he became more and more aggitated, and by the time they went to get him he was in a frenzy hissing, pawing and attempting to bite anyone who came near. His eyes were glazed and dialted, ears back and he looked to be in "survival" mode. Even I could not convince him to come out. He snapped at me a few times and I believe he injured his front paw during his attemptes to swipe at people. Finally, we decided it best to leave him the cage over night with some of our clothing in hopes he would calm down. The next day he was still in survival mode, and the vet decided to force the issue by shoving a pet carrier into the cage and cornered him into it. While in the cage they gave him a shot and he fell asleep immediately. They combed his mats out, bathed him and shaved down parts of his two front fighting teeth. I picked him up that evening while he was still quite drunk and continuing to hiss at everyone and everything. Since coming home his personlity has completley changed. A once friendly, energentic and playfull friend, has now become a recluse who remains under beds or furniture in my bedroom all day long. He only ventures out when my small children are in bed. He will eat very little and then allow my wife and me to pet him on his terms. He then returns to his spot to sleep. Will we get our Willie back? Anybody have suggestions or ideas?

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2000

Answers

Oh boy....you really have a problem here. How very sad for poor Willie. I am afraid it might take a very long time for Willie to get all his confidence back (if, indeed, he ever gets it all back which, from my experience, I am afraid I doubt). Once a cat has experienced a trauma of that level it is pretty hard for them to get over it. Imagine if you had been "kidnapped" and subjected to a frightening huge creature then shoved in a cage and various other indignities. You might get some of your confidence back but I can guarantee you would NEVER forget it and never be 100% the same again. I do not recommend you start giving him "calming medicine" (some of these holistic cures you can purchase over the counter) as, although they MIGHT help a bit, they will not cure his underlying fear or erase his memory.....and I am not a believer in giving anyone drugs unless necessary (particularly ones which have no quality control at all). I think all you can do is to spend time with him near his "hidey-hole", even if that means lying on the floor near him and just talking gently with him for a few minutes as often as you possibly can. Don't try to touch him too much and definitely do not try to pick him up to hold him as this will make him feel more out of control. He will probably slowly come around, but do not expect 100% of his happy-go-lucky nature to return. You know.....once bitten, twice shy. Give him a pet from me. Good luck.

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2000

I'm so sorry about your experience. As with the previous reply, I would recommend not picking up the cat or holding it to close. For one thing, cats can sense when you are stressed and this will make them more stressed. A lot of the books I have read about cat behavior suggest a few common things. One is a cat tree that he can climb on to feel safe and gain confidence. Another is active playing with the cat to build it's confidence. For example, toys on a pole.

Good luck!

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2000

This might help - there are 30 registered cat behaviorists in the country. I haven't seen the local one yet, but it might be something to find out about. Also, for the next vet visit, this might be something to check out - our new vet has a separate feline office. Perhaps there is one in your area too.

Linda

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2000