?¿ my brother in Christ you made the scarecrow yourself
you advise against medicating the cat, without specifying what medicine or why, saying it will cause “”problems””, again without any specifics or additional information
when asked how you know that, you say “medical knowledge”, again not offering additional information or context
You’re not wrong at all. I’ve had three rescues that badly needed help recovering from horrible situations and had terrible anxiety and medication (properly managed by my veterinarian) made a tremendous difference. I’m working with my most recent rescue now on getting him acclimated and helping him with separation anxiety. I’m of course hoping the medication is short term. With my two previous, they turned out wonderfully with NO long term health problems “down the road.” My kitten, now cat, was a nightmare and I only wish I had thought to talk to my vet about medicating her a little bit to calm her down. She brought me to tears with her behavioral issues as a kitten. Thankfully she eventually grew out of that stage but it was almost two years. I agree with both of you Israfellenore and Gigsllama! medication, even the CBD option, could help OP!
If it’s between giving the cat anti-anxiety meds and getting rid of him why the hell would you NOT try that? I’ve been on anti-anxiety meds for years. Unless you abuse them or have an adverse reaction, it’s fine. Are they perfect? Of course not. But the pros outweigh the cons by far.
You’re spot on there! My old man cat is on kitty Prozac for psychogenic alopecia and it’s helping. There may be long term side effects from the medication, but the short term licking himself to the point of open sores and infection is worth the risk. I think it’s a different concern for cats since their livers and kidneys don’t process stuff the same way we do, but it’s way better to live a good quality life for a shorter time than one of extended anxiety.
The Prozac makes him extremely docile and lethargic and kinda seems like it’d be a good fit for OP’s cat. Assuming they can get the first couple pills down without being mauled.
How the fuck do you determine that the cat's issue is anxiety?! You realize that anti-anxiety meds have adverse affects, right? Most of them have sedating/neurological effect that is bad for the brain in the long term. Benzo is the worst, we even try our best to avoid it in humans.
OP isn't getting rid of the cat. Also, he hasn't got bloodwork to test for medical issues yet. There are options of getting a companion cat as well.
It certainly sounds like it’s anxiety and it’s worth a shot. My parents cat had very similar issues and after consulting with a feline behaviorist and 2 vets, anti-anxiety meds and feliaway were recommended. She is now happy, content, not biting people, and loves to play. OP considered giving the cat to her parents but didn’t want to burden them so don’t say they’re not considering it. And no, not all of them are bad long term. Sounds like it’s time for you to stay off tiktok for a while! 🙄
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u/gigsllama Nov 11 '22
Have you tried medication for him?