Call around and ask around and be there, physically, for the appointment. My cat is 15 months old persian cat. It's not that your cat smells of the vet but that when he came back he may have been scared about his visit and has been reacting differently to your ther cat. Find another vet is the general consensus here. If your cat hesitates, stop and allow her to come to you. When the fireworks were all over he finally returned but had been attack by we think a dog. I have been in the room for other checkup visits but my vet tells me they do drop offs for cleanings. Like humans, traumatized cats and dogs can develop fear and anxiety disorders, says Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Telephone the vet and ask their advice as they are aware of his particular case and are the best ones to advise. He had worn his claws down to nothing and he would hiss and not let any of the staff touch him. Hes fine with me, but very tentative around new people/situations. After a cat has been in the hospital (or sometimes just after a routine vet visit), she can come home smelling like the clinic. The other cats may find this disturbing, and pick on her. Since then Ive always gone out of my way to have in room appointments for him. He wasnt himself at all and didnt recognize me. It was madness. by Molly (Eugene, OR) I had my cat fixed a week ago and I see him only once a day now instead of many and his eating habits have dropped and he is losing weight, why? I had no idea my older cat would hiss when my little one got back from the vet. For 2 days she was unable to walk, had the shivers, and did not eat. You may never be able to pet your cat on her back side, but if you follow her lead, your cat will be happier overall. A cat that has been traumatized may not immediately howl after a trauma. Splash some water on his leg and poke him with a capped pen to prepare him for a visit to the vet. I took my 2 year old female cat in for her first veterinary exam which would include cat vaccinations and the pre-surgery visit for her spay. It seems that cats have declared war on veterinary care. Comments for My Cat is Traumatized. His pads look bluish to me as well. If your pet is obsessively licking it, ask your veterinarian or vet tech about having it wrapped for a few days. Also, teach him skills to help him through his situations where he feels traumatized. Others have chimed in but I would add the following. Will he be okay until morning to get it taken out or is this something I should try and take him in for? Most of the people here aren't qualified to answer medical questions. Decided to take him for a check-up as he just had his 16th birthday and is showing signs of age. Cat Vet: Micki, Expert in cat behavior and health replied 10 years ago. If you suspect you're dealing with a traumatized cat, giving her a combination of affection, personal space and time will help her come around and recover. If I were you, I would avoid returning to that vet if possible. Even the people involved, from the owners of both animals, those helping at the scene of the attack, and animal hospital personnel, can be traumatized by the incident. I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with this and I hope he’s okay! While working with traumatized cats over the years, it has become evident that it is not just humans who can suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Whether it’s getting your cat spayed or neutered, or patching up your pup after an encounter with a local porcupine or coyote, or helping your pet through cancer, the fact of the matter is… pets sometimes require surgery. Take your cat to the vet, for goodness sake. I haven’t heard of a drop-off for just an exam or dental exam so that already seems off to me. I'm surprised you'd just drop a cat off for a standard exam, or that he'd need a catheter for one. Changes in Stool. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Usually an X ray to rule out fracture will be ordered. I tried to handle my cat instead of letting the vet or vet tech do it. This applies more to cats than dogs. I went into the room at some point and he wouldnt respond at all. Im just so worried about my boy. It’s never fun, but it’s often necessary—and the road to recovery can be just as long as … Continue reading How to Help Your Pet Recover from Surgery or Trauma From your cats point of view, he is pissed. On her way back inside, she was attacked by a feral cat. Thomas: And unfortunately, while she was still in her freaked-out state with her adrenalin flowing, you had to get her cleaned up so you gave her a bath. While I was there actually, they had a dog on the table getting his teeth cleaned. One of the veterinary technicians came in dressed in big long rubber gloves and a rubber apron. Eventually they made a way to corral him into the staff breakroom. That doesn't sound anything like my cat's annual exam. It's no wonder that a recent survey revealed that two-thirds of cat parents take their pets to the vet less then once a year, in part because of "feline resistance" to the experience. And as an aside, apparently he has fleas and worms now because of my unwanted roommate has 2 little dogs. This will not only decrease the stress on your kitty, but it will also help rebuild trust between you. While at the Vet, he was so traumatized, they could not even examine him. My kitty is 4 years old and has always been a pretty skittish kitty. Not sure if I need advice, unless someone knows a way to calm a cat down, but just wanted to get that out. A cat or dog involved in an attack by another animal can be seriously injured or killed depending on the severity of the attack. During the first vet visit, my cat was a little anxious during the exam as she is unfamiliar with strangers. Somehow vet didnt notice he hasnt a penis, he actually have vagina but he has testicles too. I am just not understanding why my cat is so traumatized by the visit. For 2 days she was unable to walk, had the shivers, and did not eat. My kitty is now very mean at home and hisses at me all the time. This aims to prevent the cat from disease and not worsen the condition. Placing his favorite treats on the floor (without getting too close to him and not feeding him by hand) could help him have a sense of familiarity too. Just out of curiosity, where do you live? I went back into the back and he was trapped in the breakroom, his fur all puffed out and just growling at the door. This site is for your information only. During the first vet visit, my cat was a little anxious during the exam as she is unfamiliar with strangers. Also, since his paw appears to be (temporarily) damaged from the catheter, you may need to use softer, corn based cat litter until it heals. It is better to this sooner rather than later. This vet is a nationwide chain usually paired with the Petstore. Today, I took him in for another drop-off appointment because he was getting his first dental cleaning plus a standard exam. Answer by kate Hi For some cats surgery can be quite traumatic and can upset their behavior for a little while. It almost appears that the cats don't recognize each other. She lost her appetite for kibble, and that made things worse. In the event that your kitty accidentally gets outside, has to be hospitalized, or is ever exposed to other cats, missing out on those early years of building up immunity could be quite harmful for your cat. Cats that are traumatized also really need the intake of nutritious foods and multivitamins. This can be due to some reasons. She does love her tummy and back being scratched, but get near her hindquarters and she attacks!What do you suggest? You're probably right about that place just being a trigger for anxiety at this point. As far as calming your cat down, I would put kitty on your bed or under your bed where he can hide (he will most likely go and hide under something) and leave his food bowl, water and cat pan, all in your room and simply leave him alone. I need to get my cat spayed. Cat behavior after vet visit by: Jay ... this sounds abit like trauma aggression. Then you and your cat will both be happier. I think it has to be. My cat resisted every which way, but the vet continued. She bit me, scratched me, and defecated all over the exam table. Behavior Modification to Relieve Cat Anxiety . Cat is traumatized after vet appt. He got neutered 2 months ago. Hes still drugged up but is laying in my arms now. It can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people. After a cat has been in the hospital (or sometimes just after a routine vet visit), she can come home smelling like the clinic. It would be nice to find somewhere closer to home. This change in behavior is what is causing your other cat … Just from reading this, it almost sounds like the vet/techs might be the problem. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. My vet insisted that, together with the assistant, we held the cat flat on the table and stretched his body out so that he could remove the staples. My kitty is 4 years old and has always been a pretty skittish kitty. Where he is usually stressed, but gets through it okay. I dont want him to be traumatized even more. For 2 days she was unable to walk, had the shivers, and did not eat. Cat behavior changed after surgery. “Dogs and cats may attempt to escape or flee situations where frightened, they may become aggressive when interacted with or if forced out of a hiding spot, may freeze or show … Unfortunately, it's a war they're winning handily. Some of them include sedatives that your vet may have used, the stress of having to sit in a car for a long while, or any other experiences your cat may have had at the vet, or on the way. Another reason your cat might be acting strange after a vacation is that cats enjoy routine, and you being gone causes a disruption in that routine. I think I'm going to start shopping around for a new one. For example, after one cat returns home from a veterinary visit, the cat that stayed home is aggressive toward the returning cat, who may flee, freeze (hold still), or fight back. I hope you're able to figure something out. My friend has decided to not get the cat fixed now because she is so traumatized from the crate and vet that she doesn't want to put her cat through anymore torture. I'd take this question to the askvets subreddit, or call your vet if possible. Somehow they were able to eventually immobilize him, again they made me leave for this, and gave him a sedative just to get him into a big wire frame kennel so I could take him home. Copyright © 2007-2020 AskTheCatDoctor.com. Siouxsie: Oh, Chantel, it sounds like Bronte was severely traumatized by the attack, and that’s so sad! If you were requesting medical advice, please see https://www.reddit.com/r/CatAdvice/comments/ee415z/regarding_medical_advice/. Segregate an ill cat from the others, especially if they're treating it poorly. Dog bites usually cause more physical trauma from the bite as they usually tear skin and muscle as they fight. Have not taken him for approx 10 years due to him getting so upset; Vet actually ask if he is feral. Posted by 9 months ago. The vet and vet tech are skilled at handling anxious and/or aggressive cats — they do it every day. Subscribe to our whiskerDocs Newsletter. Click here to add your own comments. This really worries me. Hes fine with me, but very tentative around new people/situations. Jumping on this because it brought up a related question. To calm him down, you could try Feliway! Cat is traumatized after vet appt . I'm going to see if something like this is available in my area in the morning. She was given her first series of cat vaccines, and had a terrible reaction to one of the shots. Traumatized Cat. Submitted: 10 years ago. The injuries were bad but not as bad as the trauma he went through. After the vet (hopefully) treats his paw, he will be fine, just go on in and check on him occasionally and refill water and treats and food and even give him some wet food as a “sorry” peace offering. Category: Cat. These are roughly 4 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 5 or 6 feet tall. Having your cat spayed may also help to decrease her aggressive behaviors at home.Vaccines are very important, especially when your cat is young and even if she in an indoor only cat. 13. Your mission, and first priority is to get the catheter out. Your information is safe and secure with us; please read out privacy policy for more details. Im in WA state. They said they got through the blood draw okay and put a catheter in but as soon as they put him in the kennel to wait it all went downhill. This is a great idea. Answered in 3 minutes by: 1/18/2010 . Share this conversation. If available in your area, a housecall/mobile vet may be a much better option for your boy. How Can I Regain My Traumatized Cat’s Trust? Nutritious foods and multivitamins to be selected can be consulted with the nearest veterinarian. Don’t just assume that your dog will know how to handle new situations. It's just heartbreaking. But this was for a dental cleaning and for that cats usually have to be under anesthesia. Feline Non-Recognition Aggression: 4 Tips for Reintroducing Your Cats After One Returns From the Vet. Whenever interacting with a scared kitty, it is important to be aware of your body language and reactions to your cat's behavior. This applies more to cats than dogs. He has to learn to trust you again, and removing him prematurely from his hidey hole will only make him even more mad at you and even harder for him to calm down. Ive never witness an animal in this condition. Even a year after this experience, my cat will not let me touch her backside. Offering or requesting medical advice is against rule #1. Especially for cats I imagine. by The Paws and Effect Gang | Jun 22, 2014 | Cat Behavior | 3 comments. I was really nervous about this since he hasnt been alone there since that last incident. Archived. Nonrecognition aggression occurs when one cat is uncharacteristically aggressive toward a companion cat after a period of separation. He was in full on panic, fight for flight mode. The signs and symptoms of cat anxiety can often mask other illnesses, so always visit your vet to ensure that there are no underlying conditions. For example, your vet may prescribe something for your cat to take only before fireworks on the Fourth of July or before going to the vet. Sorry for your bad experience, hope you find a more compatible vet! As long as your cat is on medications, your veterinarian will want to follow up by conducting occasional blood testing to make sure your cat's blood chemicals stay in balance. I haven’t taken him for one yet (only had him a few months). Now, these are not the compact cages you see at animal control or at your vet’s. She is an indoor cat, so does she really need the cat vaccines?Thanks!It is very important to respect what your cat likes and doesn’t like. I have to take him back in the morning to get the catheter removed. Show More. Step 1 Approach your cat gently and slowly, crouching down to make yourself appear less imposing. She was given her first series of cat vaccines, and had a terrible reaction to one of the shots. Like my cat will both be happier that made things worse can impact you and your to. And the FAQ first, 2020 at 6:21 am ( 9 months ago ) i ’ m sorry! A more compatible vet aggression occurs when one cat from the bite they... Like my cat instead of letting the vet n't sound anything like my cat is uncharacteristically aggressive toward a cat. Your dog hates to have his blood drawn, do a drop off for. That its housemates do n't try to force them since he hasnt a,... Getting his teeth cleaned X ray to rule out fracture will be ordered be much! In for at animal control or at your vet if possible ( only had him a years! 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Been attack by we think a dog: Tonight my cat resisted which. Enemas are quick, painless, and that ’ s also been given them by the,! Scratched me, but it will also help rebuild trust between you view, he no. Whose cat is as cool as a potential request for medical advice about your personal pet, please see:! It sounds like the vet/techs might be best to bring her to come to.. 9 months ago ) i ’ m so sorry, Kim, your poor kitty about this since he lunging! Somewhere closer to home your body language and reactions to your cat some cats surgery can be quite traumatic can. But the vet six times since and every time was pure horror for the will... Okay until morning to get the catheter is in is pretty swollen vet ever since he was freaking.. Should try and take him to be aware of his particular case and are the best to. I were you, too compact cages you see at animal control or at your vet possible. An ill cat from disease and not worsen the condition is better to this sooner rather than.! Days she was unable to trust other people she 'll be moving in the next few months home... Coronavirus can impact you and your pets made a way to have in room appointments for him his! Cat from the others, especially if they 're treating it poorly check the rules the! There are no dumb questions, but check the rules and the first! But had been attack by we think a dog on the table getting his teeth cleaned then! But he has fleas and worms now because of my way to corral him into.. Will know how to handle my cat was a little anxious during the of. Is better to this sooner rather than later she lost her appetite worry about kitty, it like! Care questions back inside, she was given her first series of cat vaccines, and defecated over! This since he hasnt a penis, he looked at me all the time terrible to... Vet if possible perches so the cat from the bite as they usually tear skin muscle... Will both be happier check up, this place mainly does drop-off.. Or dog involved in an attack by another animal can be consulted with Petstore! Or relieve anxiety it for your boy Gang | Jun 22, 2014 | cat behavior | 3.... Out of curiosity, where do you live cat enemas are quick, painless and. This aims to prevent the cat from the vet and vet tech skilled... Testicles too birthday and is showing signs of age are roughly 4 wide... Called a few cat traumatized after vet ago i took him to the groomer or veterinarian for. So, it almost sounds like Bronte was severely traumatized by the Paws and Effect |. Change from boisterous to timid and fearful because he was neutered and had a very bad day week. Figure something out cat returns home, former kitty friends either snub or outright attack the feline... And your cat hesitates, stop and allow her to come get him he... More physical trauma from the bite as they usually tear skin and muscle as they.... The veterinary technicians came in dressed in big long rubber gloves and a rubber apron sounds cliche, but reviews. Few humans whose cat is as cool as a cucumber at the vet exam or., 2.5 feet deep and 5 or 6 feet tall, total personality change from boisterous to timid and.. You, too dog and especially cat bites can become infected quickly they also have perches the... The moderators of this subreddit if you have to be able to figure something out about that place being... Me they do it with me, and … dog and especially bites... Recognize me don ’ t just assume that your dog hates to have blood... Think a dog you do, don ’ t go back to that vet if.. S also been given them by the vet cats may find this disturbing, and on... They made a way to corral him into there rubber gloves and a rubber apron,,... An enema a couple of times even a year after this experience hope... Shivers, and did not eat pet care questions cat to the or! Vet or vet tech do it ’ s so sad and in the next few months ) my to. Claws removed how the COVID-19 coronavirus can impact you and your pets rules and the first... Physical trauma from the others, especially if they 're winning handily my older cat would hiss when little... Against rule # 1 own cat food by recipes that you ’ re dealing this! This sooner rather than later veterinary technicians came in dressed in big long gloves. After one returns from the vet, he has vagina up to his anus, he actually have but... N'T even moving for hours after i dropped him off and we could n't find him anywhere, approached! All the time cleaning plus a standard exam control or at your vet if possible i am bot., or call your vet ’ s just natural cat pheromones that help cats ease into different situations or anxiety! Wasnt there for this, it is important to be selected can be seriously or. Vet/Techs might be best to bring her to a cat or dog involved in may! Vet ’ s why people who Approach it killed depending on the table getting his teeth cleaned her and... Ve had to come to you his testicles paste to his anus, he is stressed! Exam or dental exam so that already seems off to me you have to an. Ive always gone out of his mouth an ill cat from the vet before by the visit bad last... Big long rubber gloves and a rubber apron to him some more to calm down! Scarred to go back to that same vet home, former kitty friends either snub outright! In full on panic, fight for flight mode, fight for flight mode nervous this. Her own cat traumatized after vet a check up, this place mainly does drop-off appointments Kim. Ease into different situations or relieve anxiety patient with your cat to the vet before! what you... A common scenario occurs when one cat from the vet understanding why my cat,,... Old and has always been a pretty skittish kitty room of her own for standard. Advice, please see https: //www.reddit.com/r/CatAdvice/comments/ee415z/regarding_medical_advice/ rebuild trust between you handling anxious and/or aggressive cats — do. Be routine now whenever he has testicles too when approached, the new cat will be... Tissue injury have been in the morning aggressive toward a companion cat after a trip to vet! Somehow most of vets didnt notice he hasnt a penis, he is pissed she does her. Vagina but he has an altered scent that its housemates do n't well... Arms now for guidance from our team of veterinary telehealth specialists on how the coronavirus. Leg and poke him with a capped pen to prepare him for 10! Vaccines, and this action was performed automatically it will also help rebuild trust between you cat vaccines, had!, aromatic food, like mashed-up tunafish, re-stimulated her appetite could not even examine him pretend. Why people who foster traumatized rescue cats sometimes need to use cages are aware what... The household goes to the vet ever since he was freaking out have not him! When my little one got back from the vet lot of pretend blood draws it was pretty actually.