Tabbytudes Cat Behavior Column - July 2003

Feline antidepressant medications can help some of these cats overcome their fearfulness and/or aggression, and that can help with the hit-or-miss litter box behavior. For instance, diazepam (Valium) is a tranquilizer that has a side effect of making cats "friendlier" but there are other drugs that work better and have fewer side effects-amitriptyline (Elavil) for example. Progestin (hormone) drugs such as Ovaban used to commonly be prescribed but are very much out of favor because of the dangerous side effects, including diabetes. Different safe and effective medications available, and some work better for individuals than others-so don't hesitate to ask about alternative medicines if the first one isn't helpful.

Frankly, though, some cats do better as "only" cats. It is NOT cruel to isolate these cats in a room by themselves-it's a relief for them! as long as they get lots of quality time with the humans they love. Putting a screen door on a second bedroom and setting up a kitty haven inside for the one "problem" kitty can relieve all the cats of the added stress. Sometimes pet lovers must sacrifice their own feelings, make the hard decision and find a more appropriate home for a beloved kitty where they can blossom and be the center of attention, and no longer need to compete with the other cats.

We spay our cats as responsible pet parents, and expect that "heat" behavior will be eliminated. But sometimes during a spay surgery, a tiny fragment of the ovarian tissue is left behind. This is very easy to do. When that happens, a condition called ovarian remnant syndrome can develop. According to feline specialists, even very small pieces of the ovary can regenerate a blood supply and over time they increase in size and eventually produce enough estrogen for the cat to seem to be in heat. She won't get pregnant since the uterus has been removed, but her behavior is a pain to you both. The condition is diagnosed from a vaginal swab taken during "heat" and the veterinarian examines the cells under the microscope. I'm told there's a distinctive cell pattern during estrus. If the ovarian remnant is confirmed, exploratory surgery is needed to remove the remnant-during the "heat" is the best time so it's easier to find.

TabbyTip of the Month: Although surgeries do not typically cause a personality change, your pet's attitude certainly can be impacted as a result of other circumstances that coincide with the veterinary visit. For example, kittens are routinely spayed between four and six months of age. This is the time in her life when she's growing up, and evolving from an in-your-face kitten to a more sedate, less playful adolescent-the fact she's spayed during this personality evolution is coincidental. But painful or scary situations experienced at the veterinary hospital can also color the cat's attitude. She may thereafter identify the clinic as THAT PLACE that hurt her, for example, if a declaw or other procedure was traumatic-and in future, the kitty may go ballistic even if nothing major is done. Cats in panic mode don't think. They just lash out, even at a beloved owner. Cats that develop a strong aversion to one clinic may be more amenable to visiting a new place that doesn't have the scary or painful associations. Also, getting the cat used to riding in the carrier can help ease the upset. Turn carriers into cat playgrounds by tossing in toys or treats, and leaving the carrier out all the time. Feliway, a pheromone spray product that calms cats, can be sprayed inside to help ease the trauma.

Amy D. Shojai is a nationally known pet care specialist, and author of more than a dozen pet books, including the forthcoming "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat" and "Complete Care for Your Aging Dog." She can be reached through her website www.shojai.com