I'm really desperate .. I have 2 cats - American Short Hair, a brother and sister, Barney & Feif .. I've had them since they were kittens going on 9 years now. They are both strictly indoor cats. The female Feif has always been pretty much easy going but reacts to her brother, Barney who has always been terrified of everything. I had done everything in my power to help Barney have a fun, easy and tranquil life. I even spent $300 having my office walls covered in kitty shelves for them to play on - so far they will only get on the shelf in the right hand corner.


The slightest movement or noise in which Barney doesn't see the source causes him to go into abject panic mode and he runs like crazy to get under the bed with Feif not far behind and she doesn't know why she's running except Barney is doing it. If he happens to be on a table, he will knock it over and send things flying. Tonight I unthinkingly dropped a book i was reading on a coffee table and Barney who was sitting on an end table next to me in his panic to get away knocked over the lamp, phone, coffee and everything that was sitting on the table. I've seen him fly off into such a panic that he's literally knocked himself senseless running into a wall trying to get under the bed.

I try my best not to get angry but after putting up with this for over 8 years, I'm reaching my limit of the unintentional but destructiveness of Barney. I am now seriously considering having him put to sleep. He obviously doesn't have a very good life as most of it is spent hiding under the bed. I've tried that very expensive but useless kitty pheromones - Sentry Calming Spray which has absolutely no effect that I can see. The Vet doesn't seem to have an answer either.

Unless someone can suggest something else for me to try I don't think I can take anymore of Barney's behavior as it startles the bajeebers out of me sometimes since it happens so randomly. I'm 64 years old and really don't need this kind of drama any more. I just don't know what else to do.

Hi AnneP

I empathise with you - if this has been the way it has been for 8 years, it's a long time of cleaning up!

I would consider seeing another vet.  There are situations where medication can be needed - I guess like humans might need it for an anxiety disorder.  Remember that if you don't get an answer that makes sense from your vet (or you get blown off), then you have a right and an obligation to find a more knowledgable vet.  I tend toward feline specialists.  I figure that cats are complex animals, so why not find someone who loves and is fascinated by them?  Other vets I've been to don't seem to have a big interest in cats...they are afterall, a vet who has studied a lot to cover a lot of animals, rather than having the time to study one in more depth.

If it were me, and I'd employed all my cat-wisdom without success, I'd definately be asking some medical questions.

As to cat-wisdom, I love what you have done with the shelves!  My cat would love this as he is super energetic and adventurous.  But as Jackson Galaxy says 'there are tree dwellers and there are bush dwellers' - the bush dwellers being the ones who feel more comfortable on the floor.  With Barney only liking the first shelf, and loving under the bed, maybe you could make safe places low down?  Needn't be expensive.  Try out some cardboard boxes, try cutting out a hole and turning it upside down, try a cat cube or a cat tunnel (I think someone recently said they got one for under $5), try putting a bed for him under something - like under a chair.  He seems to need to feel safe by hiding, so lets see what happens if lots of places like that are available.

I don't know the Sentry Calming Spray you speak about, but I really really recommend Feliway.  And yes, it is a bit expensive, but it is worth a try.  I think some 'smells' work for some cats, others for others - just like catnip only works on cats with a genetic predisposition to it.  I've heard so few negative experiences with Feliway, and an overwhelming number of positive experiences.  Plus, Feliway comes as a diffuser, so it can affect a larger area than a spray, and it lasts for a month without you doing anything except plugging it in.  To give you a sense of how effective it is, we use it when we travel - when we reach a new destination, 30mins after we plug in the Feliway, our cat is as happy as Larry and adventuring around.  Without it, he is a very sensitive little soul and will slink around on his belly, if he comes out of the cage at all, with big big scared eyes.

With ageing cats, I have read that extra fat in their diet can be very beneficial for helping the brain keep its connectivity.  I don't know the full circumstances with Barney, so I don't know if this behaviour had a start (what was it?), or is worsening as he ages - if so, perhaps it is apart of neurological decline, and a decline in his senses, that is making him feel very confused and scared.  Here's something about that (the extra fat in the diet has worked wonders): http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/dear-pammy-why-do-cats-wail-at-night/12962

I believe there will be a happy solution for Barney that doesn't involve putting him down.  In the meantime as you work on this, be positive and happy.  Barney has found a happy place under the bed, so it's fine that he likes it down there.  To help the clean-ups, its 'ridiculous that you have to do this', but why not if it makes life better?: drinks in travel cups so they can tip without spilling, breakables and things you don't want disturbed put up on those handy shelves that the cats don't use - or use some boxes with lids for things that should stay on the table.  This was what I did when kitten-proofing, and its really workable; I got a 'tea box', which was a fairly shallow wooden box with a glass hinged top.  It's quite decorative, and has kept my makeup and hair things nice and neat and safe from a fascinated feline.

Please let us know how you go!

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. Barney has always been like this - even as a kitten. I've been to many vets and spent tons of money on blood tests & such. I have done everything I can think of to help Barney. They have open boxes and covered boxes for sleeping.


I've even made what I call the "kitty veranda" so they could enjoy the outdoors without actually going outdoors.


I've bought tunnels, toys, pretty much you name it. Barney won't go near them until he see's that Feif doesn't die then tries them out once and never again - he will not get into anything that he could possibly be cornered/trapped in.

You never, know what is going to startle him so it's almost impossible to 2nd guess. I'm sorry but I can't Barney Proof the house anymore by drinking out of travel cups and not putting things on tables.

I discovered in my searches last night they have Thundershirts for Cats .. hopefully this will help.

What are you feeding them? Sometimes there is something in a food that a cat can have a bad reaction to...all his life. A diet change may change everyone's life for the better.

Has any vet every recommended an MRI? It may seem remote but it's possible he may have something, a growth, in or on his brain causing this behavior.

Hasn't any vet ever suggested medication? It may sound drastic, but not as drastic as ending his life! Amitriptyline is a medication often used for anxiety in cats. There is also fluoxetine (generic prozac). If you prefer a more ...natural...route (that word is so over used now, but applicable in this context) you can try a supplement called l-theanine. Another member here is using it to reduce stress in one of her cats. And there is also rescue remedy.

I heartily second using Feliway Plug in Diffusers in the home in addition to anything else you might try.

Remember that cats are emotional barometers and pick up on your stress. Having him 'put to sleep' would be devastating for Feif, and yourself. You might think you'd feel relief, but I doubt it. I think you'd feel terrible. You haven't tried everything yet, so don't give up hope!

That's a lovely cat-friendly environment you've created for your precious beautiful cats. I'm sure we can help you help them enjoy it more.

Thanks for your reply and suggestions .. Barney has had the brain scan thing and it came back normal for a cat. Their food has been changed 4 times over the last 8 years. At the moment they are eating the Blue for Indoor Cats. Barney was put on elavil and the dosage played with for 3 months with no change other than he was basically comatose even at the smallest dose. I think pilling the cat was more stressful than everyday life for him.

Any air freshener/scent diffusers are extremely poisonous - and it's cumulative. It's bad enough for humans, it's got to be worse for cats. Here is a link that explains it more Air Fresheners Create Toxic Chemical Soup . You won't find scented anything in my house.

I've tried Rescue Remedy and other holistic things to no avail. Hopefully PetSmart has the Thundershirt for cats and I won't have to spend 15 dollars on shipping. they cost 40 dollars.

After all this I'm thinking that this is just Barney's personality - a Scardy Cat.

AnnP:  FWIW:  you can also try a tight fiting t-shirt (child's size, maybe?); that is the basic principal of Thundershirts. 

I was able to pick up a Thundershirt for Barney at PetSmart .. the tricky thing will be to actually get him into it without a fight .. at least I don't have to put anything over his head or his legs through holes ... at the moment it's laying on the floor in the hall so he'll have to pass by it when he goes for food .. I figure I'd leave it there for a few days to let him get used to seeing and smelling it before I attempt to wrap him up in it. Feif decided to try it out as a bed for a few minutes - I might even sprinkle some fresh catnip on it in a few days.

If this doesn't help I just don't know what else to do.

Hi AnneP

Great cat-oriented house!  My goodness, what a paradise!

You can feel ok about Feliway - it's not an airfreshner.  I certainly wouldn't use those either.

Feliway is not a scent diffuser. It diffuses cat pheromones. I don't use those scent things either, I think they are awful. That is not what Feliway is.

Yes, this is his personality, I agree. But I wanted to cover everything I could think of. The thing is, you say you've tried things, but for how long. I understand not continuing with the amitriptyline (elavil) but things like Rescue Remedy may help in small ways that you don't notice, but make a difference to Barney and his quality of life. I would keep using it.

I would also recommend you get them on a wet diet though. (Or even raw diet). Cats on a dry diet are perpetually dehydrated. Eating a diet that keeps him well hydrated could help him feel better. It won't change his personality but he will feel better.

PS you might look into L-theanine. There is a member here using it for her anxious kitty.


If you are interested I'll ask the member to contact you for more info.

Also and I know you've tried drugs, but have you/your vet tried a combination of drugs, or several different ones.

My boss' cat peed on everything (stress mainly) and after several months of trying different drugs and different combination of drugs, he no longer pees.

Wish we could read Barney's mind and see if he'd rather be slightly drugged out or super frantic, stressed.  Yeah sometimes the side effects are worse than the disease.  And, sometimes not.

You might find the following useful:

http://www.messybeast.com/nervous.htm

What is very important to remember is that behaviour that has been going on for 8 years is not going to be altered quickly.  It will take time - months quite possibly - and effort.  You might find consulting a behaviourist useful.  Vets are rarely specialists in cat behaviour.  If you go down this route, do make sure to get a properly qualified one - I'm sure it's a pool with plenty of sharks swimming in it.

The information sheet with Feliway mentions that on it's own it won't solve problems - it needs to be used as part of a properly thought-out plan, which is what a reputable behaviourist will provide.  They should also keep in touch while you implement that plan to provide support and guidance.

Personally I would also make my house a safer place for him to panic in - put breakables and so on in cupboards, at least for the time being.  Cats can pick up on how we are, it's possible that is part of what is going on for you and him.

My mom has 2 cats and one of them is afraid if his shadow. It sounds like he gets spooked easily, but putting him to sleep is not an answer. I just had my 16 yr old cat put down due to kidney failure and the feeling is horrible; and he was very sick. If you can't deal with his scaredy catness then give him up for adoption, don't kill him. That makes me cry thinking about it. If I was closer to you I would come and pick him up myself but I doubt I am.
Please don't end his life because he is afraid of things. I am sure there is an answer to this.
Cats4life25

OrientalSlave said:

You might find the following useful:

http://www.messybeast.com/nervous.htm

What is very important to remember is that behaviour that has been going on for 8 years is not going to be altered quickly.  It will take time - months quite possibly - and effort.  You might find consulting a behaviourist useful.  Vets are rarely specialists in cat behaviour.  If you go down this route, do make sure to get a properly qualified one - I'm sure it's a pool with plenty of sharks swimming in it.

The information sheet with Feliway mentions that on it's own it won't solve problems - it needs to be used as part of a properly thought-out plan, which is what a reputable behaviourist will provide.  They should also keep in touch while you implement that plan to provide support and guidance.

Personally I would also make my house a safer place for him to panic in - put breakables and so on in cupboards, at least for the time being.  Cats can pick up on how we are, it's possible that is part of what is going on for you and him.

Click to expand...

Terrific article in the link provided, too! AnneP, do give it a read, it may ease your own stress somewhat.

Please don't put kitty down for being afraid!  Give him to someone, I am sure SOMEONE would take him if you really can't handle it anymore!  His sister would be devastated to all of a sudden lose her brother.  There HAS to be some way!

I know it's a BIG PAIN to pill a cat, and most of the time not worth the time and energy when you find it later some where, but I found a wonderful treat called Greenies pill hiders. I put even capsules in them and believe it or not my cat just swallows them down. If you watch your cat eat, they swallow a lot of their food whole. If it would help to keep your cat calm if he was medicated you might give them a try. I agree though, some cats are just afraid of everything. My big 15 lb male runs under the bed a lot, but thankfully he doesn't knock anything over to get there! My other cat doesn't run from anything, but he intentionally knocks things off of tables when he is ignored.  I agree also to PLEASE find your cat a new home, don't euthanize him over something like this! SOMEBODY would feel sorry for him and take him if you explain his problems.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and suggestions. Let me get something straight here .. I'm NOT considering putting Barney to sleep because he is a nuisance to me and a scaredy cat. After 8 years, spending thousands of dollars on taking him to vets, university vet schools, drugs, concoctions and such along with greatly altering my own life to try and help him with absolutely no indication that he has been helped in anyway, I have to ask myself what his quality of life must be. Giving him to someone else would be a fate worse than death for him. Other than vets, no one has ever seen Barney except in pictures. When people come over he's under the bed and will not come out from under the bed until they are gone. When my sister came to visit a few years ago, he stayed under my bed for 3 days without eating or using the litterbox until she left. Since then, I've not had any overnight guests in my home.

I've had no luck at all getting the Thundershirt on him - in order to do it, I'd have to trap him and immobilize him - I just can't bring myself to terrorize him that way .. I was hoping he'd get used to it but unfortunately the sound of the velcro send him running under the bed in abject terror. I've tried for the last 2 days to desensitize him to the sound but so far no luck.

I keep asking myself, what kind of life Barney has living in constant fear? I have had to put to sleep my beloved Border Collie Sarah who had a stroke at 12 years of age which paralyze her and my 7 year old English kitty Poppy that I brought back from me when I lived in England for a few years. He developed feline leukemia. So I do not consider what to do with Barney lightly. I know too well the heartbreak and anguish of losing a beloved fur child though a deliberate act.

As I first said, I'm reaching my limits of patience and unhappily money. I'm retired now on a very fixed income. The Thundershirt cost me a weeks worth of groceries. Hopefully I can wash it and sell it on Craigs because it's obvious it's not going on Barney.

My final decision won't come any time soon or easily. I will most definitely think it out for a long time but honestly things can't stay the way they are for his sake and mine.

 

When Barney goes running, if he is not aggressive, catch him and pet him and try to provide comfort for him. That's what I would do.

Providing comfort might suggest there is something to be scared of.  The best place to spend money is probably a behaviourist, not a vet.  You have been to the vet more than often enough to know there's not a physical cause, so it's a behavioural issue.

This may be a stupid question, but how are Barney's hearing and peripheral vision?  I have noticed that sometimes when I overtake and pass elderly people on the sidewalk they will give a startled jump when I suddenly appear in their vision, because their peripheral vision doesn't work with glasses and the street was too noisy for their ears to distinguish my approaching footsteps from the background noise.  I am probably wrong, but to me Barney's behavior sounds a bit like someone whose senses are deficient enough that he is continually being startled, and he doesn't like it.  Of course this wouldn't necessarily explain his aversion to unknown people and his claustrophobic aversion to places he might not be able to get out of.

Another stupid question: what is the normal sound level in the areas that Barney spends his time in?  Could it be that dropping a book on a coffee table in a completely silent room would startle him more than it would in a room with some background noise, such as a radio playing softly?

Please forgive me if I am barking up the wrong tree, so to speak.