Fhs tail docking HELP

verdecat

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My 1.5yr baby has fhs I will not shorten his life with medication tail docking has come up before in another forum I read...he viciously attacks and occasionally gets a claw stuck in his tail most of the time it is just the tip but I am worried tht if I don't take it all off he will just keep attacking is half tail...I have not talked to my or any vet about this I am seeking opinions maybe someone has had a similar situation I have had big man kitty since he was born a fluffy little jelly bean...I have exhausted all efforts otc...as I am writing this he is laying on the floor growling at his tail...it just hurts my heart...please opinions needed...not harsh comments this is a very hard decision for me I am not taking this lightly


 

mrsgreenjeens

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Before going to that drastic a step, I would first try a couple of other steps.

1) calming products like Rescue Remedy or Jackson Galaxy Spirit Essences, or even calming sprays, Feliway, that type of thing

2) music to calm cats (just google it).  harp music is particularly calming

3)  a very structured routine for him....specific meal times, play times, etc.

4)  safe havens for him.  Cat towers, etc. 

5)  the right food.  By this I mean a very good food.  I don't know what you feed, but one of our members has a cat with FHS, and when she switched over to a raw diet, she noticed a substantial improvement in her furbaby.  Not saying you must feed raw, but diet CAN play a large part in this.  Maybe this article on what to feed a cat will prove helpful:  http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-choose-the-right-food-for-your-cat

We had another member who was able to distract her FHS cat from going into a full blown episode by pulling out a feather wand and distracting her with play
 
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verdecat

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I have tried everything you have mentioned my last step to try is medical I don't want to do it as it will shorten his life I am not always home to distract him as sometimes that does work for a minute or to but he has gotten claws stuck in his tail and I came home to a bloody mess I was so scared
 

mrsgreenjeens

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I have tried everything you have mentioned my last step to try is medical I don't want to do it as it will shorten his life I am not always home to distract him as sometimes that does work for a minute or to but he has gotten claws stuck in his tail and I came home to a bloody mess I was so scared
Have you tried putting "soft claws" AKA "soft paws" on him?  That way he can't scratch himself, at least? 

when you say medication will shorten his life, how exactly do you know that?  And isn't it really quality of life that counts?  Certain medications CAN, certainly shorten their lifespan.  CAN, not will for a certainty.  BUT, if it makes his life much more pleasant for him, isn't that worth it?  Because if you have tried all of the above suggestions and nothing is helping, then it's almost as if he is a tortured little soul, and if he can get relief from medication, wouldn't that be better?  Just my opinion.  What if you had his tail removed, and then he started chewing on his lower back?  
(the base of his tail)  In my mind, this could happen if he's got it that bad.  Just food for thought.

 
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