HI all,
I have a situation that I would like some input about.
I had three cats (and a bunny) about 8 months ago I took in a kitty from the streets. (she had all the tests, she is fine) For the first six months all was fine. (I did about a six week slow introduction)
About 3 months ago while she was laying on my bed, Taz (the alpha cat, who loves everyone) swatted her. Ever since she has been stuck in "victim mode" and is terrified of him. Not of my other two, just him.
For six weeks, I put lattice panels up to divide the house and did a slow intro again. Spoke with a behaviorlist a few times etc. She had me take down the lattice panels, somewhat suggesting that I might be "feeding into Rocky (the new female" fears and not knowingly reinforcing her to be so fearful.
Six weeks have passed and very little improvement has taken place. I mean there is some.. but boy is it stressful when Taz walks into the section of the house he "allows" her to live in.
Her running, seems to trigger him to chaise her.
I've read some about Pariah cats and the drug Buspar. Has anyone tried this drug? I am so against giving a kitty any drug... but I also know in my heart that sweet Rocky has the tendancies to be a Pariah cat. (I found out after I took her in, that she lived a few blocks away but left because one of the cats kept beating her up)
It simply breaks my heart.. Rocky is over weight and it just reminds me of the "fat girl" that was picked on in school. I do go out of my way and baby her a lot.. to try to compensate for her fear of Taz. (without him seeing me of course) And for the fact she lives on another section of the house. (doors are open, she could come out.. but most of the time doesn't)
Another thing... I read someone where on this site about using vanilla on both cats, can someone give me some directions on how to use it, how much and where on them?
In closing... I need to add. Taz is the love of my life... a mamma's boy, and now comes Rocky who is REALLY a mamma's girl... I love them both deeply, I do not want to give Rocky up. Besides, before taking her in, I tried for six weeks to find her a home.......... adult cats are hard to find a good home.
I did have one person interested... they wanted a cat to live in their barn and catch mice. I DON'T THINK SO!
I'd love to hear some sucess stories... are there any?
Donna
I have a situation that I would like some input about.
I had three cats (and a bunny) about 8 months ago I took in a kitty from the streets. (she had all the tests, she is fine) For the first six months all was fine. (I did about a six week slow introduction)
About 3 months ago while she was laying on my bed, Taz (the alpha cat, who loves everyone) swatted her. Ever since she has been stuck in "victim mode" and is terrified of him. Not of my other two, just him.
For six weeks, I put lattice panels up to divide the house and did a slow intro again. Spoke with a behaviorlist a few times etc. She had me take down the lattice panels, somewhat suggesting that I might be "feeding into Rocky (the new female" fears and not knowingly reinforcing her to be so fearful.
Six weeks have passed and very little improvement has taken place. I mean there is some.. but boy is it stressful when Taz walks into the section of the house he "allows" her to live in.
Her running, seems to trigger him to chaise her.
I've read some about Pariah cats and the drug Buspar. Has anyone tried this drug? I am so against giving a kitty any drug... but I also know in my heart that sweet Rocky has the tendancies to be a Pariah cat. (I found out after I took her in, that she lived a few blocks away but left because one of the cats kept beating her up)
It simply breaks my heart.. Rocky is over weight and it just reminds me of the "fat girl" that was picked on in school. I do go out of my way and baby her a lot.. to try to compensate for her fear of Taz. (without him seeing me of course) And for the fact she lives on another section of the house. (doors are open, she could come out.. but most of the time doesn't)
Another thing... I read someone where on this site about using vanilla on both cats, can someone give me some directions on how to use it, how much and where on them?
In closing... I need to add. Taz is the love of my life... a mamma's boy, and now comes Rocky who is REALLY a mamma's girl... I love them both deeply, I do not want to give Rocky up. Besides, before taking her in, I tried for six weeks to find her a home.......... adult cats are hard to find a good home.
I did have one person interested... they wanted a cat to live in their barn and catch mice. I DON'T THINK SO!
I'd love to hear some sucess stories... are there any?
Donna