Psychotic Episodes

[hierophantria]

I guess it has shown me a lot that people who have not seen my cat, were not present at our vet trip and whom I seriously doubt have veterinary training themselves decide that a cat must have serious health issues and not just an attitude. Owning cats does not make you an expert. It merely makes you another cat owner. I wonder about the personalities of your cats and just how well you read them. Cats are brilliant little things and have just as complex personalities as any human. If this were a dog I seriously doubt any of you would call it anything but fighting for dominance. Do you truly believe these animals are mindless creatures who cannot act in any way than involuntary? How unfortunate. My cats are three great cats with wild and amazing personalities that are deep and crazy, sweet and maddening. They have their bad habits just as their good. Cats are capable of conscious acts of kindness and rebellion, they are not mindless automatons who are incapable of understanding themselves and the world around them.

Oh and this vet is one that specializes in feline care. In fact I hunted her down this weekend and consulted those I knew who went to her. Don't jump to conclusions, it does no one here anything but a disservice.

Miew has been on Purina One without problem. She was on their kitten formula since her first day with me and has been making a gradual change to adult over the past month. The switch was more mild than your obvious guessing has been pointing to. I've done a spate of research about what works for my cats and what has made them happy. Purina One is better than a good number on the market.

The spray bottles are NOT for her spaz attacks, they are used in other forms of discipline towards training her to stay out of the kitchen, off tables and scratching. These are acts of rebellion that she's been doing for many months now. She has an extraordinarily dominant personality.

I'm not a fool and I find it insulting to treat some one as some of you have been addressing me. Those of you who have been jumping to conclusions should be ashamed of yourselves. I shall be letting those I know to avoid this forum. While I am sure there are lovely people here, I'd rather look to one where they don't jump to conclusions without the proper information. And I'll keep my questions for professionals from now on.

 

[otto]

You said yourself that this is NEW behavior. A cat doesn't suddenly start acting the way you describe, after 7 or 8 "normal" months for no reason.

Yes, cats do change up on us, we all know that. But what you have described is not a normal "cat phase".

She's only been on the Purina ONE adult, again, by your own report, for two months. This "behavior" started one month later. Why are you so unwilling to even TRY a diet change? What can it hurt to put her on a better quality, wet food, for a time?

Why wouldn't your vet test for things like diabetes? So strange, to me, not to do blood work.

Poor kitty. I do hope things work out for her.

 

[orpheygene]

I think you might be jumping a bit defensive. You started this thread asking for help and people have responded - giving your their best opinions, based on their experiences - which is really all people can do. You might not like their advice and choose to ignore it, but I don't think anyone meant to insult or demean you or call you a bad fur-baby parent. I'm new around here so I don't know all the players, but it seems to me that anyone who responds to these threads does so out of a genuine desire to help and figure out the best thing for these kitties. Yours sounds like its in a lot of trouble and people are reaching out to give you the help you asked for. At least that's how it appears to me.

 

[addiebee]

I would agree that the cat needs a full work up - blood, urine, etc. How can any vet- feline specialist or not - declare a cat's problem to be "in its head" when all avenues medically have not been ruled out? It would be no different if a human suddenly underwent a personality change. It could very well be brain chemistry that is off kilter. Or blood chemistry. My mood changes when I have low sugar for instance... I get grouchy, sleepy, lightheaded, disoriented even. Not my regular bubbly self!

I have reads posts here where even competent vets have to be convinced that the cat is having seizures or some sort. Usually video does the trick.

Some people on this site can come on a little strong but as some other posters have said - we all love our cats and if we are posting here on your thread it is because we want to help and provide you the benefit of our collective experiences. If you choose not to look into it, that is fine.

We wish the best for you and Miew.

EDITED TO ADD CONTENT:
I reread your initial post and something jumped out at me ... she is only doing this with YOU. Has anything changed with YOU? Medication? Soap? Perfume? Are you or have you been sick? As you said, cats are sensitive creatures...maybe she is picking up something.... Still best to get blood, urine, etc. on her and log her behaviors as others have suggested to try to find the triggers.

 

[christinacat]

I think I would focus on what the vet said, that it might be a dominance issue. Just wondering how the 'cat hierarchy' is in the house, if she is the 'top cat' then yes, it makes sense that after a few months spent establishing her superiority with the other cats, she would move on to you - the one not yet under her control. I would endeavour towards a balance, respecting her and her space but asserting my own space and the fact that she is after all dependent on me for food and litter cleaning etc.

Or...you may be the only one she thinks she can control, again some consideration and acceptance would probably do the trick.

Actually, it sounds to me like you have everything well under control now and have a plan for attacking the problem, good luck!

 

[februa]

Originally Posted by Hierophantria

I guess it has shown me a lot that people who have not seen my cat, were not present at our vet trip and whom I seriously doubt have veterinary training themselves decide that a cat must have serious health issues and not just an attitude. Owning cats does not make you an expert. It merely makes you another cat owner.

No one here has said that your cat must have serious health issues, merely that serious health issues need to be ruled out before deciding on "attitude" as the culprit. Any decent vet, and franky, any serious pet owner, would insist on ruling out health issues as a cause of your cats behaviour first, and then chalking it up to attitude after everything has been ruled out. I cant believe you are so willing to accept this vets opinion without detailed medical testing, specifically blood tests. Perhaps you were not honest enough with the vet or with us about the seriousness of the situation, but attutide is very unlikely as there was a sudden change.

Before you write me off as "just another pet owner", Ill let you know that my biomedical sciences degree with focus in animal physiology came from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, and the fact that I am a PhD candidate in Medical Genetics focusing on mammalian neurophysiology and animal behaviour gives me more than enough background to openly say that both you and your vet have a responsibility to do more for your pet than you yourself have stated. Terrified defecation is not an attempt to assert dominance. Ever. Animals cannot talk, but a change in personality is like a screaming voice imo. Seriously -- stop taking this so defensively - no one wants you to wake up to a dead pet one morning because an untreated infection was written off as attitude.

 

[sharky]

Originally Posted by Februa

No one here has said that your cat must have serious health issues, merely that serious health issues need to be ruled out before deciding on "attitude" as the culprit. Any decent vet, and franky, any serious pet owner, would insist on ruling out health issues as a cause of your cats behaviour first, and then chalking it up to attitude after everything has been ruled out. I cant believe you are so willing to accept this vets opinion without detailed medical testing, specifically blood tests. Perhaps you were not honest enough with the vet or with us about the seriousness of the situation, but attutide is very unlikely as there was a sudden change.

Before you write me off as "just another pet owner", Ill let you know that my biomedical sciences degree with focus in animal physiology came from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, and the fact that I am a PhD candidate in Medical Genetics focusing on mammalian neurophysiology and animal behaviour gives me more than enough background to openly say that both you and your vet have a responsibility to do more for your pet than you yourself have stated. Terrified defecation is not an attempt to assert dominance. Ever. Animals cannot talk, but a change in personality is like a screaming voice imo. Seriously -- stop taking this so defensively - no one wants you to wake up to a dead pet one morning because an untreated infection was written off as attitude.

The above is some very sound advise...

ONE IMHO Run to a second vet and get some tests done

Two What was the prior food ? FYI note a food allergy landed one of my cats in surgery.

Three Please try some feliway or the knock off spray I have found can help... or rescue remedy

 

[mystik spiral]

Originally Posted by Hierophantria

I guess it has shown me a lot that people who have not seen my cat, were not present at our vet trip and whom I seriously doubt have veterinary training themselves decide that a cat must have serious health issues and not just an attitude. Owning cats does not make you an expert. It merely makes you another cat owner. I wonder about the personalities of your cats and just how well you read them. Cats are brilliant little things and have just as complex personalities as any human. If this were a dog I seriously doubt any of you would call it anything but fighting for dominance. Do you truly believe these animals are mindless creatures who cannot act in any way than involuntary? How unfortunate. My cats are three great cats with wild and amazing personalities that are deep and crazy, sweet and maddening. They have their bad habits just as their good. Cats are capable of conscious acts of kindness and rebellion, they are not mindless automatons who are incapable of understanding themselves and the world around them.

Oh and this vet is one that specializes in feline care. In fact I hunted her down this weekend and consulted those I knew who went to her. Don't jump to conclusions, it does no one here anything but a disservice.

Miew has been on Purina One without problem. She was on their kitten formula since her first day with me and has been making a gradual change to adult over the past month. The switch was more mild than your obvious guessing has been pointing to. I've done a spate of research about what works for my cats and what has made them happy. Purina One is better than a good number on the market.

The spray bottles are NOT for her spaz attacks, they are used in other forms of discipline towards training her to stay out of the kitchen, off tables and scratching. These are acts of rebellion that she's been doing for many months now. She has an extraordinarily dominant personality.

I'm not a fool and I find it insulting to treat some one as some of you have been addressing me. Those of you who have been jumping to conclusions should be ashamed of yourselves. I shall be letting those I know to avoid this forum. While I am sure there are lovely people here, I'd rather look to one where they don't jump to conclusions without the proper information. And I'll keep my questions for professionals from now on.

I think it's very unfortunate that YOU came to a cat forum, asked for advice, and then proceeded to insult the very people who were trying to give you advice. You can take advice or not, but there's no need to write what you wrote about some of the posters here. It seems like you already had your mind made up on what you wanted to do before you even posted, and then just got really bull-headed when people offered suggestions. There are many, many people here who care for their cats as their own children, nobody needs you to lecture them on cat behavior or personalities.

I'm sorry to hear that you would actually steer people away from this forum. I have gotten excellent advice and support from many people here. You complain about people "jumping to conclusions" without having "the proper information", well, it's on YOU to share the proper information when you first come to ask for help. For example, you stated that you use the squirt bottle "when she misbehaves". Someone suggested you don't use it for her "episodes" and you jumped down their throat saying that you don't use it for her "spaz attacks". Well, you weren't clear to begin with.

You say you know cats SO well, you should realize that when they start behaving differently, all of a sudden, it's usually a medical problem. I spent a couple months late last year thinking my cat was suffering from depression because she didn't want to play, didn't eat much, and wanted nothing more than to sleep all day. Well, lo and behold a couple months ago she was diagnosed with stomatitis and had to have ALL her teeth pulled. Once she healed up, she was like a whole new cat. She wants to play ALL day, she is more affectionate, and just generally seems much happier.

Personally, in reading all of this, a big red flag went up for me when you said that your vet didn't even take your cat's temp. My cat gets her temp taken EVERY time she has a vet visit. Like others, I would seriously question that vet's practices.

Sorry for the long rant, but nothing gets my anger up more than people who ask for help then insult the people who are trying to give advice. I hope your cat is OK.

 

[bellaandme]

I really hope everything turns out well for you and all your babies. Now, after reading all the responses and exchanges between everyone I want to say how proud I am to belong to this forum. I think the support and wisdom here is beyond comparison!! If you don't want an honest answer--then don't ask the question. I have been blessed since I came here. Bella hasn't had any serious problems BUT, if she ever does then this is the place I will come to. And I know I can count on all of you for the truth...The one powerful thing we ALL have in common is our L.O.V.E for cats. And like our furbabies we may hiss at one another, but then we retract our claws and get over it.

 

[kluchetta]

Quick question - sorry...I just skimmed...is she spayed?

ETA...this may sound crazy but has your health changed, or are you under any undue stress? Are you friends with anyone new? Drinking or eating anything new? Sometimes cats actually can tell us when WE are sick...

 

[hissy]

I just read this entire thread and I find myself asking a lot of questions about how you interact with your cats. Before you throw me under the bus by saying I do not know what I am talking about- I don't really feel I have to qualify what I am about- any search for older posts by me would do that easily.

I do not wish to attack you, but I am very direct in my dealings with people as I have seen all types of abuse issues with cats and peoples. Picking up a stressed, startled or plain pissed off cat can land you easily in the hospital on IV fluids. If your cat is angry at the sight or smell of you, there is a reason. It is up to you to be the detective and find the reason out before it is to late. This means consulting with a feline specialist, not a feline vet- there is a vast difference. It almost sounds like you did find a feline specialist as they don't as a rule take a cat's temperature if it doesn't look like it is needed. Vets will do it every time and sometimes just add to the stress level of the cat.

Do you provide places for this cat to get off the floor and feel safe? Do you have condos? Cubby holes? Have you cleared off shelves or put in cat ramps?

The bursts of aggression can be as a result of so many things, which is why you need to put your detective hat on. It could be something as dreadful as FIP lesions on the brain, it could be neurological, kitty could have fallen or been hurt without you knowledge as they cover pain quite well.

Do you make direct eye contact with this cat when you are in the same room? This is a clear invitation to war for a kitty. It is how they challenge each other as to who is the Alpha of the group. If you make direct eye contact you need to slowly blink several times, lower you head and walk away.

Don't assign cats human emotions, they are not your children. They are creatures who are indeed lovely and beautiful and challenging, but they act on instinct. They do not "misbehave" If they are jumping on your counters, they are after food scents, or they simply want to get up and out of the way of the other cats in the house. Punishing this cat for doing what instinct tells her to do is counterproductive, not to mention harmful towards any bonding the two of you have done.

One thing you need to remember about cats. They do not remember the good things done to them or for them, but they never forget the bad. If you hurt this cat either directly or indirectly- she will remember and lash out at you if she is alpha, or hide from you if she is submissive. Even if it is just a matter of accidentally stumbling over her in the middle of the night, such things can set off the type of behavior she seems to only display towards you.

You should have asked for a neurological check as well as a blood panel as you need a baseline to work with when trying to figure out why a cat has suddenly gone aggressive. If she isn't spayed, tomcats could be visiting outside and spraying your walls and windows- this can cause all sorts of problems.

If the kitten was inbred, she could have genetic disorders- as I said there are a myriad of reasons that cats suddenly become aggressive.

I suppose you will think I am accusing you- but I am actually just trying to get you to think out of the box and check your anger at the door. On the forum here, there are cat owners with specialities that range from feral cat consultants, to vet techs, to reseachers, animal control officers, kitten rescuers, cat behaviorists- you name it they are here. Don't throw us all under a blanket as people clueless to the ways of cats. From what I am reading- the members responding to your posts are more clued in than you think.

I wish you the best of luck- aggression issues are tricky- but they can be solved, usually just not overnight.

 

[yosemite]

For what it's worth, Hissy has probably forgotten more than the rest of us combined know. Her advice is stellar and should be heeded.

I don't pretend to know a lot but when I read that you picked her up when she got upset I cringed. The cat is already stessed to the max and by picking her up you are increasing the stress. Please try some of the good advice you have received here before writing this poor cat off. She is obviously suffering and needs help.