Fay's Serial Attacks - Conclusion (Sept 2024) - Carole Wilbourn
Carole Wilbourn, The Cat Therapist, has been the leading voice in feline therapy for over 5 decades. She has helped thousands of cat moms and dads explore, face, and resolve cat behavioral and health issues. Carole is truly the most trusted Cat Therapist in the United States.
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29 Sep Fay’s Serial Attacks — Conclusion (Sept 2024)

Posted at 23:13h in Blog by

Gilbert’s paws spark a new feline relationship for Fay and Nestle —

Nestle’s Primal Bark Launched Fay’s Serial Attacks
(New Kitten Arrival, Displaced Aggression, Attack Cat Behavior) —
Conclusion-Part 2.   The story unfolds …..

Gilbert’s tell-tale paw

 

Fay’s reaction

“A few days before Fievel the new kitten arrived, the vet diagnosed a change in Nestle’s heart murmur and prescribed a different medication. I almost cancelled Fievel’s adoption. It was Gilbert’s paws,” said Sally.

The Paws That Bind
“Gilbert’s paws?”
“Yes, one day Fay plopped herself down and squeezed her paws under the door. I slowly opened the door. It was Gilbert, the cat from the next floor.” Sally went on to say that there was a repeat performance. So on the third day she left the door open, and there were two cats. Gilbert’s bro Toby was beside him. Fay rubbed against Gilbert, the paws up of approval, and in they came.

Fay Wasn’t Cat-Friendly — Until Gilbert
“Yes, it was Gilbert,” said Sally.
She went on to say that when a neighbor moved and left Fay their one-year-old-cat behind, Sally’s sister adopted her. That was short lived. Fay dissed her sister’s cats. So Sally agreed to give Fay a trial run with Nestle her eight-year-old dog. That was six years ago. They were best buds until newbie kitten, Fievel, arrived two weeks ago.

Fay best buds with Nestle on the couch

Sally Had An Epiphany — A Game Changer
Her day job was a 9-5, and Nestle spent this time at Granma’s so he could get his various medications, lots of affection and afternoon walks. It was a mutual win.
Now Fay’s acceptance of Gilbert the cat was a game changer. Sally realized Fay could have the camaraderie of a kitten while Nestle was at Granma’s. She wouldn’t have to be alone.

Sally Could Monitor Nestle’s Cardiac Issues
“So despite Nestle’s cardiac update, you decided to go ahead with Fievel’s adoption?”
“I felt I would continue to be in close contact with the vet if I noticed any changes. We were on a roll until the moment when Fievel suddenly bolted by Nestle and startled him.”
“Yes, and he reacted with a primal bark which triggered Fay’s attack cat behavior towards Nestle and your mother,” I said.
Sally nodded and told me that she felt that I could fine-tune Fievel’s integration to prevent any more incidents.

Me and all 3 at peace

Integration Program For A Win Win Relationship — The Wilbourn Way
I reassured Sally that Fay and Fievel were well on the way to a fun friendship. Now Fay had someone to copy cat her — a feline fan — continuous kitten entertainment. As they zoned out on their toys, I gave Sally the following recommendations:

  • Acknowledgment Defuses Rivalry — so whenever you interact with Fievel, include an auto verbal for them all, like “Right guys”. This acknowledgment will prevent lapses in their relationship.
  • Distract And Desensitize — Toss a toy to Fievel and as he darts off after it, distract Nestle with a toy and/or brushing. With repetition, he won’t freak out with Fievel’s high intensity play.
  • Compliment And Praise —Tell them their inspiration to adopt a kitten was golden. They won’t understand your words. It’s your body language and tone of voice that will please them. They’ll feel in control.
  • Repetition — Be consistent. No gaps. It’s repetition that’s the key to a successful and lasting relationship with your trio.


C.A.R.D. — The Key
“I get it,” said Sally. “There will be little or no room for breakdowns with these behavioral techniques. The word C.A.R.D. will remind me to Compliment, Acknowledge, Repeat, Distract-Desensitize.

Fay’s Eighth Birthday

Fay celebrates with a quintessential cat nap

 
Nestle Surveys His Catdom

 

Sally’s Update And Progress Reports:
“Fay and Nestle have had no incidents. They’ve even been lying near each other quite comfortably. I’m so relieved to have a plan and to see improvement.”
Few days later:
“Fay hissed at Nestle and was about to lunge at him. With a toss of a toy, Fay was distracted. And, yes, I automatically put C.A.R.D. in motion, and we all chilled.”
I explained to Sally that with any new relationship there are breakdowns — followed by many breakthroughs. The more she “let go” and “let things flow” the smoother it would be.

Acceptance — Second straight weekend
“All is progressing well over here. Nestle and Fievel are comfortable around each other now; Fay and Fievel are playing together chasing each other, tumbling and play fighting. No more incidents of aggression from Fay toward Nestle and Nes seems much happier overall. This is the second straight weekend where everything has been good and calm. And — Fievel is now parasite-free — so he and Fay can now share the same litter box. He won’t have to be sequestered in his kitty play pen when I’m not here.

I messaged Sally that his play pen could still be used to give Nestle and Fay some private or communal play time while Fievel darts about in his play pen habitat. “It sounds like you’ve let go and “happiness” is in the flow. Congratulations, you did it!”

 

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