17 Aug Nestle’s Primal Bark Launched Fay’s Serial Attacks
Traumatized cat lunges out at best bud’s dog and person who intervenes.
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Fay’s Serial Attacks
(Displaced Aggression, New Kitten Competition).
Sally’s Message — “Fay, my six-year-old cat has exhibited serial attack cat behavior. She lunged at Nestle, my thirteen-year-old dog. My mom was next. Although Fay is chilled for now, I’d like to schedule a home visit to prevent a repeat performance. Fay and Nestle have been best buds for six years. I realize this blowup was related to Fiebel, a newbie rescued kitten, who joined the family a week ago.”
Home Visit To Evaluate and Treat
“Fay, there you are,” I said as she crept out from her comfort zone beneath the couch to pounce on the toy I tossed her way. Sally will be home any minute.”
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When I arrived, I began their session with Nestle front and center, Fay under the couch and Fiebel in his playpen. I had Sally take Nestle to her granma who lived nearby — his daily TLC gig — when Sally worked her 9-5 day job.
“I’m back,” said Sally. “Fay, you’ve come out. Such a brave cat you are! Now we can continue with your session. It’s you and Fiebel kitten. Nestle is at granma’s. She’s thrilled to have an extra Nestle visit.”
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Communal Time
As Fay stretched out on her catnip sprinkled tissue paper, I told Sally to casually open Fiebel’s playpen so he could venture out. I tossed a toy his way, and off he galloped.
“Fay, now you can have continuous Fiebel entertainment while you coach him,” I said.
Their Meet-Up and Onward
I asked Sally to take their meet-up from the top so we could continue to defuse some of the angst — while the link to the music I prescribed played in the background.
“Sure enough, said Sally. “Fiebel arrived a week ago. He’s on medication for a parasite and can’t share Fay’s litter box. That’s why he’s in the playpen.”
I nodded and mentioned the playpen also gave them a 24/7 chance to slowly check each other out as they became acquainted.
Positive Playtime
Sally went on to say that Fiebel and Fay did have some playtime together, a kickstart to a positive relationship.
“How did Nestle react?”
“While they played, I hung out with Nestle,” said Sally.
“So Nestle was distracted while they darted about. And the day of Fay’s attack?” I said.
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Fay’s Serial Attack
“Fiebel ran toward Nestle who backed off with a fearful, pitiful bark. Fay lunged at Nestle and almost nailed my mother when she reached out to calm her. A few days before Fiebel arrived, the vet diagnosed a change in Nestle’s heart murmur and prescribed a different medication. “I almost cancelled Fiebel’s adoption. It was Gilbert’s paws,” said Sally. Now, there was a new twist!
Check my September Blog to find out about Gilbert and more …….