17 Aug Nestle’s Primal Bark Launched Fay’s Serial Attacks
Traumatized cat lunges out at best bud’s dog and person who intervenes.
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.”
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.”
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.
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 …….