Last Resort Before I Have My Cat Doris Euthanized - 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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30 Apr Last Resort Before I Have My Cat Doris Euthanized

Posted at 02:33h in Blog by

You’re My Last Resort
“This is Ann, you’re my last resort” was the message on my voice mail. “Please call me, it’s urgent. I plan to have my cat euthanized.”    …..

Doris

When I returned the call, Ann told me that a few months ago, Doris her five year old cat had sunk her teeth into her wrist. Doris had been aggressive before but this time Ann had to see the doctor and was put on antibiotics.  Now Doris was at the town shelter in Santa Fe.

Ann went on to say that Doris had been at the shelter for a couple of months. At first she was liked by the workers. Lately, she became aggressive, out of control, and the shelter felt Doris’s life should be ended.
“However, I wanted to talk to you first.  There’s a part of me that wants Doris to come home and to feel better so that I’m not threatened by her. I don’t really want to end our relationship. Doris was such a good traveler, and she even slept with me. If only she didn’t have these episodes. Why does she, and is there something I can do to help her?
I really miss her.”

Anxiety Attacks
I explained to Ann that when Doris becomes agitated and/or frightened, she has an anxiety attack where she relives former, traumatic muscle memories and reacts defensively …. which is, to become aggressive. In other words, “She’s going to get you before you get her.”
“So what can I do to prevent these old traumatic feelings?”
I told Ann that Doris’ tolerance of stress had to be increased so she became less threatened.

Single Cat Syndrome
One of the problems is that she’s affected by the single cat syndrome. The right kitten would give Doris something else to focus on and to release her energy in a positive way.
“But wouldn’t Doris attack the kitten? She’d be jealous.”
I explained that she could follow my introduction which would prevent and defuse new kitten competition and rivalry. A kitten would be a dramatic distraction, and distractions are what would nurture Doris.

Here are some of the other possibilities that I presented to Ann:

  • CBD Oil to help to relieve angst. Bach Flower Rescue Remedy for anxiety is another option.
  • Dialogue your actions to defuse transitional angst. “I’m standing up, sitting down,” This prevents the startle reflex.
  • Distract her – toss a toy; give an energetic “Go Doris” if she becomes agitated— or if you suspect she’s antsy.
  • A cat-friendly heating pad will relax her body and relieve tension.
  • Tell Doris she’s becoming so mellow and relaxed—a positive affirmation, and she reacts to your body language and voice. The more you refer to her as aggressive, the more aggressive she‘ll be.
  • When you sense she’s over-stimulated, lead her to a small room or to a kitty playpen (that’s filled with her fun things) where she can have her privacy.
  • A kitty stroller would be a diversion as it would change her focus and the change of scenery would use up her energy.

“You’ve given me a plan that I feel will give Doris what she needs to feel better. I’m going to call the shelter to tell them not to proceed with the euthanasia. I will probably be in touch again. Thank you.”

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