Fay’s Serial Attacks (Aug 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 Aug Fay’s Serial Attacks (Aug 2024)

Posted at 20:28h in Blog by

Traumatized cat lunges out at dog and person who intervenes.  It all started with Nestle’s primal bark.

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 …..

Nestle and Fay were best buds

Sally continued … “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 Fievel, 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.”

It’s toy therapy for Fay

When I arrived, I began their session with Nestle front and center, Fay under the couch and Fievel in his playpen. I asked Sally to 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 Fievel kitten.  Nestle is at granma’s.  She’s thrilled to have an extra Nestle visit.”

Fievel has his own digs

Communal Time
As Fay stretched out on her catnip sprinkled tissue paper, I told Sally to casually open Fievel’s playpen so he could venture out.  I tossed a toy his way, and off he galloped.
“Fay, now you can have continuous Fievel entertainment while you coach him,” I said.

Their Meet-Up and Onward
The link to the music I prescribed played in the background while I asked Sally to give me their meet-up from the top so we could continue to defuse some of the angst.
“Sure enough, said Sally. “Fievel 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 Fievel 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.

Nestle

Fay’s Serial Attack
“Fievel 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 Fievel 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.  Now, there was a new twist!
Check my September Blog to find out about Gilbert and more …….

 

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