I've raised my 1yr old cat since she was 2wks old.Her litter mates & mom were crushed during a tornado.?

Question

She's had no interaction & playtime with kittens her size to learn . Carrie (cat) ATTACKS HERSELF !! Her back feet get so tender she limps, but for no reason, if she's corrected, noises outside, if you stop petting her before she's ready, wham!! & she cries so loud as she's doing this, neighbors first thought I was torturing her. Her Vet wants to put her on Valium. That just seems to mask her problem. Any pet behavorial specialist have a comment?

Answer 1

Have you tried placing her into companionship with other kittens of same age who had less traumatic antecedents?

That would be my first suggestion. Actually, only suggestion, but the hopeful one, I think w/o going into details.

Needs Rx for 3 months, workable while still young.

I doubt drugs helpful, this problem owing to lack of Mother and siblings, lack of real Mother's care.

Unloved human teens have self-injury troubles too. Seems to peak at ages 12--15, especially girls. First hand observation of Denver, also Detroit. Example: Sitting in phone booth, carving arms with razor blade.

Answer 2

I saw a special once with a cat that was depressed. They put the animal on Prozac. It actually helped it. I know you feel it might be masking the problem but I can't help feel that animals are like humans. They can be sad and have problems as well and they need help, too. My mother had a Golden Retriever that had to have Ativan before a storm hit because she had been purposely left outside constantly during severe storms by previous owners. If you did not give her an Ativan she would freak out.

Answer 3

Yes! An easy one. If your cat attacks herself, try getting not one but two other cats somewhat around her age, and have them demonstrate healthy "playing". And maybe your vet it right. Your vet has been in college for things like this, so she must know what she's talking about.