Anna has been realy good at letting us touch her babies she let my daughter touch them from the start, but, today she flipped out and attacked my daughter. I'm not to sure what happened my daughter (9 years) said that she grabbed one of the kittens and Anna spazed. My daughter was afraid while she was being attacked that Anna would hurt the kittens so while Anna was attacking she was trying to put the kittens back into the box. Which probably pissed Anna off more. I heard the screams go running in and find the mess Sammy runs in after me and goes after Anna, Annna is a street cat and could take Sammy in a heart beat so I grab Daughter and Sammy throw them in the bathroom, run into the room where Anna is still flipping put the kittens in the box bring them into my room went to the jerk that threw Anna out in the first place and tell him to put Anna in the carrier. My daughter got 32 good scratches and two bites on her, the docter put her on an antibiotic and gave her 5 stitches. One of the kittens got scratched up pretty good but the vet said will be ok. Anna and the kittens are spending the night at the vet's, the kittens will get out tomorrow, Anna will be there for a week. Sory this is so long, but, it's been a very long day.
Saphire
My cat attacked my daughter
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Saphire_1975
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 1:58 pm
- Location: Erie
Re: My cat attacked my daughter
You should never mess with kittens of feral cats. Momcats can strike out at a minute's notice and not even look at you when they do strike out. I am sorry your daughter got bit, but it happens. The kitten could of meowed and brought Mom to a panic. Once the kittens come out on their own to investigate you and the house, than you touch them, play with them etc. But before then, you run the risk of getting injured.
Cat scratches are very serious, I hope you daughter does not develop complications from what happened. I strongly urge you to leave the family at peace and let them find their way to you from now on. You can't blame the cat here, she was protecting her family. Why is the momcat going to stay a week at the vet's away from her kittens?
Cat scratches are very serious, I hope you daughter does not develop complications from what happened. I strongly urge you to leave the family at peace and let them find their way to you from now on. You can't blame the cat here, she was protecting her family. Why is the momcat going to stay a week at the vet's away from her kittens?
The smallest feline is a masterpiece.
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci
Re: My cat attacked my daughter
I am afraid I must agree!! Ferals are different than a tame house cat.
Why is the Mom spending a few days at the animal hospital. Is she sick or was she injured in the confrontation.
Please always supervise children around any kittens, esp new mothers with their kittens. They can turn suddenly esp if not feeling good.
I hope your daughter is ok. I am sorry this happened. People are so careless turning out these poor cats.
Mona
Why is the Mom spending a few days at the animal hospital. Is she sick or was she injured in the confrontation.
Please always supervise children around any kittens, esp new mothers with their kittens. They can turn suddenly esp if not feeling good.
I hope your daughter is ok. I am sorry this happened. People are so careless turning out these poor cats.
Mona
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Saphire_1975
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 1:58 pm
- Location: Erie
Re: My cat attacked my daughter
I'm sory I should have been clear in my first post Anna is staying at the vet's on orders from the CDC, when she spazzed she went after one of her kittens so they were going to send the kittens home because the CDC didn't order them there and Anna at the time was still showing agression toward every-one including the kittens. The vet called today and said that she had calmed down and that they would keep the kittens and try to allow supervised nursing. Anna was basically a street cat and her former owner said that she had her shots but he is unable to prove it and can't remember where or when she got them. My bet is that she didn't. My vet is concerned about her attacking the kitten. I had thought that the stress of meeting Sammy and my daughter grabbing the kitten had caused her to flip, but, the vet says that it doesn't explain her being aggressive toward the kittens or staying in panic mode for hours. My daughter is doing good and is enjoying being spoiled, but, mad about it being in the 80's when she can't go swimming 
Saphire
Saphire
Re: My cat attacked my daughter
The CDC??
Don't you mean the emergency clinic (human)...all animal bites must be investigated/proven free of rabies potential, this is a state law in most states. Quarantine is usually put into place, with arrangements made between the owner and their primary veterinarian. (CDC doesnt have anything to do with this). In cases where an owner cannot be established, then quarantine guidelines are set by an attending vet, or the animal is unfortunately and sadly, euthanized and sent to the state lab for rabies testing.
In your case, since you are considered the owner, arrangements have been made between you and your vet. But, I doubt rabies is a concern, she would have shown the typical clinical signs before this, and doubtful the kittens would have survived birth. As others have instructed, feral cats are unpredictable, and a feral queen will protect her young at all costs. Continued agression may be the case with any feral cat, regardless of the environment (and your vet needs to educate himself on the typical feral personality and traits). It wasn't her fault, she was simply using her natural instincts and protecting her young. Wasn't your daughter's fault either, she didn't know any better. Even domesticated cats can act out if they feel they or their young are in danger.
For what it's worth, don't let the vet or any official persuade you to give up this cat or the kittens, or to string red tape all over the place. While laws are put into place for these purposes, and for public safety, your vet can monitor Anna and even the kittens for any signs of illness, but rabies is so highly unlikely. Quarantine actually is only necessary for 10-14 days, as opposed to the age-old 30-60 days, which is in Anna's favor and yours as well. Human quarantine, ideally, should be 30 days, but you have a grace period where the animal is quarantined for at least 10 days, time enough to get a rabies vaccination series if you yourself or any family member needs one (the human ER clinic would recommend that if they felt your daughter was in danger). At this point, a tetanus shot would have been a good idea.
After the quarantine, I would suggest getting Anna re-vaccinated for rabies, being that the previous owner was negligent in providing proof. If you plan on adopting her out at some point, you should provide a rabies certificate to a new owner, or at least have it on file with your vet. He needs to determine her health status first before giving a rabies vaccine, just discuss this with him.
Don't you mean the emergency clinic (human)...all animal bites must be investigated/proven free of rabies potential, this is a state law in most states. Quarantine is usually put into place, with arrangements made between the owner and their primary veterinarian. (CDC doesnt have anything to do with this). In cases where an owner cannot be established, then quarantine guidelines are set by an attending vet, or the animal is unfortunately and sadly, euthanized and sent to the state lab for rabies testing.
In your case, since you are considered the owner, arrangements have been made between you and your vet. But, I doubt rabies is a concern, she would have shown the typical clinical signs before this, and doubtful the kittens would have survived birth. As others have instructed, feral cats are unpredictable, and a feral queen will protect her young at all costs. Continued agression may be the case with any feral cat, regardless of the environment (and your vet needs to educate himself on the typical feral personality and traits). It wasn't her fault, she was simply using her natural instincts and protecting her young. Wasn't your daughter's fault either, she didn't know any better. Even domesticated cats can act out if they feel they or their young are in danger.
For what it's worth, don't let the vet or any official persuade you to give up this cat or the kittens, or to string red tape all over the place. While laws are put into place for these purposes, and for public safety, your vet can monitor Anna and even the kittens for any signs of illness, but rabies is so highly unlikely. Quarantine actually is only necessary for 10-14 days, as opposed to the age-old 30-60 days, which is in Anna's favor and yours as well. Human quarantine, ideally, should be 30 days, but you have a grace period where the animal is quarantined for at least 10 days, time enough to get a rabies vaccination series if you yourself or any family member needs one (the human ER clinic would recommend that if they felt your daughter was in danger). At this point, a tetanus shot would have been a good idea.
After the quarantine, I would suggest getting Anna re-vaccinated for rabies, being that the previous owner was negligent in providing proof. If you plan on adopting her out at some point, you should provide a rabies certificate to a new owner, or at least have it on file with your vet. He needs to determine her health status first before giving a rabies vaccine, just discuss this with him.
..........Traci
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Saphire_1975
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 1:58 pm
- Location: Erie
Re: My cat attacked my daughter
The lady that called me said that she was with the CDC she informed me that I had 24 hours to admit Anna. It is a rabies concern we are currently having alot of rabies cases in this area. I agree with you it's not rabies, and it's not Anna's fault, or my daughter's. I went to visit Anna and babies today and Anna was very happy to see me and very affectionate. My vet is making me mad though I don't understand why she's not in the same cage as her kitten's she looks so sad. She just looked at me like save me 
I didn't like this vet before this, she kept Sammy the night before his neuter but sent him home 4 hours after 
it's just that within an hour of getting my daughter home from the hospital they called about Anna being admitted and I wasn't thinking clearly. You don't have to wory about me signing any of them over, I miss them all so much, the house is so quiet. BTW the vet found 2 tazer marks on Anna
Saphire
I didn't like this vet before this, she kept Sammy the night before his neuter but sent him home 4 hours after it's just that within an hour of getting my daughter home from the hospital they called about Anna being admitted and I wasn't thinking clearly. You don't have to wory about me signing any of them over, I miss them all so much, the house is so quiet. BTW the vet found 2 tazer marks on Anna Saphire
Re: My cat attacked my daughter
Saphire, you have a right to request Anna and her kittens are kept together. Of course if she is acting agressive, the natural response is to seperate them, and any clinic staff would do that out of concern for all involved, but...if they didn't tell you that was the problem, there's probably no reason they cannot remain together in the same cage. Call and ask about that. Hospitalization or boarding is stressful enough, this is the last thing Anna needs. If you're paying for a service, you have a right to ask for what you want re: Anna and her kittens' comfort and welfare.
If you're not happy with your current vet, sometime soon, take some time to look for a new vet. There is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable with a vet or how they proceed with a case. But, you might try talking to her first, on the offchance there is simply some miscommunication between you. Most vet/client relationships can be resolved if you simply state clearly and calmly what you expect. She may be so busy that she never stopped to think if you had any requests. If she doesn't take the time with you, however, time to find a new vet.
Hang in there....each day that passes without incident, is a day closer Anna and kittens will be back home with you.
If you're not happy with your current vet, sometime soon, take some time to look for a new vet. There is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable with a vet or how they proceed with a case. But, you might try talking to her first, on the offchance there is simply some miscommunication between you. Most vet/client relationships can be resolved if you simply state clearly and calmly what you expect. She may be so busy that she never stopped to think if you had any requests. If she doesn't take the time with you, however, time to find a new vet.
Hang in there....each day that passes without incident, is a day closer Anna and kittens will be back home with you.
..........Traci