very stressed out cat, help!

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Amanda

very stressed out cat, help!

Post by Amanda »

I have an 8 yr old pure breed siamese cat that I adopted from an elderly relative. I've had her for several months, she adjusted to me quite well. She came from a home where there was one other cat and I was told she could be "stand-off-ish". Well I never had a problem with her being that way, she took to me right away and even sleeps on my lap at times despite the fact that my aunt said she never did this. She is a strictly indoor cat, never been outdoors and my aunt had her declawed (something I personally would not do to a cat).
Ok to get to the problem...
Recently a stray female cat (about 8 months old) came into our lives and I felt obligated to get her spayed, give her shots etc. She is very friendly and I did not permit her into the house untill I knew she did not have any diseases, etc.
Upon bringing her back from the vet, the siamese cat "Baby" seems slightly offended but that seemed all. This was the first time "Kitty Girl" entered the house. But once the Kitty Girl gained her strength, she has put Baby in a terror frenzy. I mean she will NOT let baby in the downstairs part of the house (which of course is where the food/water / and litter pan are).
I plan on contacting my vet Monday AM because I am very concerned. Baby has not eaten on drank anything that I know of for almost 3 days. I do not see any evidence of her using the litter box and I have searched the house practically hoping to see a "mess" somewhere.
And today Baby seems a bit lethargic, she is shedding like crazy (that nervous shed) and here eyes seem to be dialated-herein lies my deepest concerns. She is obviously very stressed and terrorized by the other cat's presence.
She is a very vocal cat, but her cries seem to sound different to me today and I can't help but wonder if she is in pain (maybe from not using the box?)
I grew up having a household full of cats (3-5 at any given time) and because she came from a multiple cat household, I figured that Baby would be able to adjust despite her that she is siamese.
Here are things I have tried to ease the situation:
Carrying Baby downstairs and put her directly in front of the food. Kitty Girl just hissed Baby right back up the stairs.
Tried isolating Kitty Girl in a seperate room to allow Baby to come down, she wouldn't.
Today I reluctantly but out of fear for her health put food/water/pan upstairs for her. As of yet I don't see that she has used any of it. I don't wan a water, food and litter pan permanently in my bedroom, but I put it there with the hopes that I can ween her back to the downstairs supplies.
Help!
I need to figure out how to help Baby adjust to her new roommate. I mean she is not even trying to fight back and Kitty Girl has that wild defense streak in her which seems to be what is terrorizing Baby.
I do plan on calling my vet but any thoughts from people would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Amanda
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bridget
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Re: very stressed out cat, help!

Post by bridget »

I'm not an expert but, from what you've said, I think maybe the introduction of the new kitty was too abrupt. Kitties should be introduced to each other gradually, over a period of time. They both need to get used to the idea that there's another cat around. Also, some cats are more dominant/agressive than others. It sounds as if Baby is terrified of Kitty Girl now.

I would begin all over again, after having Baby thoroughly checked out at the vet. Separate the cats, give Baby her food/water/litter upstairs (where she feels safe at the moment) and most of all, give Baby lots of love and reassurance. The new kitty needs to stay in her own room for awhile, also getting lots of love and reasurance. Introduce them again, when all calms down, very slowly. Others here can give you specifics/tips on what you might try.

I'm glad you're having Baby checked. Not eating, etc. can become serious quickly.

Good luck and please keep in touch with us, letting us know how things progress. :)
((((HUGS))))

bridget
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Traci
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Re: very stressed out cat, help!

Post by Traci »

Don't just call your vet, get Baby TO your vet and ASAP!. Cats who do not eat or drink for three days can suffer severe liver failure, most noteably, hepatic lipidosis. This can be a life-threatening, fatal condition if not detected early on and treated agressively, immediately.

Your number one concern is getting Baby to your vet right NOW for a full check up and bloodwork to determine her liver function. Only after your vet tells you her health status should you concern yourself with the introductions. Then, Bridget's advice in on target...

Do NOT wait on this, she is severely stressed, stress is the number one cause of hepatic lipidosis, which in turn causes severe anorexia and dehydration. Get her seen immediately or to an ER vet clinic right away.
..........Traci
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Tina B and crew
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Re: very stressed out cat, help!

Post by Tina B and crew »

I am going to strongly second Traci's advice...please get her to a vet now...hepatic lipidosis is not something to mess around with...your cat needs to be checked now.
Today I reluctantly but out of fear for her health put food/water/pan upstairs for her. As of yet I don't see that she has used any of it. I don't wan a water, food and litter pan permanently in my bedroom, but I put it there with the hopes that I can ween her back to the downstairs supplies.
I understand your concerns....but my philosophy is "when you adopt an animal, you become willing to do whatever it takes to make that animal happy, healthy and comfortable" and if that means having seperate food, water and litter upstairs you have them. I have a cat who bullies one of my other cats...and I would never dream of making the "victim" run the gauntlet to get to her food, water and litter. So I make all available to her in a place she feels safe. No I didn't want to have litter in my bedroom, but if that's what it takes to make Willow feel safe then so be it. It's also a better alternative than having your cat pee on the rug or your bed because there is no access to litter.

But please get your Baby to the vet now...
Tina B and "what a crew!"

How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
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