I have two cats, both 6 y.o. females, one with neurological deficiencies (M) (she is otherwise very sweat and normal), and the other one I always thought was simply emotionally dependent (N).
I moved three years ago from an environmental that wasn’t great for them. (Was living with my now ex who was never careful around them, even though I had told him he needed to be gentle as they were timid cats. We also had a dog that the kitties never got along with.) That’s when the violent episodes started.
N was always very protective of me and would come to me and check on me if ever I was hurt, or if I dropped something. One night, in my new apartment, I was hanging out with a friend when I knocked my glass off the table and broke it. N ran into the room and attacked my friend, like she was suddenly feral. Mind you she is the sweetest and most affectionate cat I’ve ever seen. It’s like she flipped a switch.
No more incidents happened for a long time. I can’t even say how long. But suddenly it started happening again, but with me. And not only that, the triggers were less and less predictable. It got to a point where I realized it was a problem, but still don’t have the cash to get a behavioural therapist, or even see a vet.
Recently, I helped out a friend who needed a place to live. N had started to be better at calming down. I’ve been able to stay alert and calm her down anytime I see her freak out. Problem was, my friend wasn’t as aware and careful. She ended up getting attacked (badly). I honestly was terrified that I would have to put her down, because I always thought that was such a ridiculous way of getting rid of your problems.
After talking to my S.O. about the whole situation (and after he managed to calm me down), we’ve been looking at different solutions and reasons why she would be acting like this. Again, going from the sweetest cat, to a feral animal out for blood.
My temporary roommate has left today. The situation was getting so bad, N was now attacking multiple times a day. I finally had a shower thought about if cats can have PTSD, and when I looked it up, she has all the symptoms.
I know this was long story, but I felt like it needed to be told to get you guys’ opinion. I want to go to a vet and also see a behavioural therapist. Anything I can do for now to calm the situation? My cats are more on edge that I’ve ever seen them and I know I won’t be getting help until the virus crisis is over.
What are your thoughts?
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/fzr1lg/im_99_sure_my_cat_has_ptsd_and_she_now_gets/
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