Please help me with my cat Casey

[moosmom]

Hi everybody,

As you all know, I am now settled in my new apt in Michigan. All my cats are doing great except for Casey, my 7 year old male who is absolutely TERRIFIED of ceiling fans, whether they are running or not.

I brought all my cats over to the apt yesterday and he immediately went under the bed and has not come out. I coaxed him out with treats and put him in the back room (the kitty room) that has all the cat boxes, toys, one of the cat trees in a window with a view. He's been pacing back and forth and looking up at the ceiling.

I am beside myself with this problem because this happened once before. He went to stay at my best friends house and when we brought him into her bedroom, the ceiling fan was on and he hid under her wicker loveseat for 5 days, not eating or using the litterbox. He ended up with a very bad UTI.

I'm very worried about him. He still keeps looking up to the ceiling even though the fans are only in the kitchen, living room and my bedroom. None of the other rooms have them. I want him to be okay.

I'm under an extreme amount of stress right now because I've been trying to find a job (no success yet) and am running out of money. I am terribly depressed over Casey because he is my little lovebug and sleeps on the pillow with me every night. I was even thinking of sleeping on the floor in the room with him.

Please help me. I am desperate here. I don't want Casey to get sick over this. Does anyone have any suggestions. Usually I'm the one with all the answers, but this time I just don't have any. :(

[Cat-astrophic]

Hi Moosmom,

I can't say I know what the weather is like in Michigan, but could you dismantle the ceiling fan blades for the winter? Or perhaps just in the bedroom? Then maybe once Casey settles in you could put it back.

Another, not-quite-so-drastic suggestion is to surround him with familiar smells of you-- it sounds like the last time this happened he was also in a new, unfamiliar place. A t-shirt you've just worn, a pillow case you used for a week, whatever will smell like *you* put into his hiding place might help him make the transition to feeling more comfortable. It's also possible he is reacting to your stress and having a difficult time settling in, in which case (I know it's hard to hide your feelings from your cats!) you may need to try doing your best to be calm and not upset when you are spending time with him.

Good luck!! (I'm sure other folks will have many more --and better! -- suggestions.)

Cat-astrophic >*<

[Logan]

I don't see how we can offer much more help than has been offered. Only prayers. Hopefully, your Casey just needs some time to adjust. I would offer him comfort when he wants it, plenty of fresh water and food and the litter box, and just give him time to adjust. He will, I'm sure. But it is upsetting, I'm sure.


When you are feeling better adjusted, maybe he will too. In the meantime, we will keep you and Casey in our prayers.

Logan

[moosmom]

Dear Logan and Cat-Astrophic,

Thanks for the adivce. All he did was yowl when I put him in the back room so I let him out and back he went under the bed.

I have been under a great deal of stress (the crying jags, depression, etc.) and duh!!! I completely forgot that it would affect him. He's a very sensitive cat. I have a cat box and food and have been "serving" Fancy Feast to him under the bed. It's funny how I've got alot of knowledge about cats but it never dawned on me that I could be the one stressing him out. :p

I'm just leaving him be for now. I lay on the floor and softly talk to him and tell him how much I love him. He'll sometimes reach his paw out to me so maybe that's a sign that he just needs time.

Thanks for your support. :rolleyes:

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Sorry to hear things are not going as well as hoped, Donna. :(

As for Casey, the suggestion to dismantle the fan, I think, was a good one. The blades come off real easy (just a few screws I believe). But it sounds like your being stressed is really what's causing poor Casey's stress. You're both in a new environment and need to take time to adjust. Good luck and please keep us updated.

Thoughts and prayers are coming from across the big lake.

[Cataholic]

Oh, Casey, I am sorry things are going so poorly for you right now. As one who moved (at 23 no less) from Oh to Washington State...I know the stresses of moving. It took me six months before I even felt situated. Frankly, I never felt at home...two years later, I moved to Massachusetts! I also had (emphasis on HAD) two kitties that were soooo afraid of ceiling fans. For some reason, none of my other three even noticed! Mine got used to it, but, would crab crawl through the rooms that had them. When I turned them on in the spring, it started all over again. I don't know if I have any other suggestions for you, but will think good thoughts for your household! Taking down the blades/fans sounds the best...if that proves too difficult, maybe a white sheet could be affixed to the ceiling? Hang in there!!;)

[wolflady]

Awww...poor Casey. I've never heard of such a behavior before and can understand how it can be upsetting. I too think the dismantling of the ceiling fan blades is a good idea. I'm sure a lot of the stress is coming from the move and everything being new, so hopefully he'll adjust. If not, is there perhaps another room that you could put him in that doesn't have a fan? Also, be sure to continue to lavish pets and treats on him! :D Do let us know how he progresses!!

**hugs**

[moosmom]

You guys are all so wonderful!!! I have never met such a bunch of caring, supportive people in all my 40 something (okay, 49) years.

I'm going to leave him be. I will not turn on the fans. I truly believe that my being stressed has had a definite negative impact on him. I am going to do my best to be more calm. As they saying goes, "this too shall pass" (I hope!)

Thanks again everybody! I don't know what I'd do without you.:D

[Miss Meow]

Hi Donna

My folks have a ceiling fan (and cats). We turned the fan into a game by looping a length of string around a fan blade and hanging a favourite soft toy off the bottom of the string (if that makes sense). Then turned the fan on the slowest setting in small bursts. The toy then started propelling around the room in time with the fan - the cats just loved it and chased it for ages.

I don't know if this will terrify your baby or help. The other cats might enjoy it and encourage him to join the game.

Good luck! And good luck with finding a great job

:)

[sasvermont]

Can you put a white sheet over them for awhile?

I have a friend who's dog barks continually at a ceiling fan, running or not. She has had the dog since it was a mere pup and never did anything to it to upset the dog to the point where it is afraid of fans.

I would either cover it or take off the paddles.

Keep us posted.

Aren't pets just so wonderful!

Good luck finding a job. What are you looking for? Not that I know anyone from your new home base.

:cool:

[Nomilynn]

I don't have very good advice but I just wanted to say that I'm sending my prayers your and Casey's way! :D

[moosmom]

You guys are the best!!! Casey finally came out a little tonight for some Fancy Feast. He walked into the bathroom, took a look around, went back into the bedroom, used the litterbox and then laid down next to the bed, not under it. PROGRESS!!!!!

Today I cold-called temp agencies to see what they had. I faxed alot of resumes, went to the Michigan Job Bank. I know the progress on this will be slow, I guess I just have to have faith in my Higher Power. He took care of me today though...I found $551 I didn't know I had in my "other" checking account that I thought I closed down before I left CT. That will take care of my cellphone bill and car payment with some left over for emergencies such as food (the cats are all set for sometime now).

So things could be alot worse. I'm looking for any kind of job that will at least bring in money till I can get a more stable one. I'd like a job as a legal secretary (12 years experience) because it pays very well. But I'll settle for Receptionist, Secretary, Administrative Assistant, Executive Secretary. I've got alot of people here peddling my resume so SOMETHING has to happen eventually.

Thanks again for all your support. It really means alot to me. It's nice not to feel alone. :D

[krazyaboutkatz]

I just want to wish you good luck with your job search and good luck with your cat Casey. I'll say a prayer for both of you tonight.

[gini]

Donna, after having read through this thread, it sounds as though you have already received a lot of good advice.

Magic, the black cat and love of my life (Rainbow Bridge) was scared to death of ceiling fans. He had wanted to live with me so badly, he used to break into the house any chance he got. But he didn't like the fans. At first, what I used to do was get down on the floor with him and snuggle him, talk softly, telling him it was alright and he was safe. For a while, he wouldn't go into the kitchen for his food because of the fan.

Later he would enter the room and always glance at the ceiling to be sure that THING wasn't on. I would pick him up and do the same soft talking with a reassuring voice.

Cats who love you are so sensitive to your every mood and I would bet that Casey is picking up on your stress and also dealing with being in a new home. It sounds as though he is already making progress.

I am so happy that you "found" your extra money.......that will help for a while. And since you are being so active in looking for a position, it can only be a matter of time, until a job opens up for you.

Keep us posted though, please.........all of us care and you are never alone!

[Pam]

Moosmom I am really sorry to read about the turmoil you and Casey are going through right now. Isn't it amazing how sensitive, smart and "in tune" our kitties are with their surroundings! So many people have offered really good advice here and prayers. Praying is about all I can do because I can't improve on the advice.

I share your concern because I had a similar experience. When we brought Bella, (standard poodle) into our home both of my cats at first reacted really strangely. They had grown up with dogs but there hadn't been a dog in the house in over two years before she came. Andy went down to the basement and "lived" there for a couple of weeks. Fortunately that's where the litter box and food are kept so I wasn't too worried about him. Trevor, on the other hand, "lived" under the bed upstairs. This behavior really upset me because it was so unlike Trev. I can remember laying alongside of the bed and pleading with him to come out and eat (I brought food and a litter box up to the bedroom) and on a couple of occasions actually cried while talking to him, telling him I was sorry that I had upset him so. You can't imagine the joy I felt when I started seeing missing food in the bowl and "things" in the litterbox. :o Eventually both of them got over their initial fright and now all is well. It may take a little time for Casey to feel safe, (it was about 2 weeks for my boys) but with our prayers I do think he will get over this. Of course it goes without saying you are also in our prayers for the perfect job. {{{HUGS}}}

[sasvermont]

Donna, you can come work at the firm where I work, in Vermont. The commute might get to be a bit much.

So glad your kitty is coming out every now and then. Hiding under the bed seems to be a favorite for kitties! Miley does it when something has stressed her out. And she won't come out!
Well, after about two hours, she will have forgotten and she will show her furry little face again.

Good luck with the job search. The Temp thing sounds like a good idea. Those jobs often lead to a permanent position.

;)

[moosmom]

Gee Sas, thanks for the job offer!! LOL! If the commute weren't so long I might consider it.

Casey I think is doing a little better. I'm being very positive with him, showing absolutely NO stress. I hope it works. He is eating and using the litterbox so that's one less thing to worry about.

I can remember laying alongside of the bed and pleading with him to come out and eat (I brought food and a litter box up to the bedroom) and on a couple of occasions actually cried while talking to him, telling him I was sorry that I had upset him so. You can't imagine the joy I felt when I started seeing missing food in the bowl and "things" in the litterbox.

Pam, what you described above is exactly what I've been doing. I laid on the floor and sobbed for him to come out so I could hold him in my arms. I did put food and water hear where he is and also a litterbox (he used it cuz I saw him in it last night). I guess only time will tell.

I love you guys!!!!!!!

:rolleyes:

[Cataholic]

Moosmom, when in Michigan are you? I had occasion to speak to this very nice man in Flint...an attorney, we had a similar case...but I don't know how far Flint is from Ecorse? You never know who knows whom...and like SAS, I would tell you to come work with me...I totally could use a legal secretary that actually has legal experience...go figure, huh? Good luck, and it sounds like kitty is totally coming around!

[moosmom]

Cataholic,

Thanks for the offer. Flint is about 3 hours away from Ecorse, which is just outside of Detroit. The good news is I have an interview with a medical records company that is looking for a clerk. Although it's not exactly the salary I'd like ($10/hr), it's a job (for now till I can find something better), it's low stress and includes benefits, 10 paid holidays and vacation. I can always work a part-time job if I need to.

Casey is doing better. I'm very positive around him and found him sleeping on the bed in the middle bedroom (the one without the ceiling fan). He still won't come into my room cuz of the fan but it's going to take time.

[Pam]

Moosmom, I am happy to hear that things are looking up a little. Hooray for Casey! That is a big step!! I think we might be 'over the hump' with your boy! Here's wishing you well on your interview. Although it might not be what you want right now, it will help to pay the bills for a while. We'll keep you in our prayers for that perfect job. Our Zippy-Kat (Tonya) is also looking for that perfect job. We'll be praying for you both!

[Pam]

Just thinking about you and Casey today and wondering how you both are doing? Any more progress with the little guy?

[moosmom]

Pam,

Casey is now sleeping on the bed instead of under it. I still serve him his food and have a litterbox in the room. But he won't budge from it. I'm hoping with time (I still haven't used the fans and sweat my little patootie off!! Ah what we do for our beloved pets:rolleyes: ) he'll make it out from that room. If he doesn't at least I know he's eating and pooping.

You're right when you say this job will at least give me money to pay the bills. I have sent my resume to other places (law firms, hospitals, etc.) and haven't heard anything yet. I'm hoping that it just means they're collecting resumes and then will set up the interview process. If not, I can always get a part-time job to subsidize my income.

I'll let you know what happens when I get back.

Hey Tonya, good luck in your search as well. It's very hard out there but I know you'll find something too. You're in my thoughts as well. ;)

[toughCookie]

have you tried putting the kitty condo tower under or next to the ceiling fan, and leave it off for a few days, maybe eventually he will climb up there and check it out...you know, curious cats overcome their fear sometimes. maybe the first time he saw the fan it was on and it frightened so bad. I hope that will help, keep us posted ok?

[moosmom]

T.C.

I haven't turned the ceiling fans on at all (sweating my little patooties off in the process). He's getting better though. He actually came out of the room to eat supper with the gang in the kitchen, all the while looking at the small ceiling fan in the kitchen. I tried to bring him into my room last night to sleep with me (covering his eyes). He wanted no part of it and went back to his room. I think it's just going to take some time.

[moosmom]

Casey finally came out last night!! I am SOOOOO happy! Around 2 a.m. he came flying into my room and plopped down on my pillow right above my head and went to sleep, purring. I so glad to have my pal with me again. It took 2 weeks and he still looks up at the ceiling whenever he walks in the room, but I think he knows they aren't going to hurt him.

Next summer should prove interesting though. Because if it gets hot and I have to turn them on, well, I'll deal with it then. But for now, HE'S BAAAAAAAAAAACK!!

Thanks everybody for your advice and support. You're the best!

((((hugs))))

[Miss Meow]

That's great news Donna!

Maybe cats do this stuff occasionally so they make SURE their humans truly appreciate them :)

[moosmom]

Well Miss Meow, he sure got his proof. :rolleyes:

[AmberLee]

Originally posted by moosmom
Casey finally came out last night!! I am SOOOOO happy! ...


What a RELIEF!!! Hugs back at ya!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I'm so happy Casey finally came out! :) It's always stressful when something is going on with our "kids" and it's always such a relief when things get back to normal...well....as normal as things can get when you're dealing with those of the feline persuasion. ;) :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

That's great news Donna. :D I hope Casey continues to sleep on your bed at night.

[wayne0214]

Donna, I was going to suggest that you place a sheet or blanket over the fan to cover it up, but this has already been recommended.

[Cataholic]

Alright Casey! You big kitty, you:D Momma was so worried about you, and now it sounds like you have shown the fans who is boss! Maybe by next year you will even let them move a little bit :confused: :confused:

Donna, how is the job search coming along?

[moosmom]

Cataholic,

I got a secretarial job at a mental health clinic. I'm waiting for them to tell me when I start. It only pays $10/hr but at this point I'll take it. I can't be choosy when it comes to paying my bills. Fortunately my rent is paid up through October.

It's pouring out here and I'm still in my pj's. I could get VERY used to staying home. :p

Casey is doing great! He sleeps on my pillow every night. I'm glad I got my old bud back. We'll see how he does next summer when the fans have to be used, although they may not have to because I live adjacent to the Michigan River and get a great cross breeze.

[Cataholic]

Moonsmom- sometimes a job is just a job...until something you would be better suited for comes along. I hope things turn your way soon.

As to the rain- WOW. We are supposed to get 5 inches. I feel for the southern states that are really getting hit hard. It can't be good.

Good luck, and I am glad Casey is taking things better. I got a new fridge with ice maker..and have two cats that will eat one bite at a time cause it makes strange noises every 6 hours! Geesh, cats...:D

[moosmom]

Cataholic,

That was my thought exactly. It IS a job till I can find something better. And I can always find something part-time till then.

I'm glad I don't have an ice maker in my fridge. I don't even want to think about what my cats would do. :eek:

Cats are strange creatures of habit. That's why I love them so much!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Congratulations on your job Donna, even if it's not your dream job...yet. :) It seems that once you take a job you all of a sudden start getting offers left and right, so hopefully something a little more fulfilling will pop up while you're plugging away at this one. And I'm so glad Casey's back to normal. Seems weird that one days he's all paranoid, and practically the next day it's as if nothing had ever happened, but I guess that's a cat for you. :rolleyes: :)