Frightened Kitty

[BastetsMum]

I got broken into.

The door got smashed in and Bastet escaped and hid in a tree until I got home. I heard her mewling from the branches. She is positively terrified. Is there anything more I can do for her other than make her feel safe and secure?

I am worried that she might develop some kind of stressy thing over this. Whoever scared her like this must have been pretty bad.

Help!

[PayItForward]

I am so sorry, what a horrible experience for you and for Bastet.
:(

I don't know what to suggest, apart from give her loads of cuddles.

It is a good sign that she hid until you came home, she obviously associates you with safety.

Hopeing Bastet recovers quickly and that the police catch the *blank* people who did this.

[IttyBittyKitty]

That's so awful! The same thing happened to my partner's sister and brother-in-law. They were living in Sunnybank when they were broken into - and their cat Mugsy was in the house at the time. My suggestions are definitely heaps and HEAPS of cuddles for poor Bastet, plus lots of kitty treats. Also, be mindful of new things that Bastet will now be afraid of - for Mugsy it's men, in particular men with big clunky shoes as one of the robbers kicked him. Bastet clearly associates you with safety, so make sure he can be around you as much as possible! He will probably cling to you more than ever before!

Hopefully, what scared Bastet was more the smashing of glass and strangers in the house. With a bit of luck, the burglars themselves didn't do anything to him :(

Pixel sends hugs'n'kisses to Bastet!

[Russian Blue]

I am so sorry this happened!! How horrible for both you and Bastet!!

How about some Rescue Remedy or a Feliway plugin? Both are meant to calm an anxious animal, it couldn't hurt?


Total ((((((( hugs ))))))))) going to both of you!

[Barbara]

Oh what a horror experience for you and Bastet. I hope they did not destroy or take away anything.

Cats hate it when their daily routines are changed by some chaos. So I think the best thing you can do is to give her a regular life with you as much around as possible.

(I am going to work daily:( ) and my husband stays home as he is retired. But the weekends you can see the cats love it when both of us are here. So if you can take a day off at your work to stay with Bastet that would be a good idea:)

[HayleyRosie]

What an awful experience for both you and Bastet. I would give Bastet some extra attention and loads and loads of hugs and scritchies. It appears Bastet associates you with being safe because otherwise she would have stayed hidden. I think she will be fine in a little while. Give her some hugs and scritchies from me, Hayley and Mandy.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

What an awful experience for all of you! I am really glad that Bastet had the good sense to stick close by until you had come home.

I hope you are all able to relax and move on from this - it's a really horrible thing to have happen to you, and you really have my heartfelt sympathy.

In South Africa, where I am from, violent crime is rampant, but you NEVER become desensitised to it - especially when it happens "close to home", and I feel like everyone on Pet Talk is my extended family!

Sending prayers and positive thoughts to you all.

[fairlady68]

Dear Bastet,

I am very sorry to hear of your further travails. Seems like you were quite sick or something a while back.

For some reason you really touched my heart many months back when your picture appeared on Cat of the Day. I loved reading about what your person wrote: "my little pink abyssinian", and what a social butterfly you are.

So I hope you get over this traumatic experience soon.

Love from Martha and Julie in Sacramento CA USA.

(Interesting, so far I am the only "Yank" to respond to this post thus far...Greetings to those in Australia and New Zealand! I spent some wonderful times in those countries back in 1980-81.)

[slick]

You know, that's my biggest fear, to get broken into and have my pets killed or hurt in some way. I'm sooooo sorry. Material things can be replaced but your pets.....

I'm so glad that Bastet had the sense not to run away. Hugs to you all and I'm praying the *&&^%$ get's caught!!

[batgirl1980]

Oh no!!!!!!!!! That's horrible! I hope they catch those **&&^%$!&!*'s! I've had enough of stupid people lately, and to hear that this has happened to you well... &!%$!!!

I am relieved that Bastet stayed around for you and didn't take off and get lost. I've only so far had our car broken into (on my one month wedding anniversary last year!).. so I'm not sure what advice to give you and Bastet.

I would say extra cuddles, becareful of making loud noises or anything that you think could have happened when the break in occured, so that she doesn't freak out, and just try and reassure her that you're there for her.

I know after our car got broken into, I was a wreck for a bit, we kept thinking they would come to our apt next.. luckily we moved 2months later out of town... but still.. I know it's hard on you as well. You will eventually move on, but I know I didn't without some extra precautions! Luckily having a cat (or 3 in my case) really helped give me something else to concentrate on.

I'm sure with time that Bastet will get less frightened, but it is excellent that she knows you're the SAFETY . I'm not sure about my cats, I can only hope they would do the same.


((((((((((((((for you and bastet)))))))))))))

[jenluckenbach]

This is terrible news! I am so sorry you both had to go thrugh this. I have no real advice for Bastet except that maybe a vet can prescribe a type of sedative or stress reducing drug for her until she can stop being so afraid. She may associate the event to the house (or room in which she was most scared) for a while. {{{{{Hugs}}}}} to you both.

[BastetsMum]

Thankyou so much guys you are all very sweet *hugs*.

I burst into tears at all the sweet replies I got. I gave Bastet some rescue remedy and rang the vet's.

I took her round there this morning to get checked out. He didn't charge me anything because it was an accident and I am a regular. She just had bad bruising from where they kicked her. He said that rescue remedy will be the best and that if she shows any more signs of trauma (like blood in her urine) to give him a call immediately.

She seems fine today although I dare not touch her tummy. She is still a bit skittish over noises and if I walk down the stairs she is right there beside me looking up and making mrrrrrrrt noises like asking *are you going out?*.

I went shopping and bought her two new mousies and a chicken wing for dinner. I know I am such a softie.

Thanks again guys

[IttyBittyKitty]

That is horrible!

So they *did* kick poor little Bastet! Iwas hoping she wasn't physically hurt :(

What kind of people do that to a cat? If they do get caught (unlikely, but you never know your luck) ensure that him/her/they are charged with animal cruelty on top of unlawful entry, theft etc. I'm sure your vet will attest to that (how nice of them to provide free care!) Sure, they wanted to take your things, but why hurt an innocent animal? Could it be the same thugs who broke into my boyfriend's sister's place? Could be! I don't think they were caught either and it seems rather unusual as many people (even druggie losers) would not hurt an animal.

People like that make me so mad!!!!!!!!:mad: :mad: :mad:

Definitely keep an eye on Bastet - but take heart, Mugsy is to this day a lovely and trusting kitty and Bastet too will recover. Sending even more hugs her way!

[Denyce]

I am so glad that Bastet is ok. But I am soooo sorry she had to go through this at all!! Well you too. *smile* I too worry about my girls while I am gone.

I am so grateful that she managed to get away from the creeps without running so far you couldn't find her. What a terrible thing to come home too. *really big cyber hugs from PA*

Denyce

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

OMG!!! This is horrible!! And not only did they break in, but they had to kick poor Bastet too. :( :mad: :( :mad:

I'm so glad she had the sense to go up a tree, and not out in the street or something. I think you're doing everything you can for her, and to reassure her. I hope you're doing the same for yourself since I'm sure this was traumatic on you as well.

Make sure and give Bastet lots of extra cuddles and I'm sure she'll be back to normal in no time, although I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't trust strangers at all after this. :(

Hugs to you and hugs and smoochies to Bastet. What a horrible thing to have happen. :(

[jenluckenbach]

Just the though of a cat being kicked brought tears to my eyes. I want to just pick up Bastet and hug her and kiss her and tell her that not all people would even think of doing that to such a precious creature.
And I hope your emotional scars are not too deep either. It is hard to not be afraid after such an incident.

[K & L]

I just read this post...how sad. I'm sorry to hear you all had to go through this. You have to feel so violated!

[Russian Blue]

I was hoping that Bastet was just scared and not injured when I read your original post.

Again, I am soooo sorry this happened. How are you doing?

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

How is Bastet doing today? Is she feeling more secure?

[Edwina's Secretary]

How ghastly. Unfortunately...the kind of person who buglarizes is unlikely to be a very empathetic and sensitive person.

(My apartment was buglarized years ago. The police thought...but couldn't prove..... it was my landlord...I moved.)

Hopefully Bastet will not be too traumatized. How about you? I remember the horrible feeling I had thinking someone had been in my home.... touched my things....violated me in a way.

There are some inexpensive alarm-type systems out there.....

[aguu]

I am so sorry to hear about this! poor little Bastet. Is she okay today?
This kind of thing makes me want to cry and punch something at the same time!

[BastetsMum]

Thankyou so much for all your hearfelt support! I am still emotionally strung out especially about Bastet. I am glad I wasn't home though. Imagine if they could kick a cat what they would do to a woman you know.

She is much better in herself today. I think that she will be wary around strangers from now on. Since she acts like a cat-dog - that is more than likely why they kicked her. She hisses and growls and goes furry with strangers to give them a warning that they are encroaching on my/her territory upstairs.

I am glad she wasn't seriously hurt.

As for me, I am going to see my psychiatrist on Wednesday next week - just so I know in myself I am ok. I just feel so violated and disgusted by the whole thing.

[slick]

Prayers coming your way for speedy healing for you both.

[moosmom]

BastetsMum,

I am SO sorry to hear about your break-in and even ANGRIER that those bastards kicked poor, sweet innocent Bastet. I'm glad she's okay. I think it's very smart of you to visit your psychiatrist. I'd do the same thing if I were in your shoes. My shrink is my best friend (well, sort of anyway).

I was broken into once years ago. I was fortunate in that I didn't have cats at the time. But just the thought of someone rummaging around my apartment and getting into my "stuff" made me feel violated.

Hang in there! We're here for you. Give Bastet a kiss and huggies from me and my furkids, okay??

[Nomilynn]

I'm so sorry about this experience you had!! What rotten people.. who not only violate your space but harm your baby!! :mad: I don't really have any advice.. just know you are in my thoughts and prayers!

[BastetsMum]

Just to keep everyone updated :

Bastet is back to her usual nawtee self. she just chased a gekko up the wall and ignored me today when I walked through the door. She also was begging for food and being a very helpful kitty by making sure I don't fall down the stairs while walking down them.

Thankyou so much for all your support :) I feel much better now that it doesn't look like Bastet is badly injured. I don't have to watch her now at night. I think I might get some rest tonight since I haven't slept much in the past 2 days.

Thankyou all again :D

[jenluckenbach]

I am so glad for Bastet. How are YOU?

[IttyBittyKitty]

Glad to hear you are better! You hade your Meowmie and everyone here in PT so worried!

I hope you are coping as well Bastets Mum - it's got me soooo paranoid about burglaries now as Pixel is such a little thing I am always terrified of her getting hurt!

[BastetsMum]

I didn't mean to get you paranoid Itty Bitty! So sorry for that.

Jen thanks for asking. I will be better after a good nights sleep since I don't have to worry about Bastet anymore. *she just dropped a mousie at my feet waiting for me to throw it *great big grins*

I fretted so much I kept on waking up every 15 minutes to check if she was breathing ok and no blood wsa anywhere ... well you know how it is with injuries or illness in a family pet. The vet said she would be ok in 24 to 48 hours - animals are great healers.

I am seeing my psychiatrist as a precautionary measure because I don't want to end up slipping backwards. I feel ok in myself - very ANGRY that they hurt Bastet and that they violated my house and property and my landlord/flatmate's property. So I am still distraught over the entire thing. More distraught that they hurt Bastet than anything else mind you. I would have been happier if they hurt me.

[HayleyRosie]

I'm so glad Bastet is doing better. You take care of yourself as well. I know this must have been an awful experience. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.

[Barbara]

I had not noticed until today that Bastet had been kicked:mad: :mad: . I know it's not very Christian but I would like to kick these people:mad:

But I'm glad to hear she's better now and I hope you can calm down too.... It must be a terrible feeling to know that you privacy has been hurt in such a way.

[slick]

Glad to hear that things are improving somewhat! They obviously did not steal your computer. Did you lose anything of value???

[BastetsMum]

Um about $6000 dollars worth of miscellaneous electronic items. They knew what they were looking for.

Beleive me Barbara I want to do more than kick these people. :mad:

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by BastetsMum
Um about $6000 dollars worth of miscellaneous electronic items.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

And they kicked Bastet besides? :eek: They definitely deserve more than a good kicking!!! :mad: :mad:

[batgirl1980]

:( I meant to check in again yesterday for an update... I started to cry when I heard she'd been kicked.

I am glad that she is getting back to normal so quickly now though. That's a relief.

Are YOU holding up ok? Just having my car broken into was .ok it was my husbands car..but still... was enough to make me paranoid for a long time, and I actually slipped into depression, it was just that last straw I couldn't take.

I think that if/when they catch those &@!$$%^*'s! that they should let all of us pet talkers lose on them! Not only would they never break in somewhere again, but sure wouldn't even THINK about kicking or doing anything else to ANY ANIMAL!!!!!!!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I just now saw this thread. I'm so sorry to hear that you were robbed and that poor little Bastet was injured. :( I sure hope that someone catches these terrible people. :mad: I'm glad to hear that Bastet is recovering both emotionally and physically. I hope you can do the same. {{{HUGS}}}

[carole]

i too was distressed to hear of your intruders and the kicking of your beloved bastet, how dare they, i do hope you are both feeling better about things now, just take each day as it comes, i am sure each day will be brighter for you both heres hoping....:)

[BastetsMum]

Bastet is back to her normal self almost - she is skitting about loud noises still and doesn't like strangers. She watches the top of the staircase quite unnaturally if she knows that I am the only one here like she is protecting me.

I don't know how anyone could do that to a cat! Her bruise is almost gone which is good and I called thevetto say she was ok. He said that pets have amazing healing powers if they have good owner or buddy to look after them.

I am recovering slowly. I think it might take a councelling session or 2. Thats ok I would rather feel secure in myself. I have cleaned the hosue from top to bottom - that I think is a coping mechanism. Bastet helped me by licking hte base of the doors ( oh I found out that my flatmate opens the doors with his feet - she is attracted to the salt and smell hence the nose rubbing). So both of us are doing ok.

Thankyou to all of you for the fantastic support.

Head bumpies from Bastet
and
Hugs from me :)

[PayItForward]

I am so pleased that you & Bastet are getting over this scary experience. :)