Mr. Magoo Update...

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

I am so sorry you have had to go through this!

I agree that maybe Mr Magoo is suffering from a sensory overload, and he needs to take things slowly. BUT what I will say is NO MATTER HOW HARD IT IS you need to establish your position as dominant leader in the heirarchy. (Case in point - Ally would never bite my husband, but has badly hurt me on several occasions).

Jazzcat's honesty has prompted me to share my experiences with Ally.

I have gone through hell over the past 5 months, with Connor and Ally's introduction. I haven't really posted about it, as I have felt depressed and defeated by the whole thing. Things do now seem to be improving, although this evening was another "rough" night.

Ally has on 3 occasions SAVAGED me - I do not use the term lightly. I have given birth 3 times, and the pain ranks RIGHT UP THERE!!! On the last (worst) occasion I completely lost the use of my right arm for 3 days - I could not write, type or drive. I was black and blue from my palm to above my wrist, and needed hospital teatment. I found it profoundly upsetting on 2 levels (1) that Ally could be capable of hurting me so badly, and destroying my trust, and (2) the physical pain, and worry that she would hurt one of my kids. I have scars which will take years to fade.

Her anger (no doubt resulting from a deep resentment towards me for bringing Connor into the house), seems to be exclusively directed at me, and she has never shown any inclination to attack anyone else.

It has changed my relationship with her - I cannot let her sleep with me (even for a nap during the day), and never turn my back on her.

For what it;s worth I fully understand your feelings right now - the pain, hurt and bewilderment.

All I can say is that I hope the situation improves. (((HUGS))) to you - if you need to chat or vent please post or PM me.

Julie

[nibblets]

I have no experience in this type of situation. Julie has gotten a little carried away and left some pretty good gouges and scratches, until she learned to keep her teeth and claws to herself...but she also is the only cat. Our dog is older and doesn't bother her so she has free run of the house.
I'm wondering...as PIF suggested...if you have a room in your house that you could set Magoo up in so he could be out of the cage but still segregated until he gets acclimated? Since he was stray he wasn't used to the caging...but with his surgeries and such he has been in 'recovery mode'. Perhaps now he is feeling more himself and wanting to get out and about.
Good Luck and don't get discouraged...time will help I'm sure.

[lat192004]

Wow. I read your experience, If I may tell my story, you will see you are not alone in this incident. I have been around cats when they have been very excited, then caged. The memory of the experience will linger, brain chemicals need a while to stabilize. Take the cat out of the cage too fast, and while holding her she might get some wild notion to clamp down on you. My long dead tomcat I had several years ago left the house by mistake, I left the door open. He went exploring and ran into the neighbors dog. He kicked butt, then came running full steam to the house, where I caught him. I picked him up to hug him, he licked me, then all of a sudden he let out a scream and bit all the way to the bone on my shoulder! I threw him to the floor, where he hissed and bit my leg, then ran and hid in the closet for a day. When he came out, he was his old self again. All I can say is I'm glad he is not the size of the dog that he beat up or I might have been on his menu.Sound like PIF is right, let the cat chill someplace....get a tetnus shot and your arm looked at, sounds like you got a dozy bite there!...........P

[nibblets]

These beautiful creatures can be real Bad A@#es when they take a notion can't they?
God loaded them up with some effective defense mechanisms.

[PayItForward]

I found a good link...http://www.moggies.co.uk/html/aggcat.html

Cats are territorial and, at times, surprisingly emotional creatures. Although sometimes disturbing for us to see, it is normal for environmental or social changes to trigger extremes in our cats' behaviour. Extreme fear may provoke an explosion of hissing - a defensive behaviour, spitting, swatting and escape.

Firstly, if you have an aggressive cat, have your Veterinarian take blood and urine samples to rule out a disease such as thyroid levels.

Territorially defensive cats may stalk, yowl (also known as "caterwauling") and pounce on perceived intruders. Both fear and territorial defense may lead to visible aggression, including bites. What might cause such frightening behaviour? Most often, it is the sight, smell or sounds of unfamiliar cats outdoors.

In many cases, the source of aggression is never identified. Regardless, an extreme behavioural reaction is then bounced or "redirected" to the nearest available target: another cat in the home, or even a member of the cat's human family. Such redirected aggression is typically severe and explosive. In fact, owners frequently recount stories in which they were cornered in the bathroom for hours, waiting for their furious (and confused) cat to calm down.

Unfortunately, if not treated, such behaviour may continue for days or even weeks. Severe redirected aggression can be a dangerous problem. The cat should be examined by a Veterinarian Surgeon to rule out general medical conditions that may contribute to such behaviour.

The next steps may include temporary drug therapy to reduce the edginess contributing to the aggression. It is also helpful to separate the cat from its "victim," whether human or feline, for several days or a week. Cats that have attacked their owners benefit from temporary confinement in a dark, isolated place, such as a bathroom. Water and a litter box should be provided, but food should be offered only periodically, along with light, by the owner. Because redirected aggression can continue to be severe, this should not be attempted unless first discussed with a Veterinarian Surgeon or Behavioural Specialist. In time, many cats regain their self-control and the problem is resolved. However, caution is advised because redirected aggression may resurface the next time your cat is exposed to the same situation.

[Kirsten]

OMG, I'm so sorry top hear about these things!! (((HUGS)))

I agree with those who said he probably bit you because he wanted to walk around and you (your arm) didn't let him. Please don't give up on him. I wish I'd have a better advice for you, but I don't have much experiences with agressive cats (only with "Dino the Meano", my mom's fiancé's cat who has also bitten me btw).

I'm worried about your wrist though... Maybe he hit a nerve or a ligament. I can understand why you don't want to go to the hospital, but can't you tell them you've been bitten by a feral? Maybe that way they won't check your house?

However, I'm wishing you with all my heart that this was a nonrecurring incident.

Kirsten

[catcrazylady]

Oh I just want cry right now! I feel like this is all my fault! I can tell that many of you fully understand. Julie I know you have been through hell with the Ally Connor situation but I had no idea that it had gotten that bad. I'm so sorry.
I don't want to take him back to the shelter but there is a part of me that wants to stop right now. If he had clamped down on one of the cats legs like he did my arm then I'm sure it would have broken it. Do I want to run this risk? I know if he goes back to the shelter they won't kill him but I'm certain that he will go totally nuts and probably die on his own.
I'm going to check into getting him medicine to calm him because I think he has cage rage because the bite came from me restraining him.
I'm not giving up yet but I am so befuddled and just want to do it right.

btw-When the Advil wears off the pain is pretty bad but tolerable after I take it. I'm waiting for my brother to come advise me. He used to be an EMT. If he thinks the hospital can't do much for me then I'm not going and will follow our PT nurses (Debbie) advice.

[sirrahbed]

another thought....would the shelter's insurance cover you???....at no cost to them I mean??

[sirrahved]

He probably just did it out of fear. He didn't know what was going on, and he was being challenged to a fight! He didn't mean to harm you, I'm sure.

I hope you won't have ongoing problems because he is in a multi-kitty household

[catnapper]

OH CCL! What a bad day you've been having! I don't have any suggesttions to offer... only sympathy.

Scrappy seems to be aptly named - he's a feisty little devil! And from what you've said, apparently scared and over-stimualted. He also probably knows that he doesn't have to be constantly caged anymore... he knows he's home and doesn't want to spend another second in a cage. He had lived in a cage for the past few months, so now that he's home he doesn't understand why he has to be in one. I'm sure he knows there are fellow cats running freely, and is wondering why he's got to continue being in a cage. It can only get better, right?

[moosmom]

CCL,

If the bite has a red rash around it, you'll need to get medical attention. I got bit by a cat a year ago when I went to Kimmy's (Ramanth) house. I was trying to grab a pregnant stray and she turned around and clamped (and I DO mean CLAMPED!!) down on my right pinky finger and tore it open. There is no other pain like it except for childbirth!! I also cleaned it out with Hydrogen Peroxide and put Neosporin on it. Within 24 hours, there was a red rash running from my pinky finger to just past my wrist. I went straight to the emergency room. The doctor there told me if I had waited another 12 hours, I would've been admitted to the hospital and given intervenous antibiotics. He told me I should've had stitches, but because I didn't get medical attention right away, ti was too late. He also told me that cat bites are one of the WORST bites a person can get.

I'm SURE Paddy didn't mean it. It's new surroundings to him and not being able to see I'm SURE has everything to do with it.

Please keep us posted on your progress. You and Paddy will be in my thoughts and prayers.

(((hugs)))

Donna

[catlady1945]

He has barely been there a day. Just leave him be, put him alone for a while - he got frightened and lashed out. One incident doesn't mean he has any kind of rage or that he is a psycho.

[lat192004]

Originally posted by nibblets
These beautiful creatures can be real Bad A@#es when they take a notion can't they?
God loaded them up with some effective defense mechanisms.

Yes they are Ninblets, they are the kings of the jungle, just in sub-compact size! I have two of these tigers in my living room, never a dull moment. I treat them as equals, we get along good. Just use caution as you would anyone with a hair trigger temper and attitude, as cats are beautiful, but will not be controlled unless it meets with the cats approval.Since that is a rare happening, just strike a truce and just let the cat have it's own way.I don't know why cats have a hold on me, maybe it's because cats are wild, and I love it. A cat retains it's wildness, yet will live in a house with you. If the house does not meet her approval,it's through the screen door and gone!

Sorry about the biting incident. What out, it will most likely happen again. Feel her out before doing anything, she must have had a rotten day when you got bit.

[catcrazylady]

Thanks again for all the wonderful responses! It makes me feel so much better to have you guys.
I have decided that if my wrist isn't any better by Monday then I will call my doctor. My brother checked it and said there was no artery damage and without an xray it si impossible to tell if it is nerve, muscle. or bone damage. I will take care of myself and I will take moosmoms advice and go immediately if I see any signs of rash or streaking. Brother dear helped me get the ace bandage on and advised lots of Ibuprofen and elevation. I am following advice from all of you!!!
Mr. Magoo is doing well and he was loving to my brother while he was here. I really think he will be ok but I did call the shelter and left a message about getting mild medication for Paddy Bear. I will also try to find the Rescue Remedy. I'll keep you all posted on what the shelter vet recomends.

One incident doesn't mean he has any kind of rage or that he is a psycho.

The physco remark was made in jest and don't be so sure that there isn't rage. If I had his life for the last few months I promise you I would have rage! I only have his very best interest at heart and was venting my concerns on PT. Those who know me also know that Paddy Bear wasn't going back to the shelter. I don't give up that easy. I just needed to unload my fears and concerns to the experts on PT. Nothing that has ever come into my house has ever left unless God called them home. It will take a lot more than a broken wrist for me to give up on this guy.
I will keep everyone posted on any upcoming events. It is so hard to type so I hope everyone will forgive me if I don't reply to your posts but I promise I'm looking and keeping up!!

LOVE YOU GUYS!!! {{{{{HUGS AND MANY THANKS}}}}}

[leslie flenner]

Too much stimulation for a blind cat. He needs to get S-L-O-W-L-Y acclimated to his new environs. As you know. I would advise no contact with other cats except under the door cracks- that will be enough to get him going. He's blind and is super sensitive. Just time and patience and he'll be a family member eventually! And he's adorable!!! he didn't mean to hurt you, he was scared! You are a doll because you seem to be prepared to help him through this awful period! And please, get treatment on your wrist! Ouch!