Poor Makis... Please Help!

[mamaducky]

Oh, come on now. We just KNOW your sweet little Grandma was going to chase Makis around her basement with a chain saw, wearing a hockey mask like something out of a horror movie!

Poor Grandma -- no, I don't think any of us thought she was some wicked old lady. She is obviously a compassionate and patient person, first for having rescued Makis to begin with, and then for dealing with his unusually timid behavior for three years. If it were me, I'd be at the end of my rope trying to figure out a solution to the poor kitty's problem, just as she no doubt is.

I know that if I, for one, sounded a little emphatic in my response, it was just because I knew that she'd regret exposing him to loud sounds just for the sake of it -- and wanted you to tell her not to try it as soon as you could. As previous posters have said, the normal household noises (probably not including a chainsaw ) should absolutely go on as usual.

Has Makis been to the vet recently?

Hugs,
Diana

[Gato'smum]

whoah- your name is Diana too?! cool.

Anyway-
Yes, I believe he has. why do you ask?

[mamaducky]

You know, all (or at least several) of the cool people are named Diana.

I was wondering if Grandma had mentioned Makis' behavior to the vet, and if the doctor had given her any advice. I'm in the middle of a 4-legged soap opera myself with two of my three cats, and my own vet has been exceptionally helpful.

Of course, the PT community absolutely ROCKS for support and advice as well!


Diana

[mruffruff]

I really must agree with Sundance. Cats don't like loud noises at all. And the most scared cat CAN become a lover.

I have 12 cats; all were ferals that used to live outside. It has taken a long time for some of them to warm up at all. Some still only tolerate me after a couple years.

Each time I introduced a new cat, he/she was housed in a cage in the livingroom. This allowed the other cats to get used to him/her and vice-versa. Also, the normal noises of the household became less frightening.

In a couple of weeks I would open the cage door and let the cat decide when to come out. If he/she decided to hide, that 's OK. However, I have fixed all furniture so they can't get under the bed, sofa or dressers. I do provide carriers and open-fronted boxes for them to snuggle in.

My first suggestion would be to get Makis out of the basement. If he can't hide down there, he will adapt faster. Of course he should have a safe haven, but it should be some place where you can reach him and talk to him. Pet him if he will allow it. Eventually he will understand that no harm will come to him. Have a lot of patience.

Some cats just like to be left alone. And others don't like to be touched.

One of my ferals did a complete turnaround after I contacted Nancy Efrusy, a pet psychic. She helped me understand what the cat was thinking. It isn't expensive and can be done by e-mail. Her address is [email protected].

[Gato'smum]

Thank you SO much, everyone! I really really appreciate your input on this issue. I'll talk to my Grandma (especially about the "Feliway" stuff- thanks, mamaducky! ) and try to help her figure this out...
I'll keep you posted! Thanks again!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Poor little fella - he clearly feels safe in his box. I hope you can come up with a way of building up his confidence.

Does your Grandma "visit" him in his basement? - talk to him from a distance and gradually get closer and build up the time she spends with him perhaps....

[Emeraldgreen]

Maybe she could put a 'box' in each room that is really similar to his basement box. It might be a way to get him to try out other rooms but still be able to resort to his cave if he feels scared. It might look silly at first, putting boxes all over but over time, maybe your grandma could begin to remove some of the boxes as he begins to feel safer?

[MoonandBean]

Oh, come on now. We just KNOW your sweet little Grandma was going to chase Makis around her basement with a chain saw, wearing a hockey mask like something out of a horror movie!

hehe

I can understand getting frustrated and just wanting to "force him" to get used to loud noises but as everyone has said, that won't work. What will work is time and patience and it sounds like your Grandma is the perfect person for that. Makis is very lucky to have found her

[Gato'smum]

Hello everyone!

Just thought I'd give you an update on how Makis is doing.
Makis is doing <i><b>much</b></i> better! And I have all of you to thank for it! I told my grandma about the techniques you suggested; she tried some of them, and now, Makis only goes into his box if something really frightens him.
THANK YOU to everyone who helped!

[mamaducky]

That is SO GREAT !

Thanks for updating us on sweet little Makis' situation! Give him some skritches under his chin for me when next you see him, and all the very best to Grandma!

Hugs,
Diana

[Gato'smum]

I will, definitely! Thanks again for your help!