Desperately needing advice (pics,too)

[catnapper]

Hmmm.... everyone gave good ideas. Now for the caterwauling, I'd have to hear that. Abby and Harry Caterwaul for each other when they want to play and the other is ignoring them. They are LOUD and INSISTENT. Usually, the one doing the ignoring gives in and a great game is begun.

[iloverat]

Originally posted by catnapper
Abby and Harry Caterwaul for each other when they want to play and the other is ignoring them. They are LOUD and INSISTENT. Usually, the one doing the ignoring gives in and a great game is begun.

See, maybe that is what Lydia is doing and Briggs is misinterpreting Lydia's message. Briggs is just so very, very, skittish and seemingly not curious or interested in the new cat. You know how all the books, etc. say that when you bring a new cat into the house, to put them in a separate room and that the already established cat will sniff around the door, stick their paw under the door, etc. Briggs has not done any of that. As long as Lydia is closed off in another room, Briggs just walks by as if there is no other cat in the house!!!!! She has never sniffed at the door, played pawsie under the door or sniffed at Lydia when Lydia has been stationed in the crate.

Jen, thank you for the info on the amitriptyline. So what happened to the very playful, some what aggressive cat when you gave him/her the meds? You said new behavior was established. Did the medicated cat then become less aggressive?

[catmandu]

And Pouncette,is still in the Spare Bedroom,as she can not stand,to have the Other Found Cats,near her.She,had,to fight,the Other Strays,for food,and she still,thinks,that they ,are going,to steal,the Food,right,out of her mouth.Pouncer,and Scrappy Agel,fought,for about a Month,but became,the Best Of Friends! All I can say,is give them time,as Cats will eventually work these things out.

[jenluckenbach]

Jen, thank you for the info on the amitriptyline. So what happened to the very playful, some what aggressive cat when you gave him/her the meds? You said new behavior was established. Did the medicated cat then become less aggressive?

The medicated cat felt less like chasing the shy cat which gave the shy cat a chance to learn to that the medicated cat did not really mean her any harm when he chased her. (I hope that made sense)

[iloverat]

First off, thank you all for weighing in with your great ideas. I will keep them all catalogued and use them as needed. I do appreciate the time you took in writing these notes and all of the support you have offered.

I've decided to try Rescue Remedy next and if that doesn't work, go the route of the amitryptiline. Our vet gave me the dosages to use so we will see what kind of results we get with that. I swear, if the Rescue Remedy doesn't help them calm down a tad, I think I will fix myself a Res. Rem. cocktail!!!!

Please wish us luck and say a little prayer that Briggs and Lydia will be less on edge and maybe a bit more comfortable around each other. Thanks -