Question on Behavior/Aggression

[SavannahLuv]

I must have a fearless boy... Shango watches the TV if something "good" is on, he loves to chase the vacuum and he even sits an inch away from the blender and watches it when I use it . He's definitely more interested in investigating most loud noises than running away from them. Luckily, he seems to hate the sound of vehicles running, including my car which is really quiet. Once he's inside the car, he's fine. Just something about it running when he's not inside of it whether it's a quiet vehicle or a loud one. I don't mind this though since whenever he's outside going for walks on his leash/harness, if a car pulls in the driveway, he makes sure to lead me in the opposite direction.

 

[Patti]

I agree with Deborah, he should be evaluated by a vet if he hasn't already been, and you might want to consider something stronger than Feliway - many cats do quite well on Rx such as Prozac or Paxil. Noise sensitivity is one thing, but it sounds like your boy is over the top in his reactions.

 

[Pam Flachs]

I have to wonder if this is some sort of manifestation of feline hyperesthesia?

http://www.cathealth.com/skin/hyperesthesia

I've seen domestic cats "serval swat" too, so it's not always a savannah thing to do.

As mentioned above, if this is a new issue, it might be worth a thorough vet visit to rule out any pain or issue going on.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I agree with the others, a visit to the vet to do some bloodwork and just check how he is healthwise. And considering things like medications as Patti mentioned and also the hyperesthesia angle that Pam did. his reactions are extreme, and it may be him but it might also be a cry for help!

 

[Cathy Muela]

He has been this way since kitten - then it was cute - now that he is a big boy - not so much -

Hyperesthesia! This has come up before -and I have spoken with a few vets in reference to the hyperesthesia - he was having extreme itching and twitching episodes after numerous trips to the vet for his heart disease - these episodes have gotten better with just a few occasional (mild) episodes. It does sound like part of the hyperesthesia - we do work with him with a lot with play/treats/extra cat trees/feliway and other things the vet discussed with us to help it- as he is impossible to medicate - Thanks everyone for your input - it at least seems like there are a few more of you who have noise sensitive fur babies

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Your Savannah has heart disease? I have had a Savannah with a heart valve defect and with effective regular medication we extended his life way past expectations. The one thing that I noted with him is that when his condition was not well managed (when he was heading to either congestive heart failure or kidney failure, as heart disease can end up a balancing act between the two conditions), that is when he was at his most anxious and difficult. When his heart was doing well, he was much more relaxed and at ease in himself. So imho, that may well be part of the issue here.

 

[Cathy Muela]

Your Savannah has heart disease? I have had a Savannah with a heart valve defect and with effective regular medication we extended his life way past expectations. The one thing that I noted with him is that when his condition was not well managed (when he was heading to either congestive heart failure or kidney failure, as heart disease can end up a balancing act between the two conditions), that is when he was at his most anxious and difficult. When his heart was doing well, he was much more relaxed and at ease in himself. So imho, that may well be part of the issue here.

Oh - I'm sorry to hear that about your Savannah - how old was he when diagnosed?-
mine has -Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - they also thought he had FIP but thank goodness they were wrong about that! He had a really rough time the 1st half of this year - but he has been doing well these days - his appetite is strong and he has gained back all the weight he lost finally-