SENTRY Stop That! For Cats

[Theo & Shady's Mommy]

He is also savvy about detecting meds in his food regardless of whether it's pill, capsule, or liquid.

Theo also proved to be quite savvy last night. I tried putting the tuna-flavored liquid med on some tuna (water based), which is his favorite food. He turned his nose up at it all night, wouldn't touch it - but even I could smell the meds on it. I was able to give about ~75% of a dose via syringe, just sneaking up on him and squirting in the side of his mouth. But I think he will get wise to that game very quickly. (And I would not want anyone else attempting that, even my husband, as Theo tends to be most calm/cooperative with me).

 

[Theo & Shady's Mommy]

One of the methods used by some folks here is the clip

Thanks, Deborah! I will try this tonight, if necessary...it looks kind of painful

 

[Patti]

The clips work with most of my ornery cats, the trick will then become catching him to put the clips on once he catches on to what you are doing...

 

[Theo & Shady's Mommy]

Update on Theo: It's been about 10 days since we started the clomipramine. It's been very difficult to administer, so I estimate we are getting between 50-75% of the prescribed dose in him every day. My husband has some success with the tuna flavored suspension: quick scruff and inject directly into the side of his mouth via syringe. We also got a prescription of oral tablets, which I have been cutting in half and trying to hide in his food. (This has been less successful).

Despite these challenges, we have noticed a change in his behavior. The evening rampages are much less frequent. Last night he had only one! My husband put him on a long timeout (20min), and he was calm afterwards. Such a huge difference from a few weeks ago! Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Update on Theo: It's been about 10 days since we started the clomipramine. It's been very difficult to administer, so I estimate we are getting between 50-75% of the prescribed dose in him every day. My husband has some success with the tuna flavored suspension: quick scruff and inject directly into the side of his mouth via syringe. We also got a prescription of oral tablets, which I have been cutting in half and trying to hide in his food. (This has been less successful).

Despite these challenges, we have noticed a change in his behavior. The evening rampages are much less frequent. Last night he had only one! My husband put him on a long timeout (20min), and he was calm afterwards. Such a huge difference from a few weeks ago! Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions

I think maybe a similarly energetic companion kitty might help. I see in your signature that you have an older DSH but Theo is a rambunctious young F2 and may need more in his companion?

In terms of the medication, some meds are also very successful compounded into a transdermal gel. I know that you can do that with prozac but not sure about clomipramine...

 

[Theo & Shady's Mommy]

I think maybe a similarly energetic companion kitty might help. I see in your signature that you have an older DSH but Theo is a rambunctious young F2 and may need more in his companion?

In terms of the medication, some meds are also very successful compounded into a transdermal gel. I know that you can do that with prozac but not sure about clomipramine...

I've thought about another younger companion, but I'm not sure a 3rd cat is the most responsible choice (as much as I would LOVE to have a kitten again . My husband and I both work FT; although my job is somewhat flexible in that I can work 1-2 days per week at home, I also have a fair bit of business travel. With only 2 humans in our house, I don't think 3 kitties would get the human attention they deserve...unless having kitty companionship reduces the need for human companionship??

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Only you can know if you can handle three cats. I think a third cat, if of the right age and energy level, would help with the issues you have with your F2... to me it sounds like having a companion he can race about the house and wrestle with would be ideal for him. It would help with boredom issues, as he would have someone to get into trouble with... but whether you can handle that extra trouble, I can't say!

 

[admin]

I was thinking the same thing as Brigitte and others...sounds like he wants to play and is bored and just doing things to get attention. So a kitten of his age may help him with some of his issues.

 

[Theo & Shady's Mommy]

So a kitten of his age may help him with some of his issues.

I know of course there are no guarantees whatsoever about how cats will get along etc....but if you could put your money on what type of kitten would get along best with both my male F2 (and not drive my female DSH crazy), what would you say:
-Lower gen SV male
-Lower gen SV female
-Domestic male

(I could never convince the hubby to get another early gen SV given the issues we've had with Theo - even though I know they could happen in any breed of cat)

 

[Patti]

Well I have said many times before that Highlanders are perfect companions for Savannahs - they are active, playful, clownish, but also tolerant and patient if need be with other cats. Plus they are total lovebugs with humans, and they are their own special, and quite unique breed.