Traumatized Savannah f5

[Patti]

I understand your concern about further traumatizing her to get her into the bathroom or closet, perhaps you can coax her in with treats? Please don't be too put off by her hissing, that is a typical serval verbalization and is not typically a sign of aggression.

 

[DumaLove]

If the two were in different cages when you went to get them, then she never had a proper quarantine from the boy, and therefore no proper introduction to the boy. So her behavior makes even more sense. I would use the closet as you stated. That way she won't get "bothered" when you need to use the bathroom. And the closet can be just her space. And for an insecure cat, a smaller space is actually better. If she can get on the shelves that's great, if not I'd put a tree or something in there that she can get up onto so she doesn't feel trapped when you go in. As she gets better, she can transition to having the closet and bedroom as her space. Good luck!!! And keep us posted on how goes.

 

[Rafiki]

And add a cave to the closet as well. This can be something as simple as a box with a cut out or panel removed. It just needs to be somewhere she can hide.

 

[MYNXX]

Well, I got her in the bedroom. He's in the livingroom. Should I usher her in the closet?

She is currently under my desk... and being in the bedroom she'll get more exposure to us.. Is that ok or is the closet really a better idea?



We are not making eye contact. Talking a lot, gently of course... going to let her settle for a little while and just hang out, and then try playing maybe later tonight, or if not, tomorrow. Any other ideas, strategies, time frames, or anything I am all ears. Thanks again. It was a bit of a struggle, not bad compared to recent adventures. Scared her in the direction instead of grabbing her, for what it's worth.

Should I wait to see how this does before considering prozac? Or could that be a good part of this "training?"?She is in general so fearful. Thank you!

 

[MYNXX]

And add a cave to the closet as well. This can be something as simple as a box with a cut out or panel removed. It just needs to be somewhere she can hide.

duely noted! Thanks!

 

[MYNXX]

If the two were in different cages when you went to get them, then she never had a proper quarantine from the boy, and therefore no proper introduction to the boy. So her behavior makes even more sense. I would use the closet as you stated. That way she won't get "bothered" when you need to use the bathroom. And the closet can be just her space. And for an insecure cat, a smaller space is actually better. If she can get on the shelves that's great, if not I'd put a tree or something in there that she can get up onto so she doesn't feel trapped when you go in. As she gets better, she can transition to having the closet and bedroom as her space. Good luck!!! And keep us posted on how goes.

OK... I think If I wait she will go into the closet on her own. I am reluctant to force it, but it wouldn't take much to usher that direction... I am cleaning it out as we speak. padded a box, and some corners for beds...


But then whats the idea here? We hang out in the closet as much as we can? leave the door open at all?

 

[MYNXX]

I understand your concern about further traumatizing her to get her into the bathroom or closet, perhaps you can coax her in with treats? Please don't be too put off by her hissing, that is a typical serval verbalization and is not typically a sign of aggression.

I appreciate that. Took this last month to not jump when she hisses at me, but i'm learning. The treats won't work because that's how we lured her into the cage to go to the vet. She knows... ;/ so she watches cautiously now before eating a treat. I used a small dose of sedative to get her into the bedroom. She gets so scared she shakes etc.. It bothers me. I've had two nightmares about her thus far. This is why I have been considering prozac. I probably sound selfish. I did that, and am considering that, because what i see in her isn't ok, and it bothers me. Maybe should consider prozac for both of us! AH jk jk ...

 

[Rafiki]

She should be fine in the bedroom. Leave the closet door open - she will find it if she feels insecure.

 

[MYNXX]

Ok, I got her in the closet. She is very very unhappy and scared right now. But in the end, I think you might be right.. I feel conflicted though because I feel like she might have found more comfort in the bedroom. But what do i Know..?

Oh,,, guess I should check here more often.. UGH.. ok,,,

 

[kokogal]

This is why I have been considering prozac. I probably sound selfish.

For what it's worth, I don't think wanting to put an animal or human on an antidepressant when they seem highly stressed and unhappy is selfish at all. We fill tons of antidepressants at my pharmacy for animals and have heard countless stories of how it has changed the lives of the animals for the best. Usually we see cases of anxiety presented in inappropriate elimination. Unfortunately there is such a negative perception of these drugs when they do such wonderful things for millions of people and animals. It may not be for her, but I think it's at least worth it to have a discussion with your vet.