Traumatized Savannah f5

[MYNXX]

I think this is the case in the majority of these situations - it is natural for a kitten to want to bond to someone (human or fur) but because of whatever previous experience, environment, or just genetic makeup has interfered she just doesn't know how, she doesn't know how to trust... and it is not something that will be easily learned after all this time so patience, patience, patience is key...

I have heard some times a year? or more? I found this forum a little late. But so thankful. I am here, and I think finally understand my place.

 

[DChap]

Patti, Pam and DumaLove are spot on! It can take days, weeks and even months for her to get comfortable. Remember you have her to love for her whole lifetime so there should be no rush. It needs to be when she is ready. Believe me I know

 

[WitchyWoman]

I definitely in retrospect see how much I did wrong

One thing I learned (among many) during my own similar experience and subsequently from reading a lot of stuff about animal behavior is to always have a calm, confident manner even when you are in the room and not actually trying to interact with her. She will pick up on any guilt, sadness, anxiety or lack of confidence you may feel and it will increase her anxiety. Be sure you are in a calm, confident state of mind when you are around her and it will help ease her anxiety.

 

[Carykd7kau]

AND, feel love as much as you can. Image IN YOUR MIND petting her and her feeling LOVE. Even if you are NOT even looking at her, image and feel. She WILL pick up on that.

 

[Carykd7kau]

It took me almost a year to be able to pet my Azidi. She was so withdrawn.

 

[DChap]

AND, feel love as much as you can. Image IN YOUR MIND petting her and her feeling LOVE. Even if you are NOT even looking at her, image and feel. She WILL pick up on that.

And talk, talk, talk to her in a sweet calm voice.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Everyone is so right, you need to exude a calm vibe... you need your actions and your voice to be quiet and gentle... they definitely feel our anxiety and stress so make sure you get rid of that when you are spending time in her room! Good luck!

 

[MYNXX]

I am down to a couple questions. Should I use prozac now throughout quarantine? or wait to see what it does? and 2 should I or should I not sleep in the closet or in the living room so one of them has company? They both seem sad right now. This would usually be when the ruckus begins... ;/

 

[Patti]

If the boy seems bonded to you and comfortable in your home I would see how the girl reacts to you sleeping in the closet with her. If it seems to stress her out I would forgo that for now, and try again in the future.

As for the Prozac, I don't think there is any right or wrong answer. Personally, I would not want to make too many changes at the same time (moving her to the closet, starting her on Prozac) otherwise as she improves you won't know if it is because of the change in her environment or because of the meds. On the other hand, if you think she is so stressed that she could really use some chemical relief then starting the Prozac now would be appropriate.

 

[WitchyWoman]

Alternate sleeping in your bedroom and living room if the other cat seems lonely. The closet door is open yes? So she can come and go as she pleases and investigate you when you are asleep. If the other cat is OK at night, no need to sleep on the couch. Give the girl 2 weeks in quarantine and see if there's improvement. If she stays exactly the same or she becomes more scared, I would try the Prozac based on all you've described. But it's up to you in the end to determine whether you have the time and energy for what may be a long transition for her. I think that once you begin to establish a bit of trust between you, you'll know in your gut whether Prozac is appropriate.

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