Have you had a "troubled" pet? Will you share your experience with me?

Oh Frodo! As many of the people on here know I adopted the cutest dog from a foster home last year. He turned about to be aggressive and after several months of private training and working with him, he still was biting friends who came to the house. I had to give him back to the foster mother. It was very painful.

My Siamize Fighting Fish killed all the other fish in the tank, then fought his image in the mirror and killed itself.

I had adopted a male boxer that was very dominate so I took him to obedience class. He did not want to cooperate and bit clear through my hand. The teacher picked him up by his leash and choke collar and swung him in the air to teach him a lesson. I was scared of him after that and I’m sure he knew it. I woke up one night to him standing over me in the bed. I took him back to the rescue center the next day.

@chyna Daaammnn! Sorry to hear that :(

I adopted a stray cat and paid to have her fixed. She ended up following me around every waking minute of the day, meowing at the top of her lungs. It was beyond annoying. I finally gave her to a friend that lived in the country, hoping she would be happier if she wasn’t confined to the house.

It sounds to me as if your kitty is in pain with some gastronomic problem. I know this will sound silly, but is there such a thing as Gluten Free cat food? It sounds similar to a friend’s Celiac baby. If it’s not some sort of food allergy, then is sounds like blockage to me.

Also see this and this.

Don’t miss the last link, above all.

Good luck.

I’m in the process of turning our difficult dog into a happier and calmer one. Right now, Amy is scared of unusual noises, strangers, hands, and dogs. She is very susceptible to our moods, and gets depressed at arguments. She barks at everything she considers scary, and she is at three years of age not entirely house-trained. To top all this, she is scarily smart. She figures out new tricks in a matter of minutes, but likes to use this feat for evil. She is probably looking for world domination. She needs a lot of stimulation to be satisfied, but because of her fear, walks are difficult. She hasn’t bitten anyone, but has growled and snapped four times.

We won’t be giving her up, because she is wonderful in lots of ways. What we do to make it easier is give ourselves breaks, consciously and frequently. In your case, ear plugs? My teenage sister, who is her main caregiver, also “speaks” to her often – I provide the larnyx, but even if it’s make-believe, it is a remarkably effective way of bonding with one’s pet.

When I get too frustrated with Amy’s situation, I write down what makes her special…for example, she is excellent at comforting sad humans. She gets along with our other dog very well. She is fun to watch, because her energy level is crazy when she gets going. She is quiet around the house, mostly curled up in a little ball of fur. When her arousal level hasn’t overpowered her rational side, she listens to every word – you can see her trying and failing when she’s over her threshold. And now, after typing this, I just want to go hug her. Which I can’t, because it would scare her…but it is a good feeling.

“I’ve spent a lot of money, as much as I’m able to, on him up to this point, and I don’t know what else to do.”

You have already gone much farther with this than I would. I know many people believe that a pet is equivalent to a human child, and that there is no limit to what should be given to prolong a pet’s life, but I am not one of those people. I that that there’s a point at which one should let go, and spend the resources on another pet that needs a good home.

We all know our own limits, and none of us can really advise you. I just hope that you act in the best interests of your household and your pet, and not in response to any guilt-tripping that might follow from asking for support.

@ibstubro Good links, I appreciate it. An allergy I feel at this point is unlikely because of the past few years he has eaten many different things. He was on a semi-normal (but not cheap) cat food for 2 or 3 years, and then after the vet visit one year ago she recommended I try something more easy to digest for him, which was actually a rabbit food. It was a lot more expensive thaN I wanted it to be, and at the same time he had started his medication for his thyroid so it was really hard to tell what was making the difference. One day he just stopped eating his food. So I shopped around the pet store and bought a food called “Special” by Royal Canin. He loves it and it is made for cats with sensitive systems and is easier to digest. So that’s what he is still eating and the other problem is if I change his food, it’s a huge hassle. It takes so long, or he just gets sick all the time. :( Not that that’s really any different…...

@longgone Thanks for sharing your story. It really is nice to know other people share these same emotions.

@dappled_leaves See the thing is, I am pretty sure (this sounds ridiculous) he is not dying. He’s, as far as I know, 12 and a half years old, which, you know, isn’t really that old for a cat. I am certainly not going to get rid of him at this point, because I feel maybe part of his problem is that his first 8 years of life were not so great and some things may have happened to “damage” him. so it’s more like “how do I DEAL with this for the rest of his life?” I appreciate your words and will try not to feel pressured to do more than I can, though it is something I think about and it has always made me feel guilty…

Still, have you tried a hypoallergenic cat food? It sounds so much like human IBS, @deni.

How many different vets have seen the cat (second opinion)?

I would at least find a Pet Smart and talk to the dietitian.

My cat peed, and sometimes pooped, outside her litterbox for two to three years, starting as an occasional event after she got an abscessed anal gland and escalating from then on. After many ruined shoes, clothes, and dog beds we sequestered her in one room (and in one awkward apartment with few separated rooms or doors, put up an indoor fence across half of one room to make a sad little cat jail) while cycling through a seemingly endless series of different styles and types of litterboxes and litter. I eventually put together that because she is hyperthyroid and drinks and pees like twice as much as a normal cat (even though she was and is on meds), it was impossible for my 2–3 times daily scooping to eliminate all pee spots from the box at any time except directly after I scooped – and she had grown so fastidious about getting her paws damp she would not go in the box unless there were no pee spots at all for her to encounter. So I tried the Breeze pellet-and-pad system where the pee drains through and the top dries out right away, and like magic the cat started using the box again. Don’t stop trying – it can be exhausting, but sometimes the story has a happy ending.

The cat is either mental or having behavioral issues, or both. Poor thing.
I have never had cat issues after a dozen or more that all lived long happy lives, except one. My daughter has psycho kitty, now, that I tried to adopt about 3–4 yeas ago and she didn’t work out with my female siamese.

That cat was crazy, flat out attacked my shy little siamese and drove her from the house after weeks of trying to integrate her. Some animals just have issues, like some people. That cat had been a stray and, clearly, was very territorial, no backing down to the resident cat.
Make sure the kitty feels safe, keep the litter box perfectly clean at all times, maybe have her own box, no sharing,—sets give her lots of attention, treats, love.

The vomiting may be due to food allergies, do not buy any foods with artificial dyes.
Last resort, call ” My cat from hell” for advice and intervention. haha

Yes, my husband and I adopted a greyhound that retained his high prey drive. It changed our lives as he would attack small dogs and cats on sight (which was extremely upsetting to us). It restricted where we could take him, how we had to have him cared for when we went on vacation, changed our leisure time activities because we used to be very involved with off-leash parks, but our greyhound could not be let off-leash, changed our other dog’s life (he could no longer run because if he did the greyhound would chase him). It was very hard, but we felt an obligation to this poor dog and so we stuck with it. We loved him and were very sad when he died this past April.

Perhaps your cat will get better. Tell the vet that he is still showing symptoms. Good luck.

A whole lot of this sounds like stress related behavior. Try some Rescue Remedy (an oral treatment) or pheromones. These are a bit pricey, but nowhere near what you have already spent.

You’re cat seems miserable. Go to more vets or at least ask for a low dose sedative, for the cat, not you.

@tinyfaery Are they over the counter or do they require a vet to prescribe one? Half my problem is I feel like the vet is scamming me and won’t give me a solution unless they run a million tests. I have told multiple vets that this cat is just high stress – he has always been this way. He’s anxious, just like a person with anxiety. But they never listen, they must think I’m making it up.

The rescue remedy you can get at a vitamin store. Some pet stores carry rescue remedy and most carry the pheromones.

The sedative you need to get from a vet. I don’t know where you live, but you should try a wholistic vet. 3 vets told me my cat was going to die within 3 years from a heart diagnose and she’s still here 7 years later.

@deni My parents had a cat with general anxiety, who chewed the fur off the tip of his tail. They gave him Buspar, which helped somewhat. Have you tried any anxiety meds for Barnabus? And I have a vet recommendation for you; see PM.

I think my Spaniel, Dutchess, could have been a problem dog, but Dakota, our Shepherd wouldn’t allow it.

@tinyfaery he actually goes to a homeopathic vet, she’s the one who was finally able to diagnose his hyperthyroidism after several vets who just wouldn’t listen. One said “sounds like he has worms” , didn’t check anything, gave me the medicine and told me it should help. I never used it of course. Idiot.

Anyhow today at petsmart I got him some over the counter stress and anxiety relief stuff that you put in his water. I’m praying it helps!

Let us know.

I don’t know what to report really, the anxiety stuff seems to be helping a bit, but because his moods are always so unpredictable, it’s hard to say if it’s the medicine or just a good couple days for him. He’s been pretty laid back and barely throwing up (as I go crazy trying to find some wood to knock on after saying that—i swear to god, if I say “wow, Barnabus hasn’t pooped outside his litter box lately!”, I will be gauranteed to come home to a fresh duke on the living room carpet). Anyhow, so, maybe it’s helping a little.

Regardless, he is due for his “one year checkup” after having been diagnosed with the hyperactive thyroid, which means I believe another 300 dollar blood test to “make sure” his dosage is correct. :( I don’t know if I should do that, or just try to order his meds online.

I like to recommend “Starting From Scratch”. It’s a book. It’s a great reference for changing behaviors.

@tinyfaery Do you think you can change a 13 year old cats behaviors? I’m asking seriously. I feel like he is so set in his ways by now. But, if its possible, I’m willing.

Also, just like I figured would happen, there was puke all over the place when I got up this morning. He hadn’t been fed since last night, I Truly do not understand. I’m losing my mind.

Yes. You can change a 23 year old cat’s behavior. This seems to be not just behavior related. You’re cat seems miserable. You have to try anything you can.

23 years old?

13

23 too, maybe.

3?

@tinyfaery Well, I wouldn’t say he’s miserable. Although I’ve only been talking about his downsides here because they are an issue right now, he is still a really loving cat. I honestly think that is part of the problem. I’ve mentioned that he’s anxious in general, but my being away seems to be a part of this too I’ve always thought. The longer I’m at work or gone from the house, the more upset he seems to be. And so his “yelling” at me is sometimes because he’s hungry or whatever, but is also just wanting attention and to be cradled. He is a really needy cat and always has been. I have always wondered if his problems are not only physical but also mental. Just thoughts…

Just to give an update here in case anyone stumbles upon this question in the future, Barney went back to the vet today for a check up and some more annual blood work. He is down to 5 pounds which is crazy :( but he’s doing well, we think his thyroid medication may not be getting absorbed well since it goes on his ear and that is a common problem with that med. So we are switching him to the oral tablet, hopefully that works. Also checking to see if his kidneys are ok, the vet said they may not be working that well and I should start giving him a tiny dose of Pepcid AC. Otherwise, he is happy and not vomiting too often, so if I can just pack a few pounds on the little guy all should be well :D

Poor baby. Has your vet mentioned the drug Cerenia at all? Or cyproheptadine? Those two really helped my little weight-loss kitty (who was also hyperthyroid) in her last few months. Cerenia stops nausea and vomiting, and cypro is an appetite stimulant. Hope your little guy feels better soon.

I just got back from the vet and he is deteriorating fast. Even since his last visit 10 days ago he is not the same. He lost another pound and is in the end stages of kidney failure. I’m giving him fluids under his skin to help with dehydration and other stuff. The vet said he only has days to weeks left. I know there is always hope, but I know him and he is not himself anymore. I am completely beside myself with grief. He’s the first baby I ever had on my own and I can’t do anything but cry thinking about this.

I am so sorry, @deni. It sounds to me like the kindest thing to do is to put him out of his misery. It’s awful, and it is SO hard. I’ve had to put two beloved animals down. Two of the worst days of my life.

I’m so sorry to hear that, deni. It sounds like Barnabus has had a good life with you and you’ve taken great care of him. Hugs to you both.

:(

I too am sorry to hear Barney is living his last weeks. I know he’s been your companion for years. Enjoy the remaining time you have together. Without wanting to tell you what to do, if or when you can’t keep him comfortable, let him go. I kept my old friend going for too long and in hindsight I don’t think it was in his best interest and I wish I had let him go sooner.

Sorry to hear that, @deni. I don’t have anything substantial to add – just… try to enjoy the last days, and take good care of yourself. [Hugs.]

@Earthbound_Misfit The vet confirmed that he is clearly not in any physical pain. So until he is, I will keep him at home with me. And ideally, he will pass peacefully in his sleep whenever time is right. I’m trying to just come to terms with things – I’m a scientific minded person and I know this is just part of life, and animals “view” death completely different than we do. He is taking it all in stride – I’m the one crying wildly at random intervals. Everything will be okay. We have had an amazing almost 5 years together and I wouldn’t trade any second of it for the world. :’) Nothing lasts forever, and I knew this moment would come sooner or later. It is just hard to deal with when you are face to face with it.

Thanks for all the kind words guys. <3 <3