22 May 2010

My cats on dope...

I've been worried about my two older cats and the impending purchase of a house and the subsequent moving experience. This time, I resolved to consult a vet and see if I could do something more than just prepare a nice "cat room" and all that jazz. I took them to the doctor, and had a consult about that and about the two older cat's behaviour ever since I moved to this area. After explaining some options, I decided to try them out on some pills, and I posted that to Facebook. A couple of people asked me questions about where I got them and did I go to the vet. This is the response to them:

I did take them to the doctor. Both of them really changed their personalities when I moved to this area and I have been unhappy about that for two years now. About 8 or 9 months ago Lucky started to lick all the fur off of her belly. When I took her in, the doctor said that it was probably anxiety since there wasn't any blockage and she was well ... See Morehydrated. I tried some of the non-medical suggestions, but for this trip to the vet, she had more fur gone.

I've started the two older cats on a half-pill a day, and I have another follow up appointment on Monday. I can say that after this one half-pill, both cats are back to their pre-move selves, more than two years later. Lucky is playful and alert, and hasn't swiped at the other two cats in anger, and George is bold and affectionate. My cats are my children, so I'm not ashamed to say that I have been getting choked up watching Lucky play like she did those years ago, and as George seeks me out to snuggle.

I would prefer not to have them on medication for a long-term solution, but I really wanted a trial for when we move to a new house. I am more worried about that trauma since I don't want them to become MORE anxious, but if they handle things this well for the next 3 or 4 days (all I'm putting them on right now), I might talk to the vet about a long-term dosage.

Gracie is shocked and surprised, now that everyone wants to play, so I've had to make sure to give her extra attention; I don't want her feeling left out!!!