Pet Anxiety?

[Blackunicorn]

Has anyone ever encountered this problem? Our cat sucks his tail. We made sure not to try to wean too early--as a matter of fact, he stayed with his mother for two full weeks after his brothers and sisters went to other homes. But for some reason, he sucked his tail. I thought that when he matured, he'd be okay, and it seemed that way until we went to Disneyland last fall. When we came home after two weeks, the tip of his tail was almost bare! He'd sucked the fur away. He doesn't do this a lot when we're home, so I have to think that it's because we were gone. He's not an overly affectionate cat, so I have no idea why he'd feel anxious if we were gone for a while.

The problem is, we take a two week vacation every year that we can afford it. We'll be gone this fall, and I have no idea what to do with him. I hate to stick him in a kennel, because he's not fond of strangers and he'd also not have as much freedom as he has at home. Anyone else have a pet like this? What do you do?

 

[Going Broke]

We also plan on going to WDW this fall and our dog does not like to eat when we are on vacations. So, we too, are agonizing over who should watch her. I also don't think that a kennel is the right route for her, too impersonal. I've looked into the kennels at WDW and they will be my last route. Good luck, let EVERYONE know you are looking for a cat sitter, someone may know someone who would be able to help you out!

 

[labdogs42]

This may sound crazy, but they make a pheremone-releasing plug in for relieving cat stress. I know people who have had success with the dog version, so I'm guessing the cat version may work as well. Here's a link so you don't think I'm making this up! Dr Foster and Smith

 

[Blackunicorn]

We also plan on going to WDW this fall and our dog does not like to eat when we are on vacations. So, we too, are agonizing over who should watch her. I also don't think that a kennel is the right route for her, too impersonal. I've looked into the kennels at WDW and they will be my last route. Good luck, let EVERYONE know you are looking for a cat sitter, someone may know someone who would be able to help you out!

Well, that was weird, too. We had my mother come over every couple of days to take care of our pets (we have a guinea pig, too, but she apparently didn't care that we were gone). He's familiar with her, even if he's not close to her, and I would have thought he would be better with her than with someone he didn't know. I'm reluctant to place him outside our home, because he's never lived anywhere else, and he's a very timid indoor cat. We have a *wonderful* cat kennel nearby, with huge cages that have several levels, but I still think he'd be happier at home.

Thank you, labdogs42, I'll take a look at that pheromone plug. Maybe that's the route to go!

 

[vhoffman]

The plug in thing sounds interesting--I might give it a try!

We have four cats and I'm agonizing about what to do with them while were gone. We have a reliable pet sitter, but its still stressful for the cats. We keep the pet door closed when we're gone so they can't get outside. We left the door open once and lost a cat--perhaps he went looking for us?

The cat who sucks his tail reminds me of one of our cats. someone gave him to us when he was about 3 weeks old. He didn't have teeth and wasn't weaned. I fed him with a kitten bottle and kitten formula. I guess he thinks Im his "forever" mama. He now about 12 pounds, long-haired and fluffy, with what my dh calls a "cattitude". However, whenever he's hungry he starts sucking and kneading my shirt, or the bedclothes. My dh says the cat likes to "suck shirt"

I'm worried about leaving "biggie". He's 12 pounds, but still a kitten (6 months old). Perhaps the plug in thing will help? I'll give it a try before our trip. I don't want the cats to associate the smell with us leaving. Thanks for the tip!

 

[swillis]

The plug in product is called Feliway. As a vet tech I have some experience using it with some success. It emits "happy" pheremones that are supposed to calm and soothe cats in stressful situations.

I have had some clients use it with great results, and others not find any luck with it at all. One diffuser does only a certain number of square feet (can't remember how many) so unless you live in a very small house, you will either need several diffusers, or may need to confine your cat to one room.

Tail sucking in general is not always a bad thing. But when they cause trauma to themselves then it's going to far. I would suggest calling your veterinarian and see if they can recommend a pet sitter. Often times the vet techs do this kind of work on the side. Having a qualified nurse keeping an eye on your cats may help keep the tail sucking problem from getting out of control.

Good Luck, and I hope this helps. And try not to be too anxious. Believe it or not, your pets do in fact pick up on YOUR anxiety. If they feel that your anxious about going away they will wonder why? Your cat is thinking..."Wow, if she is so nervous- something bad must be about to happen.."
Kind of corny of me...but hopefully you get my meaning