Very scared, traumatized cat that attacks.

(Melbourne)

Hello,

My cat was outside in our yard. She is an inside cat and only goes out on a harness with supervision. My son was watching her when his friend came over and he forgot to shut the front gate. Two dogs from down the road got into the yard and, although they did not bite her, they scared her so badly that she ran up my leg and ran and hid. She was so terrified that she'd try to attack anyone that came near her.

I used a towel to get into her cat carry cage to get her inside. She lost a claw in her desperate attempts to keep anyone from getting near her. The vet came and has given her anti-inflammatory and antibiotic injections and said to keep her confined to a clean quiet room.

She is still very freaked out 24 hours after and she has attacked me when I was petting her and attacked my son. What should I do? Will she ever be the same loving cat again?

She has never attacked me or anyone else before this incident. I love her so much but her attacks are dangerous and random. She will sit in my lap, but any loud noise or sudden movement and she will just freak out and scratch or bite. I understand her anxiety, but is there anything more I should be doing to help her?


I’m so sorry to hear that your kitty is so scared and traumatized.

My recommendation would be to ask your veterinarian about starting her on a mild sedative to help her calm down. In addition, there are a few things you can do to help ease her anxiety.

Your body language and energy around her is very important, especially right now. If she scratches or bites, even though it is difficult, try not to pull away or flinch. Doing so can increase her fear and aggression. Most cats when biting a hand out of aggression, for instance, will stop when the hand isn’t pulled away. Similarly, if there is a loud noise or sudden movement that startles her, try to react calmly, possibly laughing quietly and shrugging it off. Her sense of fear and danger is very heightened right now, and the more calm you are for her, the more likely she is to feel more peaceful and at ease.

All-in-all, it will just take time for her to readjust after such a traumatic event, but mild sedatives, a calm environment, and your body language can help ease the stress on her.

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely