As if working on tax returns all week isn't enough, other things are going on around here causing lots of commotion. First of all, the noisy stranger is coming back soon to remodel the human guest's litterbox. Also, the dishwasher started making loud noises that scairt me so this huge box appeared bringing a new one...
Okay, I admit the box is kinda cool but I think I need to be held so can you come pick me up Mommy?
We will be posting sporadically for awhile until things settle down around here. We'll try to keep visiting though!
Hope you have a great day!
Angel
Mommy here: Angel does not like changes and she doesn't like strangers including the contractor who's been stopping by to prepare for the remodel. With the latest disruptions, she's been clingy to me but also has been overgrooming and even starting fights with Bella for no reason (they rarely get rough with each other). We've been giving her Rescue Remedy and that seems to have helped but the remodel will start either this week or next and they'll be confined to my office with me which happens to share a wall with the guest bathroom where all the noise will be. I can confine them in the master bedroom but then she'll be away from me so not sure if that'd be more stressful. Is there anything thing else we can try besides Rescue Remedy or does anyone have any suggestions? I'm afraid it's going to be a long 4-6 weeks so I'm trying to prepare her as best I can but I don't know what else to do. Thanks for any ideas!
25 comments:
Aw, poor Angel! I don't have any real answers, just make sure she has lots of familiar smells and places. I would actually recommend moving your office temporarily, if possible, as far away from the noise as you can so Angel is not near all that noise - if that change in itself isn't too stressful!
Poor Angel! It's no fun being scared. But I am thinking having mom around her when all the noise it happening will be a good comfort. Maybe extra treats? :)
Renovations - always so stressful for people and kitties!
Good luck!
xo Catherine
I don't have any suggestions either. Some cats go with the flow and some don't. I think keeping her with you is the best idea of all. That way she can at least have you for comfort.
Have a purrfect day you two. My best to your wonderful mom. ♥♥♥
DAP infusers work sometimes for dogs. The closest-related cat product (I think) is this: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3261+1894+8906&pcatid=8906
It can help calm them and reduce stress behaviors (not just marking).
You could always send Angel out here! :)
Good luck.
KZK
Harley knows how the girls feel. He's hated being trapped inside while the work is being done in the addition. He's so happy to have a door and stairs now!
I hope Angel will be okay during the remodel. Wish I could provide some help!
OOh remodels! The smells are going to change, but that only means more for you to explore at the end of the day. You're going to have fun!
Aww...poor Angel. Sammy doesn't like strangers, so runs up to the attic which is his safe place. He seems quite comfortable there. I guess if the office is Angel's safe place, then that's where she ought to be, especially since she has you there as well :)
I hope the works are finished sooner rather than later!
Poor Angel. None of us like strangers either...well, except Tutu (must be a Tortie thing) but none have ever had to stay around for more than a day so we are still able to cope.
Maybe you could try to put Angel with you at the office and see how well she copes with the noise? If she gets too stressed out, then you might want to move her to the bedroom and visit her often during the day?
Awww , sweet Angel , so sorry to hear that you feel stressed with changes and contracters.
Me I´m a bit sensitive too , but I like our Plumber he is nice and have cat´s at home :)
XOXO
You might try one of the pheromone collars. http://www.amazon.com/GOODbehavior-Pheromone-Calming-Collar-Cat/dp/B0026JAKWG It may or may not work. Angel reminds me of Sage (only he is not as nice, me thinks) in that he takes changes hard and is a restless soul. I'm trying the collars on several of mine and some of them just have really relaxed. Sage maybe has come down a notch or two. I'm leery about leaving them on unsupervised so they probably would work better when left on all the time. Anyway, just a thought. They do seem to work better than the pheromone dispenser or spray.
Oh, one other thing you might ramp up the interactive play time with something like da bird to help her expend her nervous energy once the remodel begins...
Good luck to you all...
Tammy
Poor thing. I wish I had answers. I hauled mine around in a trailer for years. Never in the same place. Moving, moving, moving. I guess they got used to a LOT of change.
I guess just give her a safe place to hide and lots of hugs when the contractor is gone.
I don't know a whole lot about cats so I don't have any suggestions. Hopefully it won't be too bad.
Oh dear, change is never easy. You might try the bandana with the pheromone spray that we used with Ciara. Seemed to keep her calm.
Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning
hay ewe gurlz....knot ta laff at this suggestionz but tell yur mom ta play sum HARP mewsic.....plane simple nothin else added...harp mewsic....thiz linx bee old but heerz de info
http://www.lifewithcats.tv/2011/09/26/music-therapy-helps-soothe-animals-and-humans-alike-2/
werked heer in TT !!!!
Aww, poor baby! I know how it is to have a sensitive animal, and I think if it's that serious, that it might be time to move your office into anther room if you can. That way she can be near you but hopefully not as freaked by the noises if you're further away from them. Posey likes to hide under the bed, does Angel? Maybe you can move a desk in front of a window in your bedroom or a guest room.
When we moved to Oregon we gave Marley Valerian Root. It was in liquid form in a bottle. It didn't seem to do anything to settle Marley though he meowed the entire drive down.
Might want to do a little google research first, but Valerian root is supposed to help reduce anxiety... and supposed to be safe for people, horses, dogs and cats, however I've read some cats respond to it like catnip, so it's a toss up I guess. :)
Hope you find some solutions though Sharla! xoxo
p.s. You might find that you want to be a little further away from the noises too, once they get started... been there done that. ;) just a thought. ♥
Oh sweet Angel you can come stay with us for a while! :-) Having the tv or a soft radio on helps drown out outside noises for Moon. I leave a small fan on low too - it helps with the noises and I think the hum is calming. Sending lots of hugs! xoxo
Sweetest Angel, I am so sorry honey. That will be a while before peace comes back. Please be easy on Isabella. She's not making the noise. I wish I could help with what might work. I do know that mom sprays Nutri-Vet Pet Ease Plus when I get all wrung out over strange animals outside. Works like a charm for me.
xxxoo
Aw, Angel, we don't like strangers coming in to our house either. Maybe your mom could use a feliway plug-in diffuser in the room that you'll be staying in. That may help you relax a little more.
Sentry Calming collars....and the plug-ins with pheromones. Seriously...they WORK. Grace was peeing all over the place when the kids came home for Christmas. we did both, but the collar seems to really work. I bought the 3 pack from PetSmart, but I think you can get them cheaper online.
Oh, poor Angel! Maybe a nice place to hide? Saying a little prayer for the kitties and you!
Oh Angel! I'm a scaredy cat too and I hide in my special hidey hole. Mum has put one of her old sweatshirts and some toys in there for me so I'll have familiar smells but it's just...scary! I hope your noise is over with quickly and, um, I hope you girls get to turn that box into a castle afterwards!
Yep...fix up an office in the furthest corner of the house away from all the noise ... spend extra playing time with them if they seem interested... and other than that ...some music, a hot water bottle in a bed (or a kitty igloo) under something ...along with a ticking alarm clock if you have one...and that's about it..... oh, and... try not to be too nervous yourself Mommy...it transfers to Angel.... 'course, Torties don't worry at all .... about anything......somebody should study their blood and bottle whatever it is they have and sell it ....The One and Only Original Calming Stuff for Cats.... Essence of Tortie.. maybe even combing out her fur and then combing Angel with it might help.....
big hugs, ladies...
hope you all do fine....
How did I not see this yesterday? Oy - Anyway - what Lin said - calming collars...
We agree with the Calming collars. We do think they work. We have had workers in and out of the house for several months, and it drives us bonkers. We spend lots of time UTB. But do try a collar for Angel. Purrs and paw-pats, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Post a Comment