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Boots Report

First, I would have sworn he weighs 20 pounds but he only weighed 13 pounds. I have been cutting back on his food but the vet said he does need to lose a little weight. Don’t we all?

Second, the vet called him “The Hellcat!” She couldn’t find anything wrong with him. They did bloodwork that she didn’t think it would show anything and it didn’t. She even called another vet to come in and look at him. He was pacing the room, swishing his tail, his pupils were huge and black. She said “He is one agitated cat!” She asked me a million questions:

  • Have you changed anything that might matter to him? No!
  • Have you used any new candles? No!
  • Have you done any kind of scented plugins? No!
  • Have you used any kind of powder you sprinkle on the carpet? No!
  • Is there a new pet in the house? No!
  • Could he have gotten into anything toxic? No!
  • Do you have any house plants he could have nibbled? No!
  • Have you changed his food? No!
  • Have you used any new flea meds? No!

They combed his fur to see if there was any “flea dirt” because they said some cats go nuts with fleas, but there was nothing.

Both vets kept thinking and asking questions. I have walked through the house trying to see if there’s anything different but I know there isn’t because I just picked up groceries a few days ago and there was nothing in there other than groceries and I hadn’t brought anything into the house for a couple of weeks before that. I don’t have any kind of scented anything in here.

They kept saying . . he’s so agitated! He didn’t react at all when they examined him – poked, prodded, checked his teeth, cut his nails . . he was kind as could be.

They gave me a pheromone diffuser and told me to put it in the sewing room and leave him down there for several days so that he’s getting a good dose of that and see if that changes anything.

Considering what a sweet cat he is almost always, this is so weird.

They did ask me if there were any outside animals that he can see – possums, stray cats, etc.? I did feel like I smelled cat urine in the sewing room yesterday but I couldn’t find any place he might have done it and he’s never done anything like that before. When I was outside with Rita earlier, I could smell it really strong outside so I’m betting there’s a stray cat that’s aggravating him and has sprayed to mark the territory.

Once the rain or snow is over tomorrow, I may go out there and spray ammonia around that part of the house or put out some moth balls and see if that helps.

Any suggestions?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. i had to spray with diluted clorox once when outside males were spraying in the siding which did clear the smell away

  2. I think he just wants more attention from you. You X stitch a lot and he maybe wants you to put it down and play with him.

    • He was sitting with me while I cross stitched. It’s only when he started biting that I made him get down. Yesterday I thought maybe he was feeling neglected so I made sure to spend more time with him but that obviously hasn’t made any difference.

  4. Mix apple cider vinegar and water at a 1:1 ration. The vinegar can also be substituted for an essential oil such as citronella, lavender, peppermint or lemongrass (1 part oil to 3 parts water). Either one will make a fantastic cat repellent spray. Just spray it where the cat likes to hang out.

  5. Might the grocery bags have some chemicals from hand cleaner on them??? Mine are all over the grocery bags when they come in the house. Also that strange cat might be the problem. We have so many here they are used to seeing other cats outside. Hope you find the problem.
    Hugs
    Roberta

    • Most of my groceries get unpacked in the garage because I use the fridge out there. Otherwise, what comes into the kitchen gets unpacked and the sacks are put in a closet. Boots doesn’t co

  6. Do you think it has anything to do with him missing Vince? Maybe he wants to see him.

    • I have no idea. I thought about it but mostly he saw me in Texas. Maybe he got used to seeing Vince after I left and he is missing him. I wish I knew.

  7. I’d be willing to bet it’s a strange cat hanging around outside that is causing the issues.

  8. Don’t use ammonia. Use an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. Ammonia will not neutraluze urine, acid will.

    • I’m trying to keep the critters from coming back and the vet recommended ammonia/water sprayed around.

  9. Judy, it’s mating season for skunks and coyotes. It is possible he smells it if they are marking their territory near your house. I would just try to pay attention to him and see if he is better some times than others. Cats are funny creatures and I know because he is declared that it causes a bit more biting instinct. It’s their only line of defense. Good luck with him. Hes wonderful anyway. Enjoy your stitching. Robin

  10. I’m betting on the outside cat too. My daughter had two Siamese brothers. They were fine until they started seeing a cat through the windows of her new condo. She had always been in a hi rise apartment before. The more dominant of the two started attacking his brother daily. Things go so bad, she finally had to give one up to a new home. They are both fine now. Cats are funny creatures.

  11. I’m guessing it’s an outside cat as well, but I think you’ve found a good vet office. It sounds like they were thorough in their questions and exam. Do you have a trail cam that you can set up to see what’s coming around, or is it still in Texas?

      • Maybe Vince could mail you one of the trail cams (and the memory card, etc). We have found some very interesting visitors outside with the trail cam.

        • I wouldn’t ask! He has his hands full right now trying to get the Texas place cleaned up and on the market.

  12. I have no new ideas on what might be upsetting Boots. Other than – didn’t he used to be an outdoor cat? Maybe he’s missing that, but I know it’s a no-go where you are now. Unless you train him to be on a harness and leash?

    I suggest getting a black light to check for pet stains. I got a small flashlight version at Harbor Freight (no affiliation) and it showed me I didn’t do as good a job at cleaning spots from our cats hurling hair balls and the dog deciding she couldn’t wait to go out.

    • He came to our house as a kitten eight years ago and has never been an outdoor cat since then. There’s never been a pet in this house and Rita doesn’t get on the carpet so I can’t imagine that would be the problem. I used black lights for scorpion searching in Texas but I’m not sure I have one here. I’ll get one if I don’t and just check to be sure. Thanks!

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