Sad decision- LONG
Question:
So when your kid starts misbehaving, are you gonna kill it too?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What did you do to this poor cat for the 11 years you had him? It sounds > like > he was probably abused, became aggressive over the years because of it, > and now > you want to end his life. > Beautiful 
> I really hope you’re just some pathetic troll. > =^..^= > See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043 > It’s possible he didn’t do anything to affect the cat adversely. I’ve only > ever met one completely crazy cat. Kitty belonged to my brother and his > wife. These people love and care for their pets, and I *know* they never > abused her, but she was always very difficult, just as Peter B.’s is. Kitty > would cuddle up to my sister-in-law, but she wouldn’t allow anyone else to > approach her. Vet trips were hell, too. They’ve had a lot of cats (and > dogs) over the years, and this is the only one to ever act this way. > Maybe Peter B. is a troll, but it’s possible he’s a guy with a real problem. > (I don’t know why he posted here if he’s already made up his mind to put > poor old Simon down, though.) > Deb
I don’t know if he was for real (although I think so) or a troll, either. And I don’t know how the situation truly is/ was, either. Actually, none of us do. I do have reservations about his phone conversation w/ Best Friends, though. My -guess- is that if he was for real, that he posted because it was cathartic; perhaps he felt guilty about Simon, & so posting was a way of "confessing" the guilt? Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
Response:
> What did you do to this poor cat for the 11 years you had him? It sounds like > he was probably abused, became aggressive over the years because of it, and now > you want to end his life. > Beautiful > I really hope you’re just some pathetic troll. > =^..^= > See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043
It’s possible he didn’t do anything to affect the cat adversely. I’ve only ever met one completely crazy cat. Kitty belonged to my brother and his wife. These people love and care for their pets, and I *know* they never abused her, but she was always very difficult, just as Peter B.’s is. Kitty would cuddle up to my sister-in-law, but she wouldn’t allow anyone else to approach her. Vet trips were hell, too. They’ve had a lot of cats (and dogs) over the years, and this is the only one to ever act this way. Maybe Peter B. is a troll, but it’s possible he’s a guy with a real problem. (I don’t know why he posted here if he’s already made up his mind to put poor old Simon down, though.) Deb
Response:
| I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I | think you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. I disagree. The worst abuses are often the ones committed unawares. Saying "I love my cat" – and for all the world, believing it and meaning it – doesn’t automatically rule out the cat actually being a victim of abuse. In 11 years it never occured to the OP that the problem was not of Simon’s making, that the cause(s) almost certainly lay in what had, in all this time, been taken for granted. The point is that since OP doesn’t know what went wrong, how and why, it would be a mistake to adopt another pet and see the same tragedy unfold again, all the worse for what are taken to be well-meaning reasons. | As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be | naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten | that became the "alpha male", if we hadn’t disciplined him he would be | just like Simon. Rambunctiousness and natural aggression are different. Kittens learn to control their behavior, from other cats, and from humans. Socializing a kitten is not rocket science, but it *can* be botched.
Response:
I feel as though I was not clear about how bad his behavior is, and that I got him when he was a year old already and do not know the source of his anxiety. I have some clues, but they were things at the time I was unable to do anything about. We all find ourselves in life’s circumstances. I am in the process of calling shelters now, but I have been toild by professionals that it is unlikely they will take him given the diabetes and the aggression. I cannot afford a behaviorist. I wish I could. He is exteremely exremely aggressive. He is dangerous to people other than myself. Maybe I am to blame. I take responsiblity for all the extreme changes in my life over rthe years he has been through with me, again, always as a loyal and loving cat. But here we are despite all that. He cannot be brought to be vets without tranquilizers, and even then he has fought and sctratched. Vets have refused to see him again. I am waiting to hear from all my local shelters… that is all I can do right now.
Response:
> O > True there is no firm ‘alpha male’ as there is in canine > behaviour, but do not discount the social structure that cats *do* > have. Feral cats in colonies arrange themselves in a loose social > order, including an "omega cat" that the rest of the colony takes > social stress out on. There are often one or two ‘dominant male’ toms > that do most of the mating with females. As well, house cats have a > loose social order, asserting their dominance on each other through > play, wrestling, and favoured resting spots. > Orchid
Thank you Orchid that’s exactly how our house cats are, they have a loose social order, don’t think we have an "omega cat" though. If you want to see our little family checkout our web site. Lyle
Response:
>He is exteremely exremely aggressive. He is dangerous to people other >than myself. Maybe I am to blame. I take responsiblity for all the >extreme changes in my life over rthe years he has been through with >me, again, always as a loyal and loving cat.
What did you do to this poor cat for the 11 years you had him? It sounds like he was probably abused, became aggressive over the years because of it, and now you want to end his life. Beautiful I really hope you’re just some pathetic troll. =^..^= See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043
Response:
I didn’t think so, because he said he’d made the decision, not that he’d had him euthanized yet. He also said in another post "I love him…" (not "I loved him"). But maybe I’m wrong. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What about asking a place like the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" if they > can take Simon; they are famous for how well they deal with now-homeless > (for whatever reason) pets & will take animals with all *sorts* of > problems, > & give them a good home for the rest of their lives. If it’s completely > impossible for Best Friends to take him – for whatever reason, they may be > able to give you the name of another animal sanctuary that would be able > to > take Simon. > I believe the cat has already been killed. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty > sure. > Pity he didn’t think to come here for advice rather than undeserved > sympathy. > Sethran
Response:
>> I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I think > you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. > As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be > naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten that > became the "alpha male", >I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as >the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs >that leads to so many problems <sigh>
True there is no firm ‘alpha male’ as there is in canine behaviour, but do not discount the social structure that cats *do* have. Feral cats in colonies arrange themselves in a loose social order, including an "omega cat" that the rest of the colony takes social stress out on. There are often one or two ‘dominant male’ toms that do most of the mating with females. As well, house cats have a loose social order, asserting their dominance on each other through play, wrestling, and favoured resting spots. Orchid
Response:
We jokingly call Dave a dog in a fur cat suit, he acts more like a dog then a cat. As for the "alpha male", if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. Lyle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as > the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs > that leads to so many problems <sigh> > Helen > — > A comprehensive guide to feline chronic renal failure – > symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and how to cope with it: > http://www.felinecrf.org
Response:
> I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as > the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs > that leads to so many problems <sigh> > Helen
I know cats what cats are 
, we had teen of them until Junior passed away.
Response:
> What about asking a place like the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" if they > can take Simon; they are famous for how well they deal with now-homeless > (for whatever reason) pets & will take animals with all *sorts* of problems, > & give them a good home for the rest of their lives. If it’s completely > impossible for Best Friends to take him – for whatever reason, they may be > able to give you the name of another animal sanctuary that would be able to > take Simon.
I believe the cat has already been killed. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure. Pity he didn’t think to come here for advice rather than undeserved sympathy. Sethran
Response:
If you can’t handle your cat, why not at least take him to a shelter where someone who understands cats can work with him and maybe find him a loving home? Why just put him to death because you can’t handle him? Will you do that to your child if he gets uncontrolable? Where is your heart? If you love the cat give it up for adoption. Karryl
Response:
Hi Peter, I don’t know where you live, but have you considered taking Simon to vet. specializing in feline behavior? A few question. Do you keep Simon’s claws trimmed so he can’t scratch people? How have you been disciplining him? Have you tried the squirt bottle route? Your baby should be taught it’s inappropriate to bother Simon if Simon doesn’t want to be bothered. If Simon was an older sibling who was jealous of the baby, would you get rid of him? We brought a stray kitten home a few years ago, he was only a few weeks old, within a few months he had become the "alpha male" and dominated our other eight cats, we had to discipline him, he had many of the same problems as Simian. I hope you have more luck disciplining your bay then you do Simon. You wouldn’t have your child "put down" if he was disciplined would you? If all else fails please please try to find Simon a new home, I know that won’t be easy with Simon, being 11, with an attitude/ Good Luck Lyle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
> I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I think > you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. > As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be > naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten that > became the "alpha male",
I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs that leads to so many problems <sigh> Helen — A comprehensive guide to feline chronic renal failure – symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and how to cope with it: http://www.felinecrf.org
Response:
What about asking a place like the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" if they can take Simon; they are famous for how well they deal with now-homeless (for whatever reason) pets & will take animals with all *sorts* of problems, & give them a good home for the rest of their lives. If it’s completely impossible for Best Friends to take him – for whatever reason, they may be able to give you the name of another animal sanctuary that would be able to take Simon. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Kenab, Utah 84741-5000 tel: (435) 644-2001 website: http://www.bestfriends.org/ Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I think you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten that became the "alpha male", if we hadn’t disciplined him he would be just like Simon. It should be start at an early age though, it may be too late for Simon. I who the have better luck raising a human then they did a feline for it’s sake. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > | I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > | have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > | > | [appalling story snipped] > This could be a well-constructed troll, but if it isn’t, I don’t think > you’re entitled to any comfort. If anything, what you really need is > this simple advice: please don’t ever adopt another pet again. Whether > or not the decision regarding Simon is irrevocable, consider this: > Cats are generally timid, not naturally aggressive towards creatures > much larger than they are. The aggressive behavior definitely began as > a defensive reaction – a coping mechanism – against a (to him) serious > problem in his environment, which it seems continued to stress him all > his life. We don’t know what the irritant was and is; it wouldn’t be of > much value to speculate; but it’s probably something (or a combination > of things) that wouldn’t occur to you insofar as you would consider it > natural and give it no thought. > Putting a healthy cat down for lifelong behavioral problems is, without > mincing any words, an utter failure of responsible guardianship.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > | I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > | have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > | > | [appalling story snipped] > This could be a well-constructed troll, but if it isn’t, I don’t think > you’re entitled to any comfort. If anything, what you really need is > this simple advice: please don’t ever adopt another pet again. Whether > or not the decision regarding Simon is irrevocable, consider this: > Cats are generally timid, not naturally aggressive towards creatures > much larger than they are. The aggressive behavior definitely began as > a defensive reaction – a coping mechanism – against a (to him) serious > problem in his environment, which it seems continued to stress him all > his life. We don’t know what the irritant was and is; it wouldn’t be of > much value to speculate; but it’s probably something (or a combination > of things) that wouldn’t occur to you insofar as you would consider it > natural and give it no thought. > Putting a healthy cat down for lifelong behavioral problems is, without > mincing any words, an utter failure of responsible guardianship.
A-men. This poor cat will be in my prayers.
Response:
I just re-read my own post and I feel like there is so much more unsaid, all the time and energy and revolving things around Simon. I love him so much. I am sick about it. But I do think it is the right thing… Peter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
| I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I | have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. | | [appalling story snipped] This could be a well-constructed troll, but if it isn’t, I don’t think you’re entitled to any comfort. If anything, what you really need is this simple advice: please don’t ever adopt another pet again. Whether or not the decision regarding Simon is irrevocable, consider this: Cats are generally timid, not naturally aggressive towards creatures much larger than they are. The aggressive behavior definitely began as a defensive reaction – a coping mechanism – against a (to him) serious problem in his environment, which it seems continued to stress him all his life. We don’t know what the irritant was and is; it wouldn’t be of much value to speculate; but it’s probably something (or a combination of things) that wouldn’t occur to you insofar as you would consider it natural and give it no thought. Putting a healthy cat down for lifelong behavioral problems is, without mincing any words, an utter failure of responsible guardianship.
Response:
Hello everyone. I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he was ok with my wife. Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had vets refuse to work with him. So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every treat on the market. The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not sure what would have happened. And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only compounds all the lack of choices… Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. Thank you for reading. Best, Peter
Response:
So when your kid starts misbehaving, are you gonna kill it too?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What did you do to this poor cat for the 11 years you had him? It sounds > like > he was probably abused, became aggressive over the years because of it, > and now > you want to end his life. > Beautiful > I really hope you’re just some pathetic troll. > =^..^= > See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043 > It’s possible he didn’t do anything to affect the cat adversely. I’ve only > ever met one completely crazy cat. Kitty belonged to my brother and his > wife. These people love and care for their pets, and I *know* they never > abused her, but she was always very difficult, just as Peter B.’s is. Kitty > would cuddle up to my sister-in-law, but she wouldn’t allow anyone else to > approach her. Vet trips were hell, too. They’ve had a lot of cats (and > dogs) over the years, and this is the only one to ever act this way. > Maybe Peter B. is a troll, but it’s possible he’s a guy with a real problem. > (I don’t know why he posted here if he’s already made up his mind to put > poor old Simon down, though.) > Deb
I don’t know if he was for real (although I think so) or a troll, either. And I don’t know how the situation truly is/ was, either. Actually, none of us do. I do have reservations about his phone conversation w/ Best Friends, though. My -guess- is that if he was for real, that he posted because it was cathartic; perhaps he felt guilty about Simon, & so posting was a way of "confessing" the guilt? Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
Response:
> What did you do to this poor cat for the 11 years you had him? It sounds like > he was probably abused, became aggressive over the years because of it, and now > you want to end his life. > Beautiful > I really hope you’re just some pathetic troll. > =^..^= > See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043
It’s possible he didn’t do anything to affect the cat adversely. I’ve only ever met one completely crazy cat. Kitty belonged to my brother and his wife. These people love and care for their pets, and I *know* they never abused her, but she was always very difficult, just as Peter B.’s is. Kitty would cuddle up to my sister-in-law, but she wouldn’t allow anyone else to approach her. Vet trips were hell, too. They’ve had a lot of cats (and dogs) over the years, and this is the only one to ever act this way. Maybe Peter B. is a troll, but it’s possible he’s a guy with a real problem. (I don’t know why he posted here if he’s already made up his mind to put poor old Simon down, though.) Deb
Response:
| I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I | think you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. I disagree. The worst abuses are often the ones committed unawares. Saying "I love my cat" – and for all the world, believing it and meaning it – doesn’t automatically rule out the cat actually being a victim of abuse. In 11 years it never occured to the OP that the problem was not of Simon’s making, that the cause(s) almost certainly lay in what had, in all this time, been taken for granted. The point is that since OP doesn’t know what went wrong, how and why, it would be a mistake to adopt another pet and see the same tragedy unfold again, all the worse for what are taken to be well-meaning reasons. | As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be | naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten | that became the "alpha male", if we hadn’t disciplined him he would be | just like Simon. Rambunctiousness and natural aggression are different. Kittens learn to control their behavior, from other cats, and from humans. Socializing a kitten is not rocket science, but it *can* be botched.
Response:
I feel as though I was not clear about how bad his behavior is, and that I got him when he was a year old already and do not know the source of his anxiety. I have some clues, but they were things at the time I was unable to do anything about. We all find ourselves in life’s circumstances. I am in the process of calling shelters now, but I have been toild by professionals that it is unlikely they will take him given the diabetes and the aggression. I cannot afford a behaviorist. I wish I could. He is exteremely exremely aggressive. He is dangerous to people other than myself. Maybe I am to blame. I take responsiblity for all the extreme changes in my life over rthe years he has been through with me, again, always as a loyal and loving cat. But here we are despite all that. He cannot be brought to be vets without tranquilizers, and even then he has fought and sctratched. Vets have refused to see him again. I am waiting to hear from all my local shelters… that is all I can do right now.
Response:
> O > True there is no firm ‘alpha male’ as there is in canine > behaviour, but do not discount the social structure that cats *do* > have. Feral cats in colonies arrange themselves in a loose social > order, including an "omega cat" that the rest of the colony takes > social stress out on. There are often one or two ‘dominant male’ toms > that do most of the mating with females. As well, house cats have a > loose social order, asserting their dominance on each other through > play, wrestling, and favoured resting spots. > Orchid
Thank you Orchid that’s exactly how our house cats are, they have a loose social order, don’t think we have an "omega cat" though. If you want to see our little family checkout our web site. Lyle
Response:
>He is exteremely exremely aggressive. He is dangerous to people other >than myself. Maybe I am to blame. I take responsiblity for all the >extreme changes in my life over rthe years he has been through with >me, again, always as a loyal and loving cat.
What did you do to this poor cat for the 11 years you had him? It sounds like he was probably abused, became aggressive over the years because of it, and now you want to end his life. Beautiful I really hope you’re just some pathetic troll. =^..^= See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043
Response:
I didn’t think so, because he said he’d made the decision, not that he’d had him euthanized yet. He also said in another post "I love him…" (not "I loved him"). But maybe I’m wrong. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What about asking a place like the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" if they > can take Simon; they are famous for how well they deal with now-homeless > (for whatever reason) pets & will take animals with all *sorts* of > problems, > & give them a good home for the rest of their lives. If it’s completely > impossible for Best Friends to take him – for whatever reason, they may be > able to give you the name of another animal sanctuary that would be able > to > take Simon. > I believe the cat has already been killed. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty > sure. > Pity he didn’t think to come here for advice rather than undeserved > sympathy. > Sethran
Response:
>> I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I think > you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. > As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be > naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten that > became the "alpha male", >I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as >the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs >that leads to so many problems <sigh>
True there is no firm ‘alpha male’ as there is in canine behaviour, but do not discount the social structure that cats *do* have. Feral cats in colonies arrange themselves in a loose social order, including an "omega cat" that the rest of the colony takes social stress out on. There are often one or two ‘dominant male’ toms that do most of the mating with females. As well, house cats have a loose social order, asserting their dominance on each other through play, wrestling, and favoured resting spots. Orchid
Response:
We jokingly call Dave a dog in a fur cat suit, he acts more like a dog then a cat. As for the "alpha male", if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. Lyle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as > the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs > that leads to so many problems <sigh> > Helen > — > A comprehensive guide to feline chronic renal failure – > symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and how to cope with it: > http://www.felinecrf.org
Response:
> I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as > the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs > that leads to so many problems <sigh> > Helen
I know cats what cats are , we had teen of them until Junior passed away.
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> What about asking a place like the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" if they > can take Simon; they are famous for how well they deal with now-homeless > (for whatever reason) pets & will take animals with all *sorts* of problems, > & give them a good home for the rest of their lives. If it’s completely > impossible for Best Friends to take him – for whatever reason, they may be > able to give you the name of another animal sanctuary that would be able to > take Simon.
I believe the cat has already been killed. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure. Pity he didn’t think to come here for advice rather than undeserved sympathy. Sethran
Response:
If you can’t handle your cat, why not at least take him to a shelter where someone who understands cats can work with him and maybe find him a loving home? Why just put him to death because you can’t handle him? Will you do that to your child if he gets uncontrolable? Where is your heart? If you love the cat give it up for adoption. Karryl
Response:
Hi Peter, I don’t know where you live, but have you considered taking Simon to vet. specializing in feline behavior? A few question. Do you keep Simon’s claws trimmed so he can’t scratch people? How have you been disciplining him? Have you tried the squirt bottle route? Your baby should be taught it’s inappropriate to bother Simon if Simon doesn’t want to be bothered. If Simon was an older sibling who was jealous of the baby, would you get rid of him? We brought a stray kitten home a few years ago, he was only a few weeks old, within a few months he had become the "alpha male" and dominated our other eight cats, we had to discipline him, he had many of the same problems as Simian. I hope you have more luck disciplining your bay then you do Simon. You wouldn’t have your child "put down" if he was disciplined would you? If all else fails please please try to find Simon a new home, I know that won’t be easy with Simon, being 11, with an attitude/ Good Luck Lyle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
> I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I think > you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. > As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be > naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten that > became the "alpha male",
I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs that leads to so many problems <sigh> Helen — A comprehensive guide to feline chronic renal failure – symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and how to cope with it: http://www.felinecrf.org
Response:
What about asking a place like the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" if they can take Simon; they are famous for how well they deal with now-homeless (for whatever reason) pets & will take animals with all *sorts* of problems, & give them a good home for the rest of their lives. If it’s completely impossible for Best Friends to take him – for whatever reason, they may be able to give you the name of another animal sanctuary that would be able to take Simon. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Kenab, Utah 84741-5000 tel: (435) 644-2001 website: http://www.bestfriends.org/ Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I think you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten that became the "alpha male", if we hadn’t disciplined him he would be just like Simon. It should be start at an early age though, it may be too late for Simon. I who the have better luck raising a human then they did a feline for it’s sake. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > | I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > | have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > | > | [appalling story snipped] > This could be a well-constructed troll, but if it isn’t, I don’t think > you’re entitled to any comfort. If anything, what you really need is > this simple advice: please don’t ever adopt another pet again. Whether > or not the decision regarding Simon is irrevocable, consider this: > Cats are generally timid, not naturally aggressive towards creatures > much larger than they are. The aggressive behavior definitely began as > a defensive reaction – a coping mechanism – against a (to him) serious > problem in his environment, which it seems continued to stress him all > his life. We don’t know what the irritant was and is; it wouldn’t be of > much value to speculate; but it’s probably something (or a combination > of things) that wouldn’t occur to you insofar as you would consider it > natural and give it no thought. > Putting a healthy cat down for lifelong behavioral problems is, without > mincing any words, an utter failure of responsible guardianship.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > | I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > | have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > | > | [appalling story snipped] > This could be a well-constructed troll, but if it isn’t, I don’t think > you’re entitled to any comfort. If anything, what you really need is > this simple advice: please don’t ever adopt another pet again. Whether > or not the decision regarding Simon is irrevocable, consider this: > Cats are generally timid, not naturally aggressive towards creatures > much larger than they are. The aggressive behavior definitely began as > a defensive reaction – a coping mechanism – against a (to him) serious > problem in his environment, which it seems continued to stress him all > his life. We don’t know what the irritant was and is; it wouldn’t be of > much value to speculate; but it’s probably something (or a combination > of things) that wouldn’t occur to you insofar as you would consider it > natural and give it no thought. > Putting a healthy cat down for lifelong behavioral problems is, without > mincing any words, an utter failure of responsible guardianship.
A-men. This poor cat will be in my prayers.
Response:
I just re-read my own post and I feel like there is so much more unsaid, all the time and energy and revolving things around Simon. I love him so much. I am sick about it. But I do think it is the right thing… Peter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
| I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I | have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. | | [appalling story snipped] This could be a well-constructed troll, but if it isn’t, I don’t think you’re entitled to any comfort. If anything, what you really need is this simple advice: please don’t ever adopt another pet again. Whether or not the decision regarding Simon is irrevocable, consider this: Cats are generally timid, not naturally aggressive towards creatures much larger than they are. The aggressive behavior definitely began as a defensive reaction – a coping mechanism – against a (to him) serious problem in his environment, which it seems continued to stress him all his life. We don’t know what the irritant was and is; it wouldn’t be of much value to speculate; but it’s probably something (or a combination of things) that wouldn’t occur to you insofar as you would consider it natural and give it no thought. Putting a healthy cat down for lifelong behavioral problems is, without mincing any words, an utter failure of responsible guardianship.
Response:
Hello everyone. I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he was ok with my wife. Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had vets refuse to work with him. So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every treat on the market. The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not sure what would have happened. And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only compounds all the lack of choices… Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. Thank you for reading. Best, Peter
Response:
So when your kid starts misbehaving, are you gonna kill it too?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What did you do to this poor cat for the 11 years you had him? It sounds > like > he was probably abused, became aggressive over the years because of it, > and now > you want to end his life. > Beautiful > I really hope you’re just some pathetic troll. > =^..^= > See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043 > It’s possible he didn’t do anything to affect the cat adversely. I’ve only > ever met one completely crazy cat. Kitty belonged to my brother and his > wife. These people love and care for their pets, and I *know* they never > abused her, but she was always very difficult, just as Peter B.’s is. Kitty > would cuddle up to my sister-in-law, but she wouldn’t allow anyone else to > approach her. Vet trips were hell, too. They’ve had a lot of cats (and > dogs) over the years, and this is the only one to ever act this way. > Maybe Peter B. is a troll, but it’s possible he’s a guy with a real problem. > (I don’t know why he posted here if he’s already made up his mind to put > poor old Simon down, though.) > Deb
I don’t know if he was for real (although I think so) or a troll, either. And I don’t know how the situation truly is/ was, either. Actually, none of us do. I do have reservations about his phone conversation w/ Best Friends, though. My -guess- is that if he was for real, that he posted because it was cathartic; perhaps he felt guilty about Simon, & so posting was a way of "confessing" the guilt? Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
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> What did you do to this poor cat for the 11 years you had him? It sounds like > he was probably abused, became aggressive over the years because of it, and now > you want to end his life. > Beautiful > I really hope you’re just some pathetic troll. > =^..^= > See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043
It’s possible he didn’t do anything to affect the cat adversely. I’ve only ever met one completely crazy cat. Kitty belonged to my brother and his wife. These people love and care for their pets, and I *know* they never abused her, but she was always very difficult, just as Peter B.’s is. Kitty would cuddle up to my sister-in-law, but she wouldn’t allow anyone else to approach her. Vet trips were hell, too. They’ve had a lot of cats (and dogs) over the years, and this is the only one to ever act this way. Maybe Peter B. is a troll, but it’s possible he’s a guy with a real problem. (I don’t know why he posted here if he’s already made up his mind to put poor old Simon down, though.) Deb
Response:
| I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I | think you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. I disagree. The worst abuses are often the ones committed unawares. Saying "I love my cat" – and for all the world, believing it and meaning it – doesn’t automatically rule out the cat actually being a victim of abuse. In 11 years it never occured to the OP that the problem was not of Simon’s making, that the cause(s) almost certainly lay in what had, in all this time, been taken for granted. The point is that since OP doesn’t know what went wrong, how and why, it would be a mistake to adopt another pet and see the same tragedy unfold again, all the worse for what are taken to be well-meaning reasons. | As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be | naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten | that became the "alpha male", if we hadn’t disciplined him he would be | just like Simon. Rambunctiousness and natural aggression are different. Kittens learn to control their behavior, from other cats, and from humans. Socializing a kitten is not rocket science, but it *can* be botched.
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I feel as though I was not clear about how bad his behavior is, and that I got him when he was a year old already and do not know the source of his anxiety. I have some clues, but they were things at the time I was unable to do anything about. We all find ourselves in life’s circumstances. I am in the process of calling shelters now, but I have been toild by professionals that it is unlikely they will take him given the diabetes and the aggression. I cannot afford a behaviorist. I wish I could. He is exteremely exremely aggressive. He is dangerous to people other than myself. Maybe I am to blame. I take responsiblity for all the extreme changes in my life over rthe years he has been through with me, again, always as a loyal and loving cat. But here we are despite all that. He cannot be brought to be vets without tranquilizers, and even then he has fought and sctratched. Vets have refused to see him again. I am waiting to hear from all my local shelters… that is all I can do right now.
Response:
> O > True there is no firm ‘alpha male’ as there is in canine > behaviour, but do not discount the social structure that cats *do* > have. Feral cats in colonies arrange themselves in a loose social > order, including an "omega cat" that the rest of the colony takes > social stress out on. There are often one or two ‘dominant male’ toms > that do most of the mating with females. As well, house cats have a > loose social order, asserting their dominance on each other through > play, wrestling, and favoured resting spots. > Orchid
Thank you Orchid that’s exactly how our house cats are, they have a loose social order, don’t think we have an "omega cat" though. If you want to see our little family checkout our web site. Lyle
Response:
>He is exteremely exremely aggressive. He is dangerous to people other >than myself. Maybe I am to blame. I take responsiblity for all the >extreme changes in my life over rthe years he has been through with >me, again, always as a loyal and loving cat.
What did you do to this poor cat for the 11 years you had him? It sounds like he was probably abused, became aggressive over the years because of it, and now you want to end his life. Beautiful I really hope you’re just some pathetic troll. =^..^= See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043
Response:
I didn’t think so, because he said he’d made the decision, not that he’d had him euthanized yet. He also said in another post "I love him…" (not "I loved him"). But maybe I’m wrong. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What about asking a place like the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" if they > can take Simon; they are famous for how well they deal with now-homeless > (for whatever reason) pets & will take animals with all *sorts* of > problems, > & give them a good home for the rest of their lives. If it’s completely > impossible for Best Friends to take him – for whatever reason, they may be > able to give you the name of another animal sanctuary that would be able > to > take Simon. > I believe the cat has already been killed. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty > sure. > Pity he didn’t think to come here for advice rather than undeserved > sympathy. > Sethran
Response:
>> I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I think > you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. > As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be > naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten that > became the "alpha male", >I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as >the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs >that leads to so many problems <sigh>
True there is no firm ‘alpha male’ as there is in canine behaviour, but do not discount the social structure that cats *do* have. Feral cats in colonies arrange themselves in a loose social order, including an "omega cat" that the rest of the colony takes social stress out on. There are often one or two ‘dominant male’ toms that do most of the mating with females. As well, house cats have a loose social order, asserting their dominance on each other through play, wrestling, and favoured resting spots. Orchid
Response:
We jokingly call Dave a dog in a fur cat suit, he acts more like a dog then a cat. As for the "alpha male", if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. Lyle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as > the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs > that leads to so many problems <sigh> > Helen > — > A comprehensive guide to feline chronic renal failure – > symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and how to cope with it: > http://www.felinecrf.org
Response:
> I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as > the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs > that leads to so many problems <sigh> > Helen
I know cats what cats are , we had teen of them until Junior passed away.
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> What about asking a place like the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" if they > can take Simon; they are famous for how well they deal with now-homeless > (for whatever reason) pets & will take animals with all *sorts* of problems, > & give them a good home for the rest of their lives. If it’s completely > impossible for Best Friends to take him – for whatever reason, they may be > able to give you the name of another animal sanctuary that would be able to > take Simon.
I believe the cat has already been killed. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure. Pity he didn’t think to come here for advice rather than undeserved sympathy. Sethran
Response:
If you can’t handle your cat, why not at least take him to a shelter where someone who understands cats can work with him and maybe find him a loving home? Why just put him to death because you can’t handle him? Will you do that to your child if he gets uncontrolable? Where is your heart? If you love the cat give it up for adoption. Karryl
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Hi Peter, I don’t know where you live, but have you considered taking Simon to vet. specializing in feline behavior? A few question. Do you keep Simon’s claws trimmed so he can’t scratch people? How have you been disciplining him? Have you tried the squirt bottle route? Your baby should be taught it’s inappropriate to bother Simon if Simon doesn’t want to be bothered. If Simon was an older sibling who was jealous of the baby, would you get rid of him? We brought a stray kitten home a few years ago, he was only a few weeks old, within a few months he had become the "alpha male" and dominated our other eight cats, we had to discipline him, he had many of the same problems as Simian. I hope you have more luck disciplining your bay then you do Simon. You wouldn’t have your child "put down" if he was disciplined would you? If all else fails please please try to find Simon a new home, I know that won’t be easy with Simon, being 11, with an attitude/ Good Luck Lyle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
> I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I think > you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. > As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be > naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten that > became the "alpha male",
I’m glad you used those inverted commas, because there is no such thing as the "alpha male" in cats, and it is people assuming that cats are like dogs that leads to so many problems <sigh> Helen — A comprehensive guide to feline chronic renal failure – symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and how to cope with it: http://www.felinecrf.org
Response:
What about asking a place like the "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" if they can take Simon; they are famous for how well they deal with now-homeless (for whatever reason) pets & will take animals with all *sorts* of problems, & give them a good home for the rest of their lives. If it’s completely impossible for Best Friends to take him – for whatever reason, they may be able to give you the name of another animal sanctuary that would be able to take Simon. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Kenab, Utah 84741-5000 tel: (435) 644-2001 website: http://www.bestfriends.org/ Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
I agree putting the cat "down" should be the very last resort, but I think you are being rather harsh with the never adopt again. As for cat’s are not naturally aggressive, cats like children can be naturally aggressive, I need look no farther then "Dave", the kitten that became the "alpha male", if we hadn’t disciplined him he would be just like Simon. It should be start at an early age though, it may be too late for Simon. I who the have better luck raising a human then they did a feline for it’s sake. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > | I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > | have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > | > | [appalling story snipped] > This could be a well-constructed troll, but if it isn’t, I don’t think > you’re entitled to any comfort. If anything, what you really need is > this simple advice: please don’t ever adopt another pet again. Whether > or not the decision regarding Simon is irrevocable, consider this: > Cats are generally timid, not naturally aggressive towards creatures > much larger than they are. The aggressive behavior definitely began as > a defensive reaction – a coping mechanism – against a (to him) serious > problem in his environment, which it seems continued to stress him all > his life. We don’t know what the irritant was and is; it wouldn’t be of > much value to speculate; but it’s probably something (or a combination > of things) that wouldn’t occur to you insofar as you would consider it > natural and give it no thought. > Putting a healthy cat down for lifelong behavioral problems is, without > mincing any words, an utter failure of responsible guardianship.
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > | I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > | have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > | > | [appalling story snipped] > This could be a well-constructed troll, but if it isn’t, I don’t think > you’re entitled to any comfort. If anything, what you really need is > this simple advice: please don’t ever adopt another pet again. Whether > or not the decision regarding Simon is irrevocable, consider this: > Cats are generally timid, not naturally aggressive towards creatures > much larger than they are. The aggressive behavior definitely began as > a defensive reaction – a coping mechanism – against a (to him) serious > problem in his environment, which it seems continued to stress him all > his life. We don’t know what the irritant was and is; it wouldn’t be of > much value to speculate; but it’s probably something (or a combination > of things) that wouldn’t occur to you insofar as you would consider it > natural and give it no thought. > Putting a healthy cat down for lifelong behavioral problems is, without > mincing any words, an utter failure of responsible guardianship.
A-men. This poor cat will be in my prayers.
Response:
I just re-read my own post and I feel like there is so much more unsaid, all the time and energy and revolving things around Simon. I love him so much. I am sick about it. But I do think it is the right thing… Peter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone. > I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I > have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. > Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a > terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been > extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped > people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled > hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly > because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he > was ok with my wife. > Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was > only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law > were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to > say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without > massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had > vets refuse to work with him. > So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try > and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. > We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he > gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills > into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will > refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food > by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every > treat on the market. > The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him > shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. > We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is > great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely > taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, > from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on > our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we > got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had > terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up > or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not > sure what would have happened. > And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… > After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am > heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only > compounds all the lack of choices… > Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, > loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. > I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. > Thank you for reading. > Best, > Peter
Response:
| I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I | have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. | | [appalling story snipped] This could be a well-constructed troll, but if it isn’t, I don’t think you’re entitled to any comfort. If anything, what you really need is this simple advice: please don’t ever adopt another pet again. Whether or not the decision regarding Simon is irrevocable, consider this: Cats are generally timid, not naturally aggressive towards creatures much larger than they are. The aggressive behavior definitely began as a defensive reaction – a coping mechanism – against a (to him) serious problem in his environment, which it seems continued to stress him all his life. We don’t know what the irritant was and is; it wouldn’t be of much value to speculate; but it’s probably something (or a combination of things) that wouldn’t occur to you insofar as you would consider it natural and give it no thought. Putting a healthy cat down for lifelong behavioral problems is, without mincing any words, an utter failure of responsible guardianship.
Response:
Hello everyone. I am not looking for advice, just some (cold) comfort for a decision I have already made to pu my beloved cat, Simon, to sleep. Simon is an 11 year old beautiful orange tabby, a big old boy and a terrific companion– to me. For most of his life he has been extermely aggressive and anxious around other people. He has trapped people in bathrooms, clawed most of my friends at least once, growled hissed and chased. I learned to live with it best I can, mainly because he was never this way with me. I got married and overall he was ok with my wife. Well last year my wife and I had a baby and one day when my son was only a few days old, I went out and my wife, son and mother-in-law were threatened and chased by SImon. It was very scary and sad, to say the least. By the way, Simon cannot be taken to a ver without massive tranquilzers, and even then he still fights it. I have had vets refuse to work with him. So we called a great home -care vet who started him on Elavil to try and curb his anxiety. Simon will not take the pills or the liqid form. We have tried two flavors mixed in food, tuna etc. Too bitter. Once he gets a minute taste of it he runs. I finally was able to get the pills into soft cat treats, but once he gets the taste of the pill he will refuse that kind of treat, even without a pill. Now he eats all food by licking it first to make sure this is no pill. I have tried every treat on the market. The vet also discovered he is diabetic, and while I can give him shots, we have so far been ubale to regulate it. We recently, out of neccesity, moved in with wife’s sister. She is great. We all are very close. She has two cats. Simon has copmpletely taken over the house, prevetning the other cats, two small females, from eating. One night last week, my wife and I thought we would go on our first date since the baby. Her sister agreed to baby sit. When we got home, she was on the couch. feet up to her chest. Simon had terrorized her the whole time, chasing her and not letting her go up or down the stairs. If there was an emergency with the baby, I am not sure what would have happened. And now the baby is starting to crawl and grab at everything… After a long talk with the vet, we have decided to put him down. I am heart broken, but there are no other options. And the diabetes only compounds all the lack of choices… Please look here for a more positive rememberance of this wonderful,, loyal, loving companion– again, I stress, to me only. I am sorry for this decision. But I feel it is the best for my family. Thank you for reading. Best, Peter
Response:
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