Has your cat ever .....?

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Tomtomsmom

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Hello all, I hope you are enjoying your Sunday afternoon.

Well we were doing so well with Tommy's testing even to the point where BF or I could do the testing solo with a bit of trouble, but able to do it just the same. I was singing Tommy's praises apparently a bit too soon because then came Friday night. BF was not back in time for testing and shot and I had to go at it alone. Well Tommy became a bit agitated after a few attempts at pricking his ears (I can't really blame him) he started batting at me with his paws and scratched me and tried to bite me. Thankfully, there was not hissing or growling. I figured I would have wait for daddy to come home for assistance. We were finally able to do his testing with the assistance of a towel. He was just 30 minutes late for his shot. Since then its been a problem and we need two people and he tries to scratch and bite. He still gets his treats and knows once we finish testing he will eat breakfast/dinner. He never really liked the testing but he was handling it better than this. UGH! I feel like we are going backwards here. I have to admit, it sometimes takes more than one attempt to get him to bleed and folds his ears if we start trying to warm them (no microwave in the house) and he sees the testing stuff out.

Has anyone gone through this before? I would appreciate some advice. I really do not want his behavior to escalate to worse. nailbite_smile

Thank you all, Mimi & Tommy
 
Have you tried warming the ears with a pill bottle filled with very warm water? Maybe his ears are not warm enough to bleed easily. A new lancet each time - a fatter one (25-28)? Neosporin with pain relief after the poke?
 
Kitten did that with us actually! Once we got the hang of it, everything was great and we would get tests in without any major problems. Then all of a sudden, he began fighting back, in exactly the same way you mentioned. He would roll over, swat me, etc. No hissing, etc as you mentioned. This would result in needing 3 or 4 pricks to get blood, me getting frustrated, and overall one big stress. This was during the time that I stopped heating his ear because I thought that without wasting that time it could be quicker. That was a mistake in this house apparently! Now we're back to heating his ear and it only takes one try again. I agree with Sue with changing lancets each time...maybe its dull and so it hurts me. Also, make sure that you're staying calm because cats can sense that you're agitated or frustrated and react accordingly.

This lasted about two weeks. And now he's all better, actually much better than before. He actually jumps on the couch to get tested now -- and I never EVER thought he'd be "that kinda cat".

Try out those couple of things that people mentioned and try your hardest to keep calm and pretty soon, I'm sure, everything will go back to be normal - or better.
 
Mimi,
IMHO, I believe he may be reacting to YOUR being nervous and viewing this is a bad thing to do. Try changing your approach - paste a smile on your face before you even start and breathe....and breathe....never lose that smile even if you have to clinch your teeth. I think you'll be surprised what a difference it will make.

BIG HUG!!!
 
Thanks for the kind words and ideas. I use a new lancet every time (Relion 30g). I also use Neosporin with the pain relief. I do not test on very cold ears as I know that this will make it worse. We just ran another test a few minutes ago and there was no problem, but we do not feel comfortable without him being wrapped in a towel. I am going to have to try the pill bottle idea as this might be the trick for us.

I just feel like we are going backwards. :YMSIGH:

Mimi & Tommy
 
Lyresa, I agree I am probably reacting to Tommy. I have felt the wrath of cats before and get nervous at the thought of dealing with aggression. I am thankful for BF who is pretty strong and can hold him while I test.

He is usually a snuggley kitty and loves hugs and kisses.

Thanks for the hug and advice. Practicing my breathing for his next test at 6:30 pm.

Mimi &Tommy
 
Thinking about it, Kit acts like that whenever I am all nervous in the mornings. I get all flustered in the morning b/c I'm usually in a rush and tired, and just plain not a morning person. I realized that if I take a different approach and calm myself down and talk to him while I'm getting ready, he doesn't react aggressively. Since you're doing everything else just the same, it is probably just him reacting to your emotions. It will get better with a few deep breaths.

And you're not going backwards! You're learning and moving up the learning curve! It takes a couple of these "setbacks" to learn the sugar dance....our kitties definitely keep us on our toes!
 
I know that they can sniff anxiety and nervousness which in turn makes them react to us. I am going to have to deep breathe before hand and put on my big lady panties on cause there is no other way to do this without testing him first.

I appreciate you taking the time Lil to write me about your experience. It's been very helpful.

I love this board and the members in it. I don't know how I would be able to do any of this without you all. I am sure my big boy Tommy is even more thankful!

Mimi & Tommy
 
When Grayson started getting fussy at test time, I put a beach towel on the table for him. I got him to lay on it and petted him while he licked my hand. Gentle words. After a few minutes, I rolled the folded part of the towel over the top of him, and wedged both ends of the towel between me and the table. He was like a hotdog in a bun, with me holding the bun shut. I continued to talk to him, and explained that we had to learn to do this together, and the sooner he cooperated, the better off we'd both be! He didn't like being restrained, but it worked, as only a couple of times did I have someone with me to help. We don't need the towel anymore, he comes and lays right down... I guess he's just waiting for the freeze-dried chicken treat!

Good luck!
 
Thank you for sharing the experience with Grayson. I was saw a video of someone testing their cat somewhat like that on Youtube before I started Tommy's testing. I thought of giving it a try on Friday but decided not to do since i was able to test him previously on my own without. Boy,I guess I was wrong. This whole thing with the testing and shooting is really "trial and tribulation" for mommy and daddy beans and of course for our fur babies.

Thank you for posting your helpful advice. It is much appreciated!

Tommy & Mimi
 
Part of your problem could also be the 30 gauge lancets. They are great for humans and are included in most kits.. But new diabetic cats often need a lancet that will make a bigger hole. See if you can find 25-27 gauge (lower the number, bigger the hole)
 
Hmmm...Never thought about that. Will they sells those at Walmart? I will have to take a drive there this week and see if they have them.

Thank you for responding to my post and your thoughtful suggestion.

Mimi & Tommy
 
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