Stressed cat - what to do?

[basildonbond]

Dcat is having to endure a lengthy convalescence following major orthopaedic surgery. He was coping really well to start with bit is getting increasingly fed up. He spent the first month in a cage, now he's confined to one small room and in about 3 weeks he'll be allowed the run of the house for another month before going outside. Last night I noticed a small sore patch on top of his paw (leg which had surgery) and today he's managed to lick more of the fur off. I'm assuming the obsessive licking is stress-related but am unsure how to help him best.

The feliway plugin has just run out so will replace that in the morning. Anything else? He's happy when one of us is sitting with him but I can't be a cat nursemaid for the entire day :(

This is the first time he's ever really been confined isn't it?

Has the vet given you any leeway on the terms of his convalescence? I know it was very serious surgery but would he be allowed to go around the house under supervision a little earlier? Or is he allowed any gentle games?

Yes this is the first time he's not been able to do pretty much whatever he wants ...

The vet said he didn't want him running or jumping or getting too excited (so no catnip yet)

Poor thing is so miserable and of course he doesn't appreciate how miraculous it is that he's still alive!

I think I'd maybe explain the situation to the vet and seek his advice on how much movement you can get away with. I appreciate that he's genuinely lucky to be alive but if he becomes too stressed and neurotic he could become ill in other ways - and that you don't need.

When's he due for a check up next?

He's not back at the orthopaedic vet until the first week of December - I will give them a call today and discuss the situation - thanks cozie

Good idea - they may want to see him just to check that there's not a soreness of some sort as an aftermath of the surgery.

Best of luck to him and let us know how things go.

Hi, poor thing. Definitely ring vet as soon as you can - doesn't necessarily have to be the specialist either, as any good vet will have ideas of how you can keep him safe but sufficiently calm (as well as the Feliway). Have you got the Feliway spray, by the way? You can use it to top up the plug ins, and especially useful when the plug in runs out.

Which leg is it?

Can you find something else for him to lick? A sturdy but soft toy which you could drip some chicken essence onto, maybe? A bit like a baby's comforter. Corduroy material?

I keep getting an image of a cat in a baby-sling, but that may not meet the cat's approval.

I take it he's a cat who gets more active with catnip? Two of mine just get stoned on it and become like melted catpuddles.

Oh yes, try leaving the radio on quietly - a talking programme like R4 with not too many bangs or surprises. It gives the idea of company, and I've just remembered I used to do that when I lived alone with a cat who tried to follow me to work because she didn't like being left in the house alone. It helped her a bit.

How is he doing?

Perkier today . DH came back from a business trip late last night and Shuri adores DH who has spent most of the day as a comfy cat resting spot

Sounds absolutely lovely