Today is Friday the 13th – my cat’s birthday, according to the rescue’s estimate. It’s November 2020. She’s five today.
I’d say she’s quite a lucky cat. Of course, I feel very lucky to have her, but she is handful. I don’t think most people understand the commitment of caring for a cat. In the beginning I certainly didn’t.
The first cats I cared for were my late great grandmother’s. After she passed away, the offer was there. I had never had a cat. There were a few family dogs, but no cats. I thought to myself, “Look after her cats? Sounds great! And honestly, how hard could that be – a little food, water, clean the litterbox, take them to the vet once in a while. Cats practically take care of themselves.” Right?
Not two weeks had passed when I came home to a cat with a puffy eye. Chloe came strolling up to greet me with one eye nearly sealed shut. This was after I decided to let her roam outside. She wasn’t happy being cooped up inside, as she had presented her dissatisfaction in the entryway. She knew how to manage herself, as she was born in the garage to a neighbor’s cat who found it a suitable birthing place. My grandmother used to leave the side garage door open so the heat could escape. And while the house was in a court and not safe from nearby predators (mainly coyotes), the likelihood of an unfortunate incident with a car was much less.
Anyway, that puffy eye was my initiation fee. At the time, I was a bit miffed over a $50 vet bill, especially since it took him all of two seconds with a cotton swab to eject a foxtail nested in her eyelid. I was sent home with some eye ointment: “Apply to eye twice a day…” Chloe allowed me one opportunity, but luckily no infection ever developed.
Back to my cat, Missy. Her official name is Celeste. I chose that name based on her celestial kind of milk-white presence. But Missy just rolls off the tongue so much quicker. And she is quite a little missy.
When she’s comfortable in her space, she is quite confident, demanding and even sassy. However, the slightest bump, knock, ring, buzz, tap, spraybottle spritz – any little noise – and she disappears like a ghost. She needs to know she has hiding places within seconds of reach. Having this sustains her confidence.
I have tried several calming products. I don’t personally know anyone’s cats who have gained benefit from these products. And yet my gullible half is still hopeful that one day I will find something that works. It would be nice to see my cat settle down and chill. But if not, I still and always will love and accept her as she is. I find that keeping her in a quiet, calm, comfortable environment has been the best approach.
Still, it’s not to say I haven’t tried the following list of calming products. None of these products helped to any notable degree. I’ve tried each numerous times in different situations. I’m not trying to put any product in bad light. I am merely stating that these products did not help calm my cat. Every cat is different.
Comfort Zone Feliway, Bach Rescue Remedy, Homeopet Anxiety, Homeopet Travel Anxiety, Animal Essentials Tranquility Blend, Black Wing Farms Drama Trauma, Sentry Calming Collar (stinky), CBD oil, and I’m sure a few others that I can’t recall at the moment. Calming “treats” are out of the question.
I was reluctant to go down the CBD path due to stigma, but also being weary of its sudden market takehold. The brand (I can’t recall) is supposedly reputable and of the highest quality and strength available. But according to the instructions, I quickly found that the amount needed far exceeded my cat’s willingness, as it was a bland, oily yuck. I don’t like oil either, so I’m not about to torture my cat the same.
I still use Rescue Remedy from time to time, as it seems to be the most effective for her. The effect is subtle though, certainly no miracle.