When Alexander was three months old, his owner picked the kitten up and threw him against a wall. The act was witnessed by a neighbor who reported it. Authorities intervened and removed Alexander from the home, but it was a frightened, subdued cat who was adopted out a week after his arrival at the animal shelter.
Sadly, Alexander is not alone in his suffering. Cat abuse and cat neglect are common problems that leave both physical and mental scars on the animals affected by them. Coming into possession of an abused cat can be overwhelming, but there are many things an owner can do to help his or her new pet heal and learn to trust again.
Types of Cat Abuse and Neglect
There are many different types of cat abuse and neglect, some more subtle than others. They include:
- Striking, beating, whipping, kicking or throwing the cat
- Constantly yelling or screaming at the cat
- Constantly subjecting the cat to loud noises like screaming children or marital fights
- Taking a kitten away from its mother too early to sell it or get rid of it
- Denying the cat human or animal interaction
- Keeping the cat in constant physical restraints, for instance, chained to a short leash or confined in a small box
Anyone who has adopted or is considering adopting an abused cat should consider the following pointers.
Abused Cats - Information and Evaluation
Owners should try to get as much information as possible about the types of abuse their new pet suffered. Was the primary abuser a man, a woman, or a child? Does the cat seem to be afraid of any specific object or situation?
This information may not be readily available, but if it is, it can help cat owners plan how to make their new friend as comfortable as possible.
If it hasn't already been done at an animal shelter, the abused cat should also be examined thoroughly by a vet to identify any lingering injuries that may need attention.
Patience is Key to Taming the Abused Cat
Cats tend to do things on their own schedules anyway, but it's especially important to let the abused cat set the pace of all interactions. Owners who insist on petting and cuddling their new cat too soon may only be adding to the pet's trauma.
Instead, the new owner should make sure the cat has plenty of fresh food, clean water, toys to play with and places to hide. Then the owner should go about his or her daily business, taking care to avoid sudden movements or loud outbursts.
Most cats will eventually emerge from hiding and allow occasional contact. After three weeks, for instance, Alexander started to stand in the doorway to the living room when his new owner was reading a book. A few weeks after that, he approached her cautiously, and about a week later, he allowed himself to be stroked for the first time. Total time invested: almost three months. Results: priceless.
A Companion Animal May Help the Abused Cat
Although it isn't necessary to have another pet, owners who do find that their abused cat tends to find comfort in the company of the existing pet. This is especially true of abused cats with separation anxiety, who may transfer their affection to another pet in the house while their beloved owner is gone, or of lethargic cats who may respond better to another animal than to a person.
Seeing the owner interact gently and compassionately with another animal can also reassure the skittish cat who still worries about being victimized.
Dealing with the Aggressive Abused Cat
Never strike a cat, even if it bites or scratches.
Instead, study the cat and learn what typically sparks its aggression. Some cats do not like to be touched in a certain place, such as their belly or their head. Others will tolerate petting only so long before lashing out. Others enjoy being petted but will not allow themselves to be picked up. And some may never want to be touched at all but enjoy being talked to. Learning and respecting the cat's preferences should decrease aggressive episodes.
An owner who is playing with or petting a cat who becomes aggressive should simply withdraw from the interaction until the cat calms down and indicates it is willing to accept touch again. Never encourage a cat to play roughly.
In rare cases, a cat may be so aggressive as to be dangerous. These cats need to be evaluated by a trained animal behaviorist.
Taking on an abused cat or kitten is a challenge, but the results more than make up for the trouble. Alexander, whose story is featured in this article, is now four years old. He still reacts strongly if startled, but for the most part he is a calm, friendly cat who enjoys being petted and cuddled. With a little human patience, love, and understanding, he has come a long way from the terrorized, battered kitten that his new owner brought home from the shelter. If treated well, there is no reason why other abused cats cannot do the same.
More Information on Pet Abuse
All too often, people who abuse pets do not confine their assaults to four-legged creatures. Click here to read about the disturbing link between pet abuse and domestic violence.
Sources
Dodman, Nicholas on PetPlace.com. How to Care for an Abused Cat. Accessed 7/11/10.
Mitchell, Eve-Angeline on Examiner.com. Five Tips for Caring for Abused Cats and Kittens. Accessed 7/11/10.
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