Hello all, This is off-topic, and for that I apologize, but I figured with all the cat care-giving/rescuing experience of the people on this list, perhaps someone would have an answer for me. I took in stray tabby about 3 years ago. Had him neutered and vetted. He had/has many issues including being prone to kidney crystals and infections -which I think we have under control at the moment w/ cranberry powder additive to his food. He used to be very aggressive towards other cats (something for which my other cat still hasn't completely forgiven him for) and he truly believes himself to be a dog. He has no fear at ALL of people, cats or canines, -fetches toys, heels, comes when called and will go into his crate if you just mention it...(something even my DOG REFUSES to do!). But..there is one major obstacle to completely incorporating him into the household: he has night terrors. Because of his past aggression, he's separated in his own room whenever I'm not home & at night, but I have been trying to get to the point where he can be allowed to sleep with us. Unfortunately, he has incredible nightmares where he BOLTS INTO THE AIR (we're talking sometimes 2-3 feet HIGH) from a dead sleep and FLEES until he hits something - usually a wall or piece of furniture- hard enough to wake him up. Then he sits all hunched up and blinking for a few minutes. If I go to him he immediately starts to purr and rolls over for a belly rub - only after head-butting me a few dozen times. I've had him to the vet thinking he was having painful spasms or something. All she could find were old injuries that looked like a car accident may have hit him in the hip area (all healed - he moves fine) and what appear to be 3 bebes still lodged in the back of his neck and shoulder area. She doesn't think they would be the cause of pain now...but both injuries tell something of the first year or two of his life. I've tried feline pheromones ...he still has the episodes. As much as I hate putting him in a room by himself at night, while the cat and dog and I share a bed....when he freaks out at night- it sets off a chain reaction of the other cat going all hissy-spazzy and the dog barking and chasing one or both around the condo until he fully wakes up and calms down (I'm surprised my neighbors haven't complained yet!). (Not to mention....I've gotten kicked in the eye and face time and again as one or more of the animals flee from the shock of Mica's night terrors. Has anyone EVER experienced something like this that's on-going? Does anyone have ANY suggestions other than time? (He's been an indoor only cat for 3 years now....and while the dreams do seem to be getting less....at the current rate- he'll have to live well into his thirties until they are gone...-I'm not certain I could survive that! ;-) Thanks, Tamara, Tobias (yorkie), Coebeio (calico), Micatullyvhim (grey tabby)
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