5/7 Esse AMPS 295

Lauren & Esse

Lauren & Esse

Member
Yesterday's thread!

I mentioned in passing yesterday that he's been more squirrelly for his shots than he is for his testing now, so after reading a bunch of old forum threads last night, this morning we decided to try something new. I prepped his shot and breakfast plate and brought it upstairs to the bathroom where we've been doing his testing on the counter. Did his test and then presented breakfast in the same spot. Surprise surprise--no trouble at all. He chowed down and didn't even notice, which is what everyone else says should be happening! Are we going to become insane people who feed their cat in the bathroom next to the sink? Maybe! I've been cleaning the area very frequently so I have no hygiene concerns but it does seem weird.

Everything went so well this morning that I do think I'll try for a mid-cycle test.
 
This made me laugh. I think at some point we have all done something like this. Whatever it takes!

In the beginning I had a whole ritual around shoots: taking him to his favourite rug on my bed, with lots of pets and snuggles, and treat after. And now he gets it in the kitchen while he's eating and it takes about 30 second total! Completely routine. You'll get there too in time.

Hope the ear pricks continue to get easier for you too. Will be interesting to have an idea of where he is getting down to at nadir.
 
Ditto what Helen said: sometimes there just has to be a whole routine, but whatever works. lol

What ended up working for us was a combination of gabapentin for anxiety, lidocaine to numb the injection site, and a Churu gradually smeared onto a plate while he sits on my desk. Usually this works, but not always. We had to increase the gabapentin when even this started to be too scary for him, but we're good again.
 
It does get easier as both of you find the routine. It just takes time!! You're doing all the right things by trying to show him positive rewards and doing whatever works!!
Hang in there!! 😻 😻
 
We do what we need to do! Binx has fully taken over my dining table, I have a mat and everything now to keep things as “clean” as possible. Part of this is for him and part of it is because I like the access I get having him elevated. I imagine it’s the same next to the bathroom sink for you. We’ve all been there! Hope this continues to work for you both :)
Safe surfing!
 
Glad you had success, whatever works! And he'll change it up on you soon enough 😊. We are back to the kitchen floor, only because he tore his AT and I didnt want him jumping.

For awhile I was using an elevated feeder on the kitchen table... something about the elevated feeder bothered him at shot time, assuming it was the angle or something. I also have a dedicated space that he gets to eat snacks with no fear or poking or shots, his safe feeding zone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top