I've read some articles and watched several videos of other cats having FHS episodes, and Ginger Kitty's are nowhere near as dramatic.
She over-grooms her belly, tail, and back legs, but she's typically not twitchy or jumpy when she does it, her pupils aren't dilated, and she's not having spasms, twitching, running, jumping, vocalizing, or peeing at all.
It's hard to tell when she's compulsively grooming and when she's doing regular grooming like a normal cat, but I think I'm starting to learn the difference. Then again, maybe the only difference is frequency, not intensity. I'm sure I'll figure it out, given time.
I don't know if she'll let up on the overdrive grooming once she really settles in to the new environment, food, and exercise routine, but I hope this becomes a Before photo as far as belly fur is concerned.
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| Lounging and purring, 2 days into foster care The only thing she's missing is a drink with a paper umbrella |
The medicine she has been prescribed is an anti-seizure medication called gabapentin. It's a pill that gets crushed and diluted in water, then squirted into her mouth via syringe. She doesn't love it and she struggles a little, but she doesn't fight or claw or bite at all. And she doesn't hold a grudge! As soon as it's over, she resumes purring and rubbing her face on everyone and everything in the room. She's a real sweetheart! Gentle, companionable, content to be nearby, and happy to be pet or brushed.
Ginger Kitty is fostered in Cambridge, MA through the Gifford Cat Shelter in Brighton. Please contact them if you are interested in adopting her!
