obsessive CH cat

[albatross22]

Please can you help me.  My cat has cerebellar hypoplasia (although he is quite mobile) and he is obsessively attached to me.  He follows me everywhere, to the point of chasing me if i try to get away - he is not being aggressive, he wants me to pick him up and cuddle with him.  Sometimes (often) he has a terrible smelling behind, which leaves and awful smell on clothes when you pick him up - hence i do not always want to do so until he has been cleaned with wet wipes (he doesn't wash).  I am getting scared of him, because if i do not pick him up, he springs from the floor either towards my face / chest or onto my back - and hangs on with his claws, generally to my collar bone.  I can't push him away with any force at all, because i don't want to hurt him and he would fall over - this would be cruel.  i am at my wits end, i even have to run up the stairs and shut myself in the bedroom to get away sometimes.  how can i help the little guy change his behaviour?  withholding cuddles doesn't seem to work - he just keeps trying.

[opus88]

your welcome, to have the anal glands expressed requires only an office visit...takes a Vet only a few minutes...so prices will vary, I live in Canada and an office visit here is usually abt $40. phone around, this shouldn't need to be done very often..my 7 year old has only had it once, but depends on the kitty....if the bowel movements are too soft it may need to be done more frequently.
You could also try the Feliway spray or diffuser(not the collars) this is avail thru your Vet or online at amazon.com. this helps to calm most cats and 'may' be of some help...(?)
You certainly didn't come across as uncaring, quite the opposite, you are a special kitty mom to try and find solutions in the best interest of your special little man.
keep us updated we enjoy hearing from new members and trying to help with all concerns...-)

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_7/185-2493458-1658144?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=feliway+spray&sprefix=feliway%2Cpets%2C291

[albatross22]

thank you both for your replies.  he does love the support he gets when being held - he drapes over my shoulder and i hold his little feet in the palm of my hand.  he would never get down unless i popped him on the floor.  he isn't like this with my husband at all.  i have joked sometimes that i should get a baby sling and put him in there.  he does manage really well though - he runs (albeit in a zig zag manner) and fights with his 2 brothers and really holds his own.  he's very special and i love him dearly - i hope my post didn't sound cruel.  i will have  look into homeopathy.

is having the anal glands expressed very expensive?  do they have to have it done frequently?

[opus88]

hi and welcome...I hadn't heard of this condition before your post. I think with the disability he is adjusting by becoming increasingly dependent on you and perhaps the uncertainty of his footing is causing him to fear walking much on his own.....I can make a suggestion of homeopathy specifically a prep that addresses 'fear'. I can give you more info if you are interested in pursuing this idea..I had little faith in homeopathy until trying it on one of mine recently with for another matter and was really impressed.

I will send you a link with alot of great info on cerebellar hypoplasia. maybe that will also lead you to some answers....wishing you luck♥

I would also suggest you have his anal glands 'expressed' by a Vet, this is more than likely what is causing his bottom to smell....common with our boy kitties.

http://www.messybeast.com/disabled.htm#CH

[kittymom44]

Hiya. I just managed to log back in and I can't see a date on your post. I might be too late  but I hope things are working out for you and your cat. I was going to ask if he would be comfy wrapped up in a blanket or a cozy type of cat bed. Is he in pain? He might just feel more comfortable with the body support he gets when being held. That is why I mentioned wrapping him up. A sort of "swaddling" like for babies. Also, if he smells you could drape a towel over your shoulder for protection. This cat seems to be VERY needy and it might be nessessary to get him some specialized care. I wish I could be of more help to the two of you. I do hope your kitty is okay.