Okay, okay... Bear with me here, I know this is a bit different from our typical human health topics.
But I figured I'd ask, as you guys are by far the most knowledgeable neuroscience resource I'm aware of, and veterinarians seem to know what is "okay" to prescribe, but don't seem to have the knowledge to make me feel comfortable that I am choosing the best option available.Long story short, I have a male (neutered) bengal cat with predatory aggression issues that were not solved with neutering. He's a great cat with an awesome personality, and isn't fearful or traumatized in the slightest. He just has the "jungle cat" personality and wants to hunt everything he sees. I find it amusing, but he tends to jump out from around corners and attack my girlfriend on a daily basis, causing lots of bleeding, and he's left numerous scars as a result.
He often goes into frickin' crazy hyper modes where he literally climbs the trim around the doors and has scratched the crap out of them. He constantly attacks other animals, meaning he has to be left isolated or constantly supervised. Again, he doesn't attack in a fearful or territorial sort of way -- it's just what he does. He sees something move, and it's his mission to tear it to shreds.
With that said, I feel bed medicating him. The bengal blood just makes indoor life a bit difficult for him, but we've tried everything from spray-bottles to play sessions to run out his energy, with no success. The word "declaw" has come up as a result of damage to the house and much bleeding for everyone involved, and that's something I'm just not willing to do.
I'm thinking of trying an SSRI. Sertraline was the first one I looked at, but Fluoxetine seems to have a longer history in pets. Not sure what else could be tried besides SSRI's. I'm open to herbal options, of course, but some research or history has to be there proving safety in felines, and I've fallen short research wise on most of those. The advantage of SSRI's is a proven track record of safety and detailed cross-species prescribing information.
Hope I don't sound like a bad pet owner here. In 20 some years of pet ownership, I've never considered drugging one before. But for the sake of my girlfriend's feet, fellow pets, house, and my bengal's claws, it may be the best option for everyone. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
Edited by RS3RS, 29 October 2012 - 03:29 PM.
