A client who adopted a one-year old cat several months ago from a rescue group called expressing concern as to whether she would be able to keep this new cat. Why? The cat was basically driving her crazy. How so? The cat constantly needed to be near her/on her. Most of us want our animal friends to be affectionate, but too much is too much plus it usually means that the animal is not feeling well—and that can be on an emotional or physical level.
What I was picking up from the cat was a feeling of being “dejected” and “crestfallen”. This cat had experienced an emotional loss and was not able to let go of the grief. I see conditions such as these as post traumatic stress. As it can be for humans, animals also may need help releasing trauma. A human may receive help through some form of therapy. Another great option is energy work which works especially well for animals. We did one healing session for her cat. The client was thrilled how the cat was looking more relaxed, more confident, and no longer clinging to her. I followed up a month later; the client said that the cat continues to do well; in fact she said, “She’s a perfect cat”.
Animals are usually separated from their mom and siblings and often way too young. Naturally this can be traumatic. Some animals, like humans, can experience loss more severely than another. Animals can also experience a lot of trauma with all the changes related to foster homes, shelters, vet visits, etc. They go through a lot before they finally find someone who will adopt them. And though most seem resilient and bounce back from the trauma, some may need some help. And how wonderful to provide treatments for them that has nothing to do with vet visits and drugs.