By Samantha Davis

Lewis came to Gyrn Cottage Cattery as a referral case from the Shrewsbury Branch of the Cats Protection. They were aware of my work with cats using Reiki and Animal Aromatics and wondered if I could help with Lewis who had become very aggressive following the amputation of his right hind leg.

As Lewis was fully vaccinated and would pose no threat to the other cats in the Cattery I agreed to offer him a pen and see what I could do to help him. I was told that I would have a really hard time with him. I was unfazed by this as I have seen remarkable results with the Reiki and Animal Aromatics. I also have some knowledge of Animal Acupressure, Tellington TTouch and Flower Essences. Besides, every cat deserves a chance and I love a challenge!

A Report on Lewis 13 year old neutered male 4008ED from the CPL

Lewis came into the vets with a complicated back leg fracture. The options given to the owner were to plate and pin it or amputate, the owner wanted him put to sleep. He was signed over to Cats Protection on 17th April 2008. He was very hissy and growling at the vets but understandably so as he was in severe pain. The leg was amputated on the 18th April and he stayed at the vets for one week as he was on antibiotics. Lewis came back to the shelter and rarely got out of his bed, he hissed at everyone that went near him and also developed growling, needless to say all the volunteers were very nervous of him. I found Lewis not too bad, probably because I fed him, I would talk to him and slowly he let me stroke his face and chin although he would still hiss at me, after a while he would even purr. After a few weeks he would come out of his bed when he heard my voice. One afternoon I sat on the floor with him giving him a fuss and he seemed relaxed and was purring, suddenly for no apparent reason he turned and bit me. This was not a little bite but a severe bite that went through my thumb. I had to leave a warning sign on his pen for the other volunteers who cleaned him out while I was at work. All the volunteers were petrified of him except one, she would pick him up and give him a fuss although he would be hissing and growling, he also swiped two other volunteers, he was very unpredictable, I only stoked him when I put his food down and after my experience was very wary of him. Our vet suggested we put him on Metacam in case he was in any discomfort. He was on this for almost 3 wks before going to Samantha's and it had had no effect what so ever. I contacted the NCC and spoke to our veterinary dept to see if they would take him and they said because their pens are very open and cats can see other cats it would not be suitable and to consider having him PTS which in my opinion is not an option as we rescued him from that. Our Hereford Shelter said they would take him but I did not think they would spend the time with Lewis that he needed and would probably end up being PTS. This is when we contacted Samantha as we wanted to give Lewis the best possible chance - a last chance! If it didn't work he would go to Hereford. Upon vet health check he was found to have slight heart murmur.

Eve Dodds
Welfare / Rehoming Officer
Shrewsbury Branch Cats Protection

Saturday 31st May 2008
Lewis came to Gyrn Cottage Cattery today. One hour prior to his arrival I prepared the pen. I sprayed 'Relax' Flower Essence in the sleeping area, the run and on the bedding and carpets. This helps with animals that are frightened, anxious, alarmed or distressed.

I also placed 3 cotton pads in the pen, each with 1 drop of the following Essential Oils:

• Rose (Rosa damascene) - Used for past abuse / trauma / unwanted memories. Issues an animal may have inherited. Anger / resentment - associated with the liver. Emotional wounds / rejection.
• Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) - Useful for irritability; obsessive worry; nervous anxiety; withdrawal. Muscular aches. Very comforting.
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - Helps animals that are unable to relax or focus. Very grounding.

The pen smelled heavenly and the other boarders were also sniffing with appreciation. I made Lewis a catnip sock using the dried herb and I picked some fresh catnip from the garden. I also placed some dried Valerian root on the floor. My intention was to provide Lewis with a very relaxing environment and I have to say, it really worked!

Eve Dodds brought Lewis into the pen and let him out of the carrier (he had been placed in there using gauntlets). Lewis emerged cautiously at first then seemed to relax with lots of slow blinking and purring. He rubbed around Eve's knees then came over to me to do the same. He rubbed his head on the catnip sock then went to the scratching post and rubbed his head on that. Then to Eve's amazement he lay on the floor and rolled on his back. Eve had never seen Lewis so relaxed.

After Eve left, I sat down outside the pen and offered some Reiki healing to Lewis. He was in the run looking at me and immediately started to tremble / shake and really absorbed the energy for a good 7 minutes. His eyes softened and his head lowered. He yawned deeply a few times and then went and got into his bed.

When I went in later to give him his dinner Lewis hissed, but it was more of a vulnerable hiss than an aggressive one, after all there was a strange giant hovering above him! I sat down and offered more Reiki. Immediately Lewis started to purr and absorbed the energy.

Later that evening I went and sat with Lewis inside the pen. He hobbled over and started purring very loudly. I noticed that his right ear looked a bit flat compared to the left and his stump was desperately trying to scratch the ear. The ear looked very clean. Lewis then went and rubbed the right side of his head on the scratching post. I checked in the Acu-Cat Acupressure book to see which meridians were around the ear. It was very interesting.

The Gall Bladder meridian begins at the outer corner of the eye. It flows to the outer side of the ear, crossing back and forth on the side of the head. It curves behind the ear and flows down the back eventually ending in the foot.

The Gall Bladder meridian regulates the flow of chi throughout the body and governs the decision-making process. Excessive Gall Bladder chi may be exhibited as anger or aggression. The physical indicators of an out of balance GB meridian are arthritis, joint stiffness or pain, muscle stiffness, soreness, ear and eye problems.

I firmly believe that the amputation had caused energy blockages in the GB meridian.

**Note: In Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture points in the scalp are used to treat phantom limb pain. So, is Lewis using acupressure when he rubs his head on any available object????

Sunday 1st June 2008
In the morning when I cleaned the pen Lewis hissed when I went in but it wasn't an aggressive hiss. I spoke quietly to Lewis while I brushed up and changed the litter tray. I offered Lewis his breakfast and he hopped out of bed so I was able to check his bedding. Lewis has the most amazing purr!

Later that morning my brother Anthony went in to visit Lewis, again a hiss but understandable. He offered Reiki and Lewis went over and sat on his lap (I believe his previous owner was a man). Anthony stroked Lewis all over, including his stump. I gave Anthony a brush as Lewis needed a good groom and Lewis thoroughly enjoyed it

From that day on Lewis has been a real star. Apart from the odd hiss when he feels overwhelmed by something Lewis has shown no signs of aggression whatsoever.

He is very affectionate and craves attention. He knows his name and always comes when called. At mealtimes Lewis is always waiting by the door miaowing impatiently.

Lewis does try to play with the string toy and his balance is improving daily. Lewis is allowed out in the corridor to exercise as he needs to strengthen his remaining leg. It is great to see the little sprints he does. He can move very fast when he wants.

I was very proud when I found Lewis sitting on the chair in his pen, so much so I took a picture (I really must get out more!) Lewis achieves this feat by hooking his claws into the fabric and pulling himself up. What a clever chap! Lewis loves his catnip sock and sleeps with his head resting on it.

In conclusion

Apart from being told that I would have a really hard time with him I am thoroughly enjoying his company and he is one of the easiest cases I have ever worked with. Lewis is more than ready to find a loving home and whoever decides to adopt him will be very lucky to own such a special cat.

Lewis is OK with other cats as long as they are very well socialised and won't hiss at him. I have seen his reaction to dogs and that is a definite NO! Lewis would prefer no young children as he does feel vulnerable with only one back leg.

Lewis would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Greg Kiefer of James Wellbeloved Pet Foods for very kindly agreeing to sponsor his stay at the Cattery.

To end on a very exciting note, Sam at Gyrn Cottage Cattery has teamed up with James Wellbeloved and they are very happy to sponsor a permanent pen for a Rescue Cat that may benefit from some Holistic Healing / Rehabilitation. The cat must be fully vaccinated and pose no risk to the other boarders. It need not only be aggression cases as Sam has had excellent results with overgrooming, allergies, chronic cystitis and dietary issues to name a few!

About the Author:  Samantha Davis is a fully qualified senior zoo keeper and has spent 8 years working at the London Zoo with chimps, gorillas, orangs, giant pandas etc. She is an Animal Aromatics Practitioner and a Reiki Healer. She has spent many years working in cat rescue and since February of this year has been running her own Boarding Cattery. Contact Samantha at at sam@gyrncats.co.uk or visit her website at www.gyrncats.co.uk.

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