Thundershirt for cats - does anyone use?

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sbnadell

sbnadell

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Hi. We came across a product (thanks to a goofy Youtube video) for a product called a thundershirt. Supposedly it calms a cat (or dog) by applying constant pressure. It looks sort of like a sweater (but made from cotton, not knit) that wraps over the cat's shoulders and velcros under it's chest and neck. I'm just wondering if anyone on the forum has experience using this product, and if so, does it work? I'm thinking ahead to the next time we have to take our cat Norton to the vet.

Thanks!
Shari
 
I have not used Thundershirt for cats.
What problems do you have taking him to the vet?
What have you done so far in working with him?
 
sbnadell said:
Hi. We came across a product (thanks to a goofy Youtube video) for a product called a thundershirt. Supposedly it calms a cat (or dog) by applying constant pressure. It looks sort of like a sweater (but made from cotton, not knit) that wraps over the cat's shoulders and velcros under it's chest and neck. I'm just wondering if anyone on the forum has experience using this product, and if so, does it work? I'm thinking ahead to the next time we have to take our cat Norton to the vet.

Thanks!
Shari
Click to expand...

I know of a lady who had taken in a relative's cat and he was often aggressive to the lady's cats.
She got a thunder shirt for the new cat and it was like a miracle in how well it worked.... you would have thought the cat had been given medication.
She left it on for a few days, then removed. If he ever starts to act up again, she just puts the shirt on him for awhile.
I don't know if it would work for all cats, but I do know it worked for one cat quite well.

Gayle
 
I have never used one for cats however I have one for my dog. It did not work on my dog but I have the most unbalanced dog!!! There is always a small percent of cats or dogs that it will not work on. The company will give you a full refund so thats a plus.
 
Norton gets so scared at the vet that he gets aggressive. It makes it difficult for them to work with him, and we feel terrible because he is so terrified. We've tried giving him a mild sedative, but I don't think it helps much and I'd rather not do that if we can avoid it.

Since the company will give a refund if it doesn't help, it seems like it is worth trying out. I spoke with his vet and she said that she has clients with dogs who swear by it, but has never had a client who used one with a cat. She also said it couldn't hurt to try it out. I'll let you all know if it works!

Thanks-
Shari
 
One of the tactics in dealing with the vet is to have get acquainted, treat, & play visits. The idea is to associate some positive things with the vet's office.

Is traveling in the car a stressor, too? Systematic desensitization can be helpful for that.
 
He's not too bad in the car. He complains sometimes, but he does not get agitated or noticeably stressed. We have talked to the vet about having us handle him more the next time we need to take him in, and we will also bring treats. That is a good thought, though, of taking him in just to let him get used to her and the place. I'll talk to her about that.

Waiting for the thunder shirt to arrive!

Shari
 
I used it for my diabetic cat Whitey. 6 months ago we moved into my fiance's house with an existing and very territorial cat. After a few days, Whitey (whos is fixed) started spraying and marking his territory daily and got into some knock down drag out fights with the other cat with him being the aggressor (totally opposite of his normal demeanor). Anyway, after about a month of trying various things I got a Thundershirt as a last ditch effort before going to prozac. To my amazement, it actually worked. Unfortunately I think the effect wore off. I had him in it every day for probably about 20 hours a day. He calmed down and corrected some behavior but after about a month of constant use the spraying came back (but not as frequent as before). I gave up on the shirt after that and luckily he has settled into his new environment after several months and is doing fine now without the need for drugs. So my experience is it does work but results may vary
 
I haven't used one for a cat but I have for a dog. (and it helps her )

There are instructions on the package about making it a positive experience....
They have some video to watch ( which I need to go do myself) of how to get the most out of it.
I know you want it to be a positive association.
I'll try to remember myself to go watch the video. :lol:
 
We received the thundershirt a couple of weeks ago. No video, but it did come with instructions. We started by just laying it on top of him for a few minutes. He walked away the first few times but then was ok with it laying on top of him. Then we strapped it around his neck; it looked like he was wearing a cape. Last night we snugged it up all around him. He walked a little funny, and sort of rolled over when he wanted to lay down, but he did not fight it. It was quite funny and cute. It almost looks like it is a little long for him, so we might get a smaller size (I bought the large one based on his weight; his chest diameter is right at the break point between the large and medium) and see if that fits better. Overall, though, I was pleased to see that he did not fight it or try to get it off. He was just sort of confused. The real test will come, though, the next time he has to go to the vet. Although, while he was wearing it, my partner took bottles out to the garage for recycling. He puts them in a plastic bag to carry them out, and usually Norton gets a little scared by the bag. This time, he just sort of watched from where he was laying with the thundershirt on. So I think that is a good sign!

Shari
 
Seeing your post again just reminded me to go look for the video. You actually have to go the product and they have video links there....
but they only have one for the cat thundershirt ( being a newer product) .... There are several video's for the dogs.

I had to laugh that they referred to the shirt as "relaxing" them. And they fall over.
I think they react to the pressure that way.... but I wouldn't necessarily call it "relaxing".
The nice thing is they are more cooperative.
My dog needs hers every time it rains.
 
Yes, I took that picture of Norton in his thundershirt last night. And I finally figured out how to get a picture small enough for my avatar.
 
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