Dr. Melinda Merck, a Roswell veterinarian who treated some cats rescued fro Katrina, says that some pets can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) just like humans. Merck treated a cat who had been pulled from a single story house that had flooded. The cat was discovered sitting on top of a filing cabinet barely above water line. After rescue, the cat showed signs of emotional distress. "Any time the rescuers left the cat for longer than 45 minutes, he started crying and jumping up on the highest furniture. So don't tell me animals don't have memories. It can take a cat 3 years or longer to feel safe again after any traumatic event." Just like in humans, symptoms of PTSD in animals can be triggered by visual cues, smells, sounds, or objects associated with the trauma. Symptoms of PTSD that animals can exhibit include:

• submissive urination or defecation unusual or fearful reactions to certain people, garments, hats, or other reminders of the trauma
• shaking
• flinching when someone tries to pet their head
• snapping at your hand
• some animals can even seizure with extreme fear.

If you believe your pet is suffering from PTSD or anxiety, talk to your veterinarian.