Hi Peggy! How are you? I saw your plea for yarn. Unfortunately I don't have any scrap but I'll buy you some if you know what I can do with my cat! He's a 6 year old Tabby. He is extremely affectionate, funny, playful, good with kids, and likes other small animals (cats & dogs). The problem is that I can't keep him in the house anymore. I had Pergo put in the house in March. Before that he often peed on the carpet (despite a clean litter box, going outdoors, trips to the vet, fake pheromones, sprays, etc) so I had to get rid of the carpet. I could not afford tile and was given Pergo so I went with it. Unfortunately he is continuing his nasty habit (behavioral per vet) on the Pergo so he is only allowed in the house when we can watch him. Now he spends most of his time in the garage (door propped open) or outside. I keep the radio on, fan, toys, soft spots, etc but it's not ideal. He's a lap cat and really needs company. Maybe he could be a barn cat, but don't know anyone who has a farm or stable. Do you? On top of all this my boyfriend of 4 years is allergic to cats. We don't live together but are talking about it. I feel really terrible about the cat, but don't know what to do. Any ideas? I've attached his photo. His name is Quidditch (from Harry Potter). I need the cat whisperer! :)
7 comments:
Yep, there'd be anger coming through if I had to reply to that. Poor cat. Sorry, don't know how to help. I'd probably send an angry rant or something...not that I'm recommending that! Maybe tell this person to keep the cat for a while and enlist the help of a good rescue that screens new homes and find him a really good home if she's determined not to keep him. And then suggest she not get any more pets.
oops...sorry if that sounded angry :)
About the allergy thing...the Dad here is allergic to cats too. He slowly improved though after living with cats. Anyway, sad situation. Good luck.
I don't know how to respond to this person either. It appears the lady is trying to give many excused to get rid of the kitty. Maybe there is a good foster home out there that will take in the kitty and help her adjust and go to someone that wants to work with and love this special kitty. Sounds like the real reason may be the boyfriend . . .
This makes me really sad and I don't know what to say either. I have had cats with problems like this, and it's not fun, but you CAN deal with it. We would adopt him if we could. I don't think he should be a barn cat, btw - that is NOT a good idea!
I hope she has checked out the possibility that he might have a urinary tract infection (my sister has had the same problem with one of her kitties for years and he just got diagnosed with that!)
Why, why, why...do people wait until a behavior issue has been going on for 2-3-4 years before deciding to get rid of a cat?!
If you have followed my blog for long, you have read of my "rehab" with cats I have gotten back for "inappropriate urination" and yes, most people try 1 or 2 or three things to work with the cat in question, but never do all the steps to try and determine if "hey, this cat might be happier elsewhere" soon enough in my opinion.
The steps--cage 2 weeks, bathroom 2 weeks, spare bedroom 2 weeks, adding 2nd cat to spare bedroom 2 weeks, free run of the house 2 weeks is how I do it.
I have yet to have a cat with peeing issues do well with multiple cats so many don't get to the free run of the house stage for long.
Many people are opposed to caging a cat long term, but there are some really nice (though really expensive) cages out there, that this person could set up on her patio or even in the house and be able to care for and interact with this cat---better than a garage!! Here's the links to those cages
http://www.roverpet.com/kathouse.htm
(for full time caging-the purr palace is the one to use)
http://www.cagesbydesign.com/product/tabid/77/p-520-five-foot-diameter-outdoor-designer-cat-enclosure.aspx
This lady needs to go through all those steps before she rehomes this cat (most people don't want to work that hard and put the problem and work onto someone else!) so the new owner will be the right one, not just a repeat of the same problem.
Hisssssssssssssssssss. Sorry, I think I can control myself now. It doesn't seem like the issues about the kitty bothered her until the boyfriend came along. Sorry, that was catty of me. They make allergy pills, ya know. I know because the Mom bean is highly allergic to kitties. Doesn't seem to matter in how she loves and cares for me. Everyone has already given some very sound advise and if she's willing, she should explore these options. I would only answer her because I would be concerned about the cat's well being.
This is what I wrote. Before I saw all your comments. Personally, I'd get rid of the BF before any of my cats. I said a couple of things (the 3 day thing is probably not true) to maybe make her feel guilty. Damn.
Kim,
I don't know what to tell you. I've never given away a cat before. If you take him to the shelter, he'll be put down after 3 days because he's not a kitten. I had a male cat years ago that peed whenever another strange cat came in the yard. The vet put him on a low dose of Valium. It was stress that made him pee wherever, Is your cat stressed over your new boyfriend? Cause that would do it. Especially if you lock him away when your boyfriend is around.
Maybe your BF could start taking Benadryl and when he comes over he could feed the cat or give him some catnip or toys. If you brush your cat every day it really cuts down on the cat dander. And use one of those micro-filters in your AC.
I can't take him for you, I have 6 cats right now and 2 of them are special needs. All I can say is good luck and let me know how it goes.
peggy
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