Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:59:36 GMT

Hi,

Sounds like you got a bit of a dilemma, poor kitty. She probably just finally got a taste of the outdoors again and realised how much she misses it, but obviously you can't allow her to go out. I actually think the idea of walking her is a really good idea, you could at least gove it a try. She can explore but under your supervision and she will be more tired out from being outside.

Also have you tried more indoor enrichments? similar to dog kongs and toys and stuff? she's probably really bored being stuck in so perhaps some excitement would cheer her up?

don't know if any of this helps but hope it does xXx

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

Nick Shackleton — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:56:26 GMT

I myself have converted my cat from being used to going outside to be complete indoor, due to relocationg to a 3rd floor flat and therefore outside access is not available, if the cat accepts it and tollerates it I think its ok! from what it sounds like your is not a happy. There is no one solution to this prob. The idea of an outside rum might be ok, althou surely the cat is still being kept confined.....

Anyways, hope you find a solution to your prob. Good luck!

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

Steph Phillips — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:34:59 GMT

aw it must be so hard for yourself. . you are obviously a devoted owner trying everything you can to help your cats.

We cant always win. ..Nature decides their future. Your cat was ferral to begin with.. I too agree with some of the above posts made my caro, hissycat etc .. It's not nice for you cat to get stressed, and certainly not nice for you seeing your cat in distress.

good luck with everything xxx

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

Cat Woman — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:08:34 GMT

Ditto, Caro, hissycat & Vicky C. The cats welfare has to come first, no matter how hard it will be on you. This is why so many charities/vets have a pts policy on FIV ferals. With the best will in the world & no matter how hard you want it to work, I'm not sure that it can. Good luck though & all the best with whatever you decide.

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

Vicky RVN — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:56:11 GMT

I have to say i agree with Caro and Hissycat, she sounds like she is a very stressed & unhappy cat. But like Hissy said, i can understand how you feel because you love her & don't want to loose her. But personally if she were mine, i wouldn't want to see her so unhappy.

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

hissycat — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:32:59 GMT

Sorry to say but I agree with the above.. have always believed that it is very unfair to keep a previously outdoor cat inside permanently, however I really sympathise with you as you must love her very much and want to do whats best. An enclosed outdoor run with lots of fun cat activities would prob be ideal for your kitties but I understand its not always possible to do this... have you read the 'cat confidential' books by vcky halls? they are really good and may give you some pointers. But a consultation with a good behaviourist sounds like a very good idea too. Good luck whatever you decide.

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

Caro Laithwaite VN — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:24:57 GMT

I refrained from commenting on the fiv thead but l have no doubt about 3/4 of the forum is about to jump down my throat. The post was put up however so l am replying with my feelings on the subject as opinons were asked for.

I do not believe that a cat that has been free range should be made into an indoor only cat... period!.

If as in this case it is fiv+ve and the decision was made to not allow her the freedom she knew then l would pts on humane grounds as it there is no out door access. Just because she is sleeping on the bed with the other cat and not screaming as much does not mean she is more accepting. There is the opposite to accepting and that is disparing. I do not know which she, nor does anyone as she can not speak, but from what was said l have to assume it is the second word not the first.

You may wait till end of summer but in the mean time she will (as will all outdoor cats) forced indoors feel in 99.99% of cases that they are in a cat version of guantanamo bay. I know some possibly injured in an accident or very nervous prefer it indoors. The standard answer is it is for the cats sake.

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

loggybear — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:03:32 GMT

Thank you for your advice. even if i did rehome one of my cats, i dont think this would solve the problem long term. i mean she could do this in another home and they may be quicker to pts

Im not disagreeing with you completley. you have given some very good advice but i would like to explore all of my options before i rehome her.

I am due to move at the end of the summer so i will look for a flat with a garden so i can give her the space she needs. obviously i will put her best interests first and if it gets any worse then i will definately give her up but i fought damm hard to save her from the blue juice so im not giving up that easily. I know that sounds very selfish but we have a special bond as any other owner does with their pet.

With the other cat, she seems to be calming down with him as they do sleep on the same bed which is a huge improvement compared to before!

If any one else has an opinion please let me know!!!!

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

Jenny T — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:21:05 GMT

Oh dear, bit of a mess really. I don't think you are going to like the advice I give.

Look at things from the cat's point of view. What kind of a life does she have-

She was originally feral, so used to being out doing cat things
She is now restricted in a small flat
She hates the other cat in the house so no doubt some very stressful cat-cat conflict there for her
She knows that there is a way she can get out of the flat to enjoy herself outside

You obviously can't explain to the cat about the FIV and everything you have done for her. So how do you think she feels about the situation, she certainly seems to be trying her best to make it as clear to you as she can. It sounds to me like you have a distressed and highly frustrated cat. I'm surprised she has not started spraying all over the place.

I wouldn't waste any more money on drugs etc, and please don't consider just sedating her. I don't think she has an emotional problem, I think she is simply reacting to an inappropriate home environment for her.

I think the harness idea may well make her worse, not better.

You need to find a solution which addresses the cat's needs.

She may be able to cope with being an indoor only cat if she does not have another cat in the same home which she hates. This means re-homing 1 of the cats.
A cat escape-proof garden would be ideal. This means re-homing her to a very specific environment and owner who will take her condition as seriously as you obviously do (friends, family?).

I'm so sorry I can't give you anything more positive, especially after all you have done for this cat. Just ask if you have any questions.

Kindest,

JennyT

Re: Behaviour problem with my cat HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!

Saskia Quinn — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:24:39 GMT

Loggybear,

I feel that your cat is a definite candidate for some professional behaviour advice. Try contacting JennyT, she is our resident behaviourist! She will definitely be able to offer you some professional advice about your cat.

You can contact her by sending a pm, though my guess is that she will see this post when she next logs on.

Good luck and I am sorry I cannot offer you any advice, she sounds like a 'probem case' if you know what I mean