Cats ... is this as good as it gets?
Discussion
Hi all,
Just look for a bit of feedback and advice/tips.
We decided to re-home a cat from Cats Protection, who we brought home Thursday last week. 1 year old male, who's been neutered and apparently with no medical issues.
First day seemed OK - he came out the safe room we were told to prepare, and explored the house. He used his litter trays... no problems.
However, since then, things have gone massively downhill.
Over the weekend he was ill (OK, can't be helped) and we were landed with a £200 emergency vet bill. Apparently he might have a mild upper respiratory infection, but nothing serious.
Since then, he's retreated from us. He seems to spend the vast majority of the day asleep under a bed. I know cats sleep a lot, but 9:00AM to about 10:30PM?
At first, he'd been using his litter tray with no problems. Now, the last couple of days he just goes where he's sat (middle of my bed, the sofa, kitchen floor...).
He's meant to be a pet for our fairly gentle 9 year old boy ... who has hardly actually seen him due to the amount of time the cat is sleeping/hiding. The small amount of exposure he has had, the cat seems to hate him (either hisses or runs away) - despite him being gentle and patient.
I've never owned a cat before, but have had plenty of experience with looking after other people's cats - and none have been this difficult.
Just wondered if this is what we should be expecting initially (and will hopefully get better), or if we've managed to adopt a cat who's wholly unsuitable for our family?
At the moment, I feel like throwing in the towel and giving him back - which isn't pleasant.
Steve.
Just look for a bit of feedback and advice/tips.
We decided to re-home a cat from Cats Protection, who we brought home Thursday last week. 1 year old male, who's been neutered and apparently with no medical issues.
First day seemed OK - he came out the safe room we were told to prepare, and explored the house. He used his litter trays... no problems.
However, since then, things have gone massively downhill.
Over the weekend he was ill (OK, can't be helped) and we were landed with a £200 emergency vet bill. Apparently he might have a mild upper respiratory infection, but nothing serious.
Since then, he's retreated from us. He seems to spend the vast majority of the day asleep under a bed. I know cats sleep a lot, but 9:00AM to about 10:30PM?
At first, he'd been using his litter tray with no problems. Now, the last couple of days he just goes where he's sat (middle of my bed, the sofa, kitchen floor...).
He's meant to be a pet for our fairly gentle 9 year old boy ... who has hardly actually seen him due to the amount of time the cat is sleeping/hiding. The small amount of exposure he has had, the cat seems to hate him (either hisses or runs away) - despite him being gentle and patient.
I've never owned a cat before, but have had plenty of experience with looking after other people's cats - and none have been this difficult.
Just wondered if this is what we should be expecting initially (and will hopefully get better), or if we've managed to adopt a cat who's wholly unsuitable for our family?
At the moment, I feel like throwing in the towel and giving him back - which isn't pleasant.
Steve.
We had a timid cat from the protection place (most of ours are rescue, one stray). They said family cat, this one hid for a week under the bed and feared any bloke with a beard, I assume the cats protection can only go on what they are told when people no longer want a cat.
However. We persevered and on advice housed him in a large puppy cage in the living area, then take him upstairs at night with the cage. Igloo, food and litter in the cage, he forever liked igloos after that. He eventually warmed up to his new owners and started to relax. But we didn't go poking at the cage when he was in there. Let him chill out in it.
Eventually he was normal out and about and playing and not so frightened of me (beard issues, previous owner I reckon).
However. We persevered and on advice housed him in a large puppy cage in the living area, then take him upstairs at night with the cage. Igloo, food and litter in the cage, he forever liked igloos after that. He eventually warmed up to his new owners and started to relax. But we didn't go poking at the cage when he was in there. Let him chill out in it.
Eventually he was normal out and about and playing and not so frightened of me (beard issues, previous owner I reckon).
Zirconia said:
We had a timid cat from the protection place (most of ours are rescue, one stray). They said family cat, this one hid for a week under the bed and feared any bloke with a beard, I assume the cats protection can only go on what they are told when people no longer want a cat.
However. We persevered and on advice housed him in a large puppy cage in the living area, then take him upstairs at night with the cage. Igloo, food and litter in the cage, he forever liked igloos after that. He eventually warmed up to his new owners and started to relax. But we didn't go poking at the cage when he was in there. Let him chill out in it.
Eventually he was normal out and about and playing and not so frightened of me (beard issues, previous owner I reckon).
Thanks - I do wonder if in his previous home, maybe there was a child roughly my son's age that was nasty to him. I just don't get why he was good as gold at using his litter tray for the first couple of days - but has now decided to basically do as he pleases.However. We persevered and on advice housed him in a large puppy cage in the living area, then take him upstairs at night with the cage. Igloo, food and litter in the cage, he forever liked igloos after that. He eventually warmed up to his new owners and started to relax. But we didn't go poking at the cage when he was in there. Let him chill out in it.
Eventually he was normal out and about and playing and not so frightened of me (beard issues, previous owner I reckon).
Going on a laminate floor is not a bother, as you can clean it up. But he's wrecked two king size duvets, and our sofa needs a deep clean - and that's just in the space of 24 hours.
Someone suggested spraying cat nip in his litter tray, which we've done.
It's been a totally tiring and frustrating experience so far (not to mention expensive) - I think perhaps we didn't go in with our eyes fully open.
One of our cats hid from us as a kitten and only came out for food. She's 3 now and keeps away from all humans.
Only I have managed to pet her lately and she appears to like being stroked but is so nervous at the same time. Any other movement and she's off.
I cannot imagine what must of happened to her before she came to us.
As we could never get her to the vet, she got pregnant before she was one year old. Had a litter of 4 and became very ill. Only time she ever went to the vet as she could barely move. We hand reared the kittens.
We still have one, he's called Stan, 2 years old and a big lad. So friendly and acts more like a dog.
So many different characters. I guess you never know what you are going to get.
Only I have managed to pet her lately and she appears to like being stroked but is so nervous at the same time. Any other movement and she's off.
I cannot imagine what must of happened to her before she came to us.
As we could never get her to the vet, she got pregnant before she was one year old. Had a litter of 4 and became very ill. Only time she ever went to the vet as she could barely move. We hand reared the kittens.
We still have one, he's called Stan, 2 years old and a big lad. So friendly and acts more like a dog.
So many different characters. I guess you never know what you are going to get.
We took on a three year old cat from someone who was emigrating. Probably a better process as we met him in his own home and then kidnapped him which he didn't appreciate.
First three days cowering in a corner in the conservatory. We dragged him indoors as he was clearly happy to stay there. He wasn't best pleased but after a week he was far better and sociable and able to go out and about. So keep trying and respect his safe place would be my advice. Given cats live for food make him come out to eat and leave him to it but be visible so he know you = food.
The use of the litter tray is problematic. Is it always clean and not smelly, they are fussy little swine.
Patience will do it I'm sure but our cat came from a loving home and I'm clean shaven. It sounds like your cat had a lousy owner whereas you will love him to bits.
We also managed to adopt a stray who had adopted our dustbin. It took three months of my daughter and I feeding him in the conservatory, just being with him and bit by bit we could stroke him, have him climb on my knee (I still have the scars) and eventually get him inside but don't get between him and the door! He became the best cat ever, no competition and we all lived happily ever after (Except he died 10 years later).
Good luck.
Mike
First three days cowering in a corner in the conservatory. We dragged him indoors as he was clearly happy to stay there. He wasn't best pleased but after a week he was far better and sociable and able to go out and about. So keep trying and respect his safe place would be my advice. Given cats live for food make him come out to eat and leave him to it but be visible so he know you = food.
The use of the litter tray is problematic. Is it always clean and not smelly, they are fussy little swine.
Patience will do it I'm sure but our cat came from a loving home and I'm clean shaven. It sounds like your cat had a lousy owner whereas you will love him to bits.
We also managed to adopt a stray who had adopted our dustbin. It took three months of my daughter and I feeding him in the conservatory, just being with him and bit by bit we could stroke him, have him climb on my knee (I still have the scars) and eventually get him inside but don't get between him and the door! He became the best cat ever, no competition and we all lived happily ever after (Except he died 10 years later).
Good luck.
Mike
1 week is very early days for a cat, especially if slightly nervous and having had the stress of a vet visit, I'd be more concerned if this was still going on after a month.
Where are your litter trays? If he's nervous he may be too scared to use them, I'd have multiple and put them in the quietest, most secluded areas you can - cats feel safer when surrounded by high sides so the gap between the sofa and the wall can be a good place to start.
Where are your litter trays? If he's nervous he may be too scared to use them, I'd have multiple and put them in the quietest, most secluded areas you can - cats feel safer when surrounded by high sides so the gap between the sofa and the wall can be a good place to start.
That’s a shame.
We got a cat 6 months ago (kitten) and it’s been a revelation. So different from the one I remember from childhood. Friendly, energetic, affectionate yet independent and super intelligent. The kids adore her and my fears of her being a massive pain in the arse were unfounded, she’s now very much part of the family.
Don’t write them all off...
Ella is half Bengal, half maine coon.
We got a cat 6 months ago (kitten) and it’s been a revelation. So different from the one I remember from childhood. Friendly, energetic, affectionate yet independent and super intelligent. The kids adore her and my fears of her being a massive pain in the arse were unfounded, she’s now very much part of the family.
Don’t write them all off...
Ella is half Bengal, half maine coon.
stevesuk said:
Thanks - I do wonder if in his previous home, maybe there was a child roughly my son's age that was nasty to him. I just don't get why he was good as gold at using his litter tray for the first couple of days - but has now decided to basically do as he pleases.
Going on a laminate floor is not a bother, as you can clean it up. But he's wrecked two king size duvets, and our sofa needs a deep clean - and that's just in the space of 24 hours.
Someone suggested spraying cat nip in his litter tray, which we've done.
It's been a totally tiring and frustrating experience so far (not to mention expensive) - I think perhaps we didn't go in with our eyes fully open.
One of ours, since passed away, in her last few months took to peeing and pooing in one corner, previously she was an out doors loo user. First time caught it fresh, she was very elderly meaning we did not tell her off. Cleaned it up quickly put a litter tray there. Then she went again on the carpet. We cut that carpet out, underlay as well and left the tray that she used after that. The carpet was due to be replaced with a wood floor anyway. Smell was in there for her to remember I suppose. In the garden she always used the same spot (I kept it tilled over and cleaned out several times a week).Going on a laminate floor is not a bother, as you can clean it up. But he's wrecked two king size duvets, and our sofa needs a deep clean - and that's just in the space of 24 hours.
Someone suggested spraying cat nip in his litter tray, which we've done.
It's been a totally tiring and frustrating experience so far (not to mention expensive) - I think perhaps we didn't go in with our eyes fully open.
I suspect the smell will attract them again. No help I am afraid.
Sound like he is very agitated, scared? Our local vet and cats protection have been a great help. Tried giving them a shout? They will want to help you keep the cat.
Morning all,
Thanks for the tips and for listening.
Regarding litter trays - they said he was a bit fussy, and wanted a tray for each end. So we've done that... in fact, given him two sets. One set downstairs (in a private area) and one set in his safe room.
To start with, he was using them just fine. It's like he's decided to rebel.
We've been using the litter the Cats Protection people told us to use (as he was familiar with it). We've been cleaning it each time we noticed he's used it. Haven't removed every last scrap of litter - as I read you're meant to leave a bit behind so they can smell their own scent.
I can put up with most of his foibles - but this one is really winding me up!
At night time, when it gets late he does tend to come down and sit on the sofa for a stroke - so its not that he is completely antisocial.
I guess they're all different
Steve.
Thanks for the tips and for listening.
Regarding litter trays - they said he was a bit fussy, and wanted a tray for each end. So we've done that... in fact, given him two sets. One set downstairs (in a private area) and one set in his safe room.
To start with, he was using them just fine. It's like he's decided to rebel.
We've been using the litter the Cats Protection people told us to use (as he was familiar with it). We've been cleaning it each time we noticed he's used it. Haven't removed every last scrap of litter - as I read you're meant to leave a bit behind so they can smell their own scent.
I can put up with most of his foibles - but this one is really winding me up!
At night time, when it gets late he does tend to come down and sit on the sofa for a stroke - so its not that he is completely antisocial.
I guess they're all different
Steve.
Go and but some Feliway plugin's...they should chill him out!
https://www.feliway.com/uk/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSI...
https://www.feliway.com/uk/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSI...
rallye101 said:
Go and but some Feliway plugin's...they should chill him out!
https://www.feliway.com/uk/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSI...
Yes, these are excellent, they really work.https://www.feliway.com/uk/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSI...
He will be OK, stick at it at least three months, poor thing has been though a lot by the sound of it.
Depending where you live, later on fit an electronic or magnetic cat flap (if you can) they make things a lot easier.
We are using the wood pellets for litter for our recent puss from the cattery. She was 17 when we got her and cannot go out and have a few dotted around the house. She will go on the floor if not cleaned. Made that mistake once only (it was cleaned the evening before but she must have had a few from both ends fill it overnight).
rallye101 said:
Go and but some Feliway plugin's...they should chill him out!
https://www.feliway.com/uk/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSI...
Yes, got one of these - switched on in his safe room.https://www.feliway.com/uk/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSI...
What I'm trying today is to give him more privacy in his safe room... leaving it with the door shut during the day time so he feels safe (since he doesn't come out anyway). He has food and water, and his litter trays - plus some toys.
stevesuk said:
Yes, got one of these - switched on in his safe room.
What I'm trying today is to give him more privacy in his safe room... leaving it with the door shut during the day time so he feels safe (since he doesn't come out anyway). He has food and water, and his litter trays - plus some toys.
I would be leaving the door open he might want to have a look around on his own terms when all is quiet.What I'm trying today is to give him more privacy in his safe room... leaving it with the door shut during the day time so he feels safe (since he doesn't come out anyway). He has food and water, and his litter trays - plus some toys.
Just takes time. We rescued two kittens and they did not leave the utility room for about a month, the first two weeks of which were spent hiding in the units and behind the fridge.... Then they had to meet the dogs, another month or so and they are happy mooching around the garden with the dogs and will give each other kisses etc.
Stick with it mate. We went through similar... It took our rescue cat ages to settle in. Hid behind sofa, poo in the bath, hid under bed, etc.
It must have been a good few weeks before he started approaching us and sitting near us... then he wanted to be next to us then it just got better and better.
Persevere and the rewards could be brilliant!
It must have been a good few weeks before he started approaching us and sitting near us... then he wanted to be next to us then it just got better and better.
Persevere and the rewards could be brilliant!
Patch1875 said:
I would be leaving the door open he might want to have a look around on his own terms when all is quiet.
I did leave him in peace with the door shut for a couple of hours. After I went to check on him, he has decided to come downstairs and sit on the sofa and be sociable. First time he's done that during the day time.
Maybe we're making process - just hope he manages to refrain from peeing on it...
I usually watch the tail and ears with a new puss. The ears say where puss is watching, so to speak and gives you an idea as to how tolerated you are with the tail as an extra idea as to what is going on. And a twitchy tail means you are just short of getting some painful scratches or a flash of fur as it disappears out of sight. Walking around tail up right, happy cat. You can gain a lot from cat watching.
Should add that recent acquisition used to pop her head up and watch us when we entered a room, decide what to do, the snooze again. She now stays head down but ears follow us when she is not zonked out.
Should add that recent acquisition used to pop her head up and watch us when we entered a room, decide what to do, the snooze again. She now stays head down but ears follow us when she is not zonked out.
We rescued a 1 year old male cat from RSPCA about 2 years ago and had very similar behaviour to what you are seeing. He was good as gold for the first few days and then turned into a right pain for the next few weeks.
We were advised not to let him out for the first few weeks but as soon as we let him out his behaviour improved massively! Now he is out all day and then comes in around 7pm for food and naps downstairs with us until we go to bed.
We were advised not to let him out for the first few weeks but as soon as we let him out his behaviour improved massively! Now he is out all day and then comes in around 7pm for food and naps downstairs with us until we go to bed.
Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff