What would you do??

[peanutter]

we went through this not long ago (but just with the one cat).

the last straw was when puss peed all over my handbag, killing my mobile phone and saturating other items ... she was getting jealous of DS, and was not coping with him becoming increasingly mobile, and she was peeing in inappropriate places and on inappropriate things ...

so we re-homed her - we'd put up with it for months (DS was around 1yo) and enough was enough - we didn't want to send her to the RSPCA because she was 11 and almost certainly would have been put down as it would be unlikely that she would get adopted, so we asked around until we found someone who would take her.

actually, we ended up having to find two homes - at the first home, she chased one of the cats living there away! so we found someone else with no pets who was interested in having one

thankfully, it has worked out well for everyone, and she seems happier in her child-free zone

[beansbeans!]

Thanks ladies,
I might put some ad's up around and ask around.

Bengal, They are in the shed at the moment because when we move the boy gets stressed out with the new environment, boxes and everything out of place. So we remove them from the home whilst we pack up and then unpack at the new house. When he gets stressed he ends up at the vets with a nasty bill, so the shed is a safer option. So they have been in the shed whilst we moved houses in the last week. I have everything about ready to have them back inside with us. Just Im now stressing about what to do with her.

We had talked about a cat run, but they are indoor cats, always have been. The outside world really freaks them out. When they escape these days they out the door then just sit and stare at everything before returning inside!!

Peanutter, maybe its a female thing? Jealousy maybe??

Might ring round the vets on monday and see if they know of anyone who might like to take her as well

[HotI]

A mate got a spray thing (like the room deodorisers) that sprays some hormone that is meant to calm cats down. It replicates the hormone that cats release when they are pregnant. Might be worth trying.

[beansbeans!]

A mate got a spray thing (like the room deodorisers) that sprays some hormone that is meant to calm cats down. It replicates the hormone that cats release when they are pregnant. Might be worth trying.

Thanks HotI, we've done the spray thing in the past to try, but they dont seem to work on our animals! Instead of deterring them, the cats want more of the smell and think we are encouraging the behaviour! " the dog is the same unfortunately!

Thanks Tasha, I'll make up some ads to put round the vets too. I messaged DH at work and asked him to start asking round to see if anyone will take her. Theres a fair few animal lovers at his work, so hopefully someone will take him up on the offer!

[HotI]

not sure if this is same spray my mate used but google 'feliway' and you see kinda the thing she found worked.


ETA- sorry, didn't see your last post when i posted. ignore this then.

[beansbeans!]

Thanks HotI I just googled that spray. I'll show Dh when he gets home to see if its any different to the stuff we've tried. Its a bit too much for this pregnant brain at the moment

[~ Mylitta ~]

I think the first thing you should do is take her for a consultation with your vet. You've had her a long time and obviously love her, so rather than go straight to the "rehoming" option, you should look at other options.

Firstly, they'll rule out anything medical that may be affecting her. It may be a coincidence that it all began when you were pregnant (probably not, but it's best to have it ruled out).

The most common "fix" for behavioural problems like this is a diffuser called "Feliway". It's very similar to the perfume diffusers that you can plug into a wall outlet and it releases fragrance in your home. Feliway has a synthetic version of the pheromone that cats produce on their faces and rub around their territory to mark it as "safe and secure". I've had many many clients that have used it and had amazing results. One of my work colleagues from the vet clinic actually had major urination problems with both her male and female cats, and the Feliway changed them into happier, more content cats that no longer peed on everything.

One thing I'd be concerned about with rehoming is the possible affect it may have on your male cat too. They've never been apart in their lives and separating them now might change the behaviour of the male cat that you keep.

Best of luck and I hope things work out so that you can keep your beloved little friend.


EDIT: Lol, HotI, you beat me with the name of the product Fingers crossed that Feliway could be the answer here!

[beansbeans!]

Thanks Mylitta!

We have thought about what it would do to the boy, but we're thinking it might be worth the risk. Shes getting worse over time and nothing seems to work. But as I said I am open to suggestions. I just have to remember to show Dh the spray when he gets home!

[Livinthedream]

TBH, unless you can guarantee that the home she will go to will be tolerant of her issues (assuming she continues the behavior) I would be considering euthanasia.
Not many people would be very tolerant of a cat who wee's on everything and it may be that her new owners would make her a permanent out side cat, or worse, just dump her .
Its a really tough call, but if you do decide to rehome her, please do it yourselves and make it very clear to the new owners, that if the behaviour continues and they are not prepared to tolerate it, that she will be returned to your care and you have her put to sleep.
I believe there is such a things as a fate worse than death where animals are concerned.
What a horrible situation for you. good luck. xx