Rehoming mature cats - He's back again

[DorsetDude]

Morning all

Unfortunately, due to mothers failing health my sister and I are taking on looking after her cats. From 3 I will be taking 2 later this evening.
One is quite old for a moggy, about 17 we think, another, the youngest is a speyed female of about 7. I dont really want to take them as I dont want a house full of cat hair etc but there is no other way. The cats do know me well already.
I would be grateful for any tips on settling the cats in. e.g. I wont be letting the cats outside for a while in case they disappear. Sister thinks they should be kept inside for a week so that they know they are in a new home before they can be let outside. (so this means a litter tray which again I dont want them getting used to having for obvious reasons)

I like to sleep with my bedroom door open but I dont want cats in that room at all so I guess that will have to stop.

I already have a cat flap in the back door from the previous owners so that will be helpful I hope when it comes to time to let them out. If they can figure out how to use it that is. I suspect the younger one will work it out ok and the older one doesnt go out much nowadays anyway.

I live in a bungalow in a fairly quiet piece of suburbia, not near any major main roads so that is a bonus.

Anyway, sorry to waffle, I would just be grateful for any advice..

 

[TopBanana]

We got a cat from the RSPCA who was about 7 when we got her. Not had any problems at all, in fact she's surprisingly kitten like. She's also been fairly receptive to training about things like where she can and can't sleep.
You shouldn't have any problems, but expect them to hid somewhere around the house for the first few days whilst they're getting used to the place (although as they already know you then it might make it easier)

 

[seashaker]

Give your local cats protection league a call, they should be more than willing to help you in the 'moving' process. One thing I would say, I think you should keep the cats indoors for a while so they get used to your house as their new home or they may go wandering as soon as they are let out. So lock up the cat flap for a bit.

Ok now read through your entire post with me brain in gear . Yeah a week is about right to keep them in I believe!!

 

[TriggerHappy]

When we've let kittens out for the first time we've smudge some butter on their paws. They lick it off and get relaxed in their new environment instead of running off and not returning.

 

[mickledore]

Sounds like the cats are on a loser from the word go. You don't seem to want them, and are finding all sorts of problems and things you don't like before you even get them. Cats will pick up on this and that will make them unhappy, which will make you like them even less.

I know you say you don't want them, but give them a chance. Ask any cat owner on here and they will all say that you get back far more from your pets than you give them.

Give them a space of their own for the first few days and let them gradually work their way round your house. Speak to them regularly, stroke them and make them feel wanted. Don't keep locking them into or out of rooms or chasing them away from you. The older one can't have long left - we've just lost an 18 year old one - but the younger one could be with you for 8 to 10 years.

Once they've settled in they will be remarkably little trouble - so long as they know they've got a good home.

 

[smooth]

If litter box is a worry, check out the pods you can buy at most large pet shops. They are fantastic for keeping the smells in - http://answers.petco.com/answers/35...at-litter-box-questions-answers/questions.htm

May also be worth investing in a Feliway dispenser, which pumps out good vibe pheromones (which humans cant sense) which drives most cats into a relaxed chilled out vibe!

 

[srichards]

If you don't want a litter tray and don't really want them anyway you may as well allow them out from the get go. They may find themselves another home...

I think cats are more resilient at moving than we think. As long as they have something of theirs like their old bed or bowls then they're usually ok in a new place.

 

[Yves Geza]

I dont really want to take them as I dont want a house full of cat hair etc but there is no other way. The cats do know me well already.:

As Mickledore said, my advice would be to be more positive. Cats can be and should be very affectionate and rewarding animals but they're inherently not as devoted as dogs and they'll be much more wary of their new home and obviously nervous of the move. Make a fuss of them to help them settle in and accept that they'll probably hide and hiss and spit for a few days.

FWIW there is a cat treat on the market called Dreamies made by Mars and every cat I hear about adores them - certainly our five, four of whom were rehomed to us in pairs, queue up for hand feeding.

Your two probably already love Dreamies or would do!

Also remember, the ways of cats are subtle and they will p*** in your shoes! You want to stay on their good side!

 

[Kazz]

When we've let kittens out for the first time we've smudge some butter on their paws. They lick it off and get relaxed in their new environment instead of running off and not returning.

That's brilliant

 

[gramps]

When we've let kittens out for the first time we've smudge some butter on their paws. They lick it off and get relaxed in their new environment instead of running off and not returning.

Always did that when we had a cat and we never had one stray off.
HOWEVER, I wouldn't want a cat now as it would not be fair to the cat ... if you really don't want the cat(s), offer them to someone who will want them and give them a loving home ... local RSPCA/Cats Protection League may be able to help.

 

[neil_g]

If litter box is a worry, check out the pods you can buy at most large pet shops. They are fantastic for keeping the smells in - http://answers.petco.com/answers/35...at-litter-box-questions-answers/questions.htm

but make sure its cleaned out straight away. if it starts to smell inside then a lot of cats will find another place to do their business.

 

[DorsetDude]

Sounds like the cats are on a loser from the word go. You don't seem to want them, and are finding all sorts of problems and things you don't like before you even get them. Cats will pick up on this and that will make them unhappy, which will make you like them even less.

No it wont, I dont/didn't want them but Im not going to be evil to them when I do get them. I like cats.

Give them a space of their own for the first few days and let them gradually work their way round your house. Speak to them regularly, stroke them and make them feel wanted. Don't keep locking them into or out of rooms or chasing them away from you.

Im afraid they will have to confined to an extent for the first week or so. One room I dont want them is the bedroom they will have to live with that.
However my lounge is pretty large, 20 foot or so and adjoining that is a garden room which is fairly empty at present(apart from a fish tank, which is securely covered). My initial plan will be to install the litter tray(s) in the back room and put down water and feed them there also.
For home security I usually lock this door when I am out of the house but this will have to go by the wayside for now. I cant lock the cats just in the garden room all day it wouldnt be fair. It also can get very very hot in there if the suns out.
So i think in summary I will allow them free roam (apart from bedroom) during the day and lock them in lounge/back room over night.

The older one can't have long left - we've just lost an 18 year old one - but the younger one could be with you for 8 to 10 years.

Indeed and this is another reason Ive never chosen to keep pets, dont like the pain of losing them.

Once they've settled in they will be remarkably little trouble - so long as they know they've got a good home.

Once we've worked out our routines I am sure they will be fine.

Thinking I need to register with a vet asap and maybe consider pet insurance too.

Thanks to the other posters for their inputs so far too. I have heard of the butter on paws trick, mum used to use that one.
The moggies are already fully aware of the delights of dreamies!

 

[Tigger.ufo]

If you don't want a litter tray and don't really want them anyway you may as well allow them out from the get go. They may find themselves another home...

I think cats are more resilient at moving than we think. As long as they have something of theirs like their old bed or bowls then they're usually ok in a new place.

That first bit of your post is really awful advice. :nono:

Good for you, Keith, for taking them on, they will be worth it once they are settled.

They will need time to settle in and know where they live, and should not be allowed out on their own to start with anyway.

They will also be missing your mum and may be reluctant to be affectionate for a while, although as they know you, this may not happen.

I would stick with the open type of litter tray as they are more likely to know what it is and the less changes they have to deal with the better. Once they can go out you may not need a tray at all (if they are used to going outside at the moment they will not want to be using a tray anyway!)

Keep us posted with updates please!

Heather

 

[gramps]

That first bit of your post is really awful advice. :nono:

They will also be missing your mum and may be reluctant to be affectionate for a while, although as they know you, this may not happen.

My experience of (not with) cats, is that they will happily look after their own needs and settle with anyone who will feed/fondle them ... in fact they will often settle in more than one home, transferring allegiance as they see fit depending on who has what on offer!

 

[Yv]

(if they are used to going outside at the moment they will not want to be using a tray anyway!)

Could you tell that to one of our moggies, who has always been allowed out and done her business outside, until we got litter trays for the new 'indoor' cats and now insists on being outside ALL day, coming in at dusk to use the tray :bonk:


However, DD, yes, cats will leave fur around, especially at moulting times of the year, but it will probably be less bad than you think unless they are long haired. Once settled, they often adopt their own special places where they like to settle to groom and sleep, so providing a blanket than can be washed in those locations will help.

We have adopted loads of cats over the years, never found the butter trick to be any use to be honest, but others say its worked for them, so noy going to discount it out of hand.

However, the biggest issue I see here is your less than keen enthusiasm to have them around - cats will pick up on this, so either be positive and embrace having a couple of fairly easy going pets, or perhaps look at other options by way of alternative homes. I mean that in the nicest possible way, a pet is a responsibility, especially the older one who may need medical care in the future.

 

[Tigger.ufo]

Insurance will not be an option on the older cat but probably a good idea for the younger one.

I use vetsmedicover which is a flat rate and covers vet bills only.

Heather

 

[DorsetDude]

Keep us posted with updates please!

Thanks all for the further input.

Got the 2 back today. The old one is affectionate but keeps viciously attacking the young one. When she comes out from hiding she is friendly too.

Bringing them here has hit me pretty bad as its kind of driven home that mother hasnt got long left.

As you can tell by the late hour I cant sleep tonight. Cant see me getting in to work in a fit state tomorrow may have to phone in sick.

One of the cats keeps wailing in the back room once I try and leave them to go to bed so I keep getting up to see whats up. Just have to ignore it I guess but I am worried about the 7 year old.

Maybe a wee dram is called for.

Cheers again

 

[LCPete]

Well done for taking them on

Don't worry they will settle in just make sure as already said to keep them in for at least a week
Make sure they have easy access to a litter tray

have to disagree about cats being able to fend for themselves
We used to help out with the cats protection saw lots of homeless cats very sad

 

[gramps]

Gramps have to disagree with you about cats being able to fend for themselves

Not exactly what I said or meant though, I was talking about them using multiple opportunities rather than being deprived of any.

 

[LCPete]

Not exactly what I said or meant though, I was talking about them using multiple opportunities rather than being deprived of any.

Sorry did not read the thread properly it was the bit posted by srichards about just letting them out if you don't want them that I meant
Have edited my post sorry again should not be trying to post on here with my phone!

 

[srichards]

An outside temporary cat run is a good compromise after moving. I did that with mine so they could do their business outside and see some of what outside looked like. Litter trays are vile things.

Once allowed into the big world two of mine went missing for days. They came back. If they like their new place they'll stick around. If not, they won't. That's what I was getting at.

 

[mich66]

I dont let my three in my bedroom (well, I try not to) and they are kept in kitchen / dining room at night.. They are quite adaptable and should find their own way with a little time.

My oldest is a narky madam and still has an odd hiss and spit at the others if they get too close but they generally rub along well together.

One will only use a litter tray, even if out all day! - I use catsan litter and tray liners. Its a little more expensive but very good for keeping odours down.

Sounds like you have a stressful time ahead of you, best wishes..

 

[Yves Geza]

Litter trays are vile things.

For you or for the cats? For lots of indoor cats they're, at worst, a necessary evil

Once allowed into the big world two of mine went missing for days. They came back. If they like their new place they'll stick around. If not, they won't. That's what I was getting at.

Sorry Suz, utter twaddle!

Eighteen months ago we rehomed two moggies and to our horror one went missing a couple of weeks later. She was missing for thirteen weeks!! She hadn't gone far, she'd got lost and she was only returned to us when an old lady took her into the vets [our vets as it happens] and had her microchip read.

I think she liked our place - when the old lady brought her back ignominiously in a cage, she nosed straight up her feline partner, sniffed him, got stuck into a pouch and seemed very happy to return!

In a week or two when you let the cats out, you might spend some time in the garden with them, encouraging and rewarding them.

 

[Yv]

Sounds like a tough night Keith and whilst I doubt the cats helped, it was probably more the reality of what having them means. You really do have my sympathies for that but at least you can help mum by offering her the reassurance that her companions are being well looked after.

Older cats often do get grumpier at the young uns, so I wouldn't worry about that too much, the 7 year old is probably used to it, but the house move will have unsettled both, exacerbating any grievances they both have.
Did they only have the back room to be in? If so and you are happy that they are both using the tray willingly, then perhaps allow them a little more freedom tonight, let them get away from each other, just keep your bedroom door closed. Oh, you might think this mad or even mildly disgusting, but leave the bathroom door open too, you would be amazed how many cats will use the bath tub if they can't get outside, and whilst not perfect, is a damn sight easier to clean than carpets!


Out of curiosity, how did you and your sister decide on the split of 2 and 1? Did mum have input into who would be best on their own? It may be that the 3rd one is the 'ally' of one of the 2 you have and splitting them up is creating problems? Just a passing thought...I know how ours could be split and where not to, if that makes sense...they do form bonds for all their apparent independance, so make sure you have the split right for everyones sake.

 

[Yv]

I

One will only use a litter tray, even if out all day! - I use catsan litter and tray liners. Its a little more expensive but very good for keeping odours down.

We also used catsan until recently.... decided to try THIS and what a difference! You will never stop number 2's being niffy, but this stuff really does minimise it and no smells at all from weewee... I also thought Catsan was best but changed my mind, and its about the same price. Just thought I would mention it

 

[DorsetDude]

I dont let my three in my bedroom (well, I try not to) and they are kept in kitchen / dining room at night.. They are quite adaptable and should find their own way with a little time. .

I hope so. Went in a moment ago and the little one was still hiding behind my couch where Id left her last night.

Ive just fed them again, 1st feed today. Ive separated them for the moment, one in the back garden room, one in the lounge. Let her have some peace for a while.

The grumpy one is now asleep on supposedly the little ones bed cloth I brought from home. Coincidence? I bet not.

My oldest is a narky madam and still has an odd hiss and spit at the others if they get too close but they generally rub along well together.

I hope these 2 settle down, well the old one anyway. He's never normally this bad.

One will only use a litter tray, even if out all day! - I use catsan litter and tray liners. Its a little more expensive but very good for keeping odours down.

Sounds like you have a stressful time ahead of you, best wishes..

Thanks.

Sounds like a tough night Keith and whilst I doubt the cats helped, it was probably more the reality of what having them means. You really do have my sympathies for that but at least you can help mum by offering her the reassurance that her companions are being well looked after.

Yes you are right, thanks.

Older cats often do get grumpier at the young uns, so I wouldn't worry about that too much, the 7 year old is probably used to it, but the house move will have unsettled both, exacerbating any grievances they both have.
Did they only have the back room to be in?

No last night they had the back room and I left the adjoining "patio" door open into the lounge so they had that aswell.

If so and you are happy that they are both using the tray willingly,

No sign of any tray use yet, but no untoward smells either.

then perhaps allow them a little more freedom tonight, let them get away from each other, just keep your bedroom door closed.

Trouble with that is with my layout, once they are out of the lounge they can then get to my bedroom which I would prefer to leave the door open at night for airflow. I think maybe I'll allow them more free roam during the day, but shut them in the lounge/garden room over night.

but Oh, you might think this mad or even mildly disgusting, but leave the bathroom door open too, you would be amazed how many cats will use the bath tub if they can't get outside, and whilst not perfect, is a damn sight easier to clean than carpets!

I will do that during the day then, again I cant at night because the bathroom is off the hallway.

Out of curiosity, how did you and your sister decide on the split of 2 and 1? Did mum have input into who would be best on their own? It may be that the 3rd one is the 'ally' of one of the 2 you have and splitting them up is creating problems?

Well the grumpy old one usually most disliked the one my sister has now got.
I didnt want that one because he uses the litter tray all the time wheras the other 2 usually went outside. Grumpy one would usually ignore the small one except when he had one of his "turns" when he would attack her for no reason. He is a bit schizophrenic I think. For years now you can only ever stroke him for a few seconds before he suddenly goes mad and bites you.
Also the little one is my favourite of the 3.

Just a passing thought...I know how ours could be split and where not to, if that makes sense...they do form bonds for all their apparent independance, so make sure you have the split right for everyones sake.

I thought we did have really but, well I dont know.

An outside temporary cat run is a good compromise after moving. I did that with mine so they could do their business outside and see some of what outside looked like. Litter trays are vile things.

That sounds interesting, any idea what to use to make one?

Cheers all, although not responding to every post I am reading them all and taking on board the info. I will upload some photo's of them at some point, put names to faces sort of thing!

 

[srichards]

Cats are very fussy and many don't like trays. Mine have been indoor cats and had trays and I've lived with the pong. It's so much better now I'm somewhere they can be let out. One of them would literally crap on the floor if the litter wasn't just put in the box just for her. The only litter I found that didn't smell was the crystal kind.

For cat runs I've used cheap wood and either the school playing field fencing (expensive) or the straight plastic mesh fencing that garden centres do in metre high rolls. Sections are joined with cable ties and ends are buried into soil to about a foot if there's soil or stapled onto runs of wood.

Old cats are more bad tempered. The old one still needs a telling off if she's attacking the younger one. Mine know they can't attack each other when I'm looking. If they want to fight when I'm not there that is their choice. They don't seem to now they've got outside to wander in and more room indoors.

 

[srichards]

Sorry Suz, utter twaddle!

Eighteen months ago we rehomed two moggies and to our horror one went missing a couple of weeks later. She was missing for thirteen weeks!! She hadn't gone far, she'd got lost and she was only returned to us when an old lady took her into the vets [our vets as it happens] and had her microchip read.

One of mine went for 4 months. She was almost ferel and had been indoors only. Didn't think I would see her again but she strolled back. We have different experiences of missing cats that is all

 

[gramps]

Sorry did not read the thread properly it was the bit posted by srichards about just letting them out if you don't want them that I meant
Have edited my post sorry again should not be trying to post on here with my phone!

no worries

 

[LCPete]

no worries

i

 

[DorsetDude]

Pics of the said articles

This is the old one, 17 or 18 but still got a mean right hook

This is The 7 year old, hiding behind the couch still as I write although she has been out once or twice today and Ive groomed her and dished out some dreamies.

Cheers

 

[Tigger.ufo]

Thanks for the updates and pics Keith.

They look and sound as though they will settle just fine and will sort out their differences when they can put space between each other I am sure. The first couple of weeks will be the worst because they (and you) have had huge changes which have to be adapted to.Things will improve once they start realising that they live here now and start to go out and explore their new territory.

Keep us posted please!

Heather

 

[DorsetDude]

Thanks for the updates and pics Keith.

They look and sound as though they will settle just fine and will sort out their differences when they can put space between each other I am sure. The first couple of weeks will be the worst because they (and you) have had huge changes which have to be adapted to.Things will improve once they start realising that they live here now and start to go out and explore their new territory.

Just fed them this morning and found my first solid deposit in the litter tray (and not somewhere else, phew)

Want to get a vet sorted soon and get them Advocated but dont want to have to take them up there, theyve had enough stress for a while.

Keep us posted please!

Heather

Will do!

Thanks

footnote, Ive fed Phoebe half trés expensive turkey sheba and half Aldi opticat pouch, she's left the sheba and not a trace of Aldi stuff left. Squirt on the other hand has polished his off first go unusually. But I digress..

 

[mich66]

lovely looking cats

We also used catsan until recently.... decided to try THIS and what a difference! You will never stop number 2's being niffy, but this stuff really does minimise it and no smells at all from weewee... I also thought Catsan was best but changed my mind, and its about the same price. Just thought I would mention it

thanks for that.. will look out for it and give it a go..

 

[dinners]

The outdoor run joined to the catflap is a good idea for that transitional period between them being indoor / outdoor cats.

15 years or so we moved house to the countryside and decided our indoor cats could become outdoor cats.

I was worried about just letting them go so I built a run and it worked treat.

I just built a timber rectangular frame (about 10 feet long by 3 feet wide by 3 feet high) from 2X2 timber and made the sides from galvanized metal diamond mesh (not chicken wire). I left one end open as that just butted against the door with the catflap and obviously it didn't need a floor.

The top of the pen was part mesh and part board. The board end of the pen provided shelter and also opened up so when it was time to let them free I could give them periods with the lid open and do it gradually.

Sometimes they stayed in the house, sometimes they enjoyed being out in the pen - the choice was there's as the flap was always open but it definately helps them get to know the sights and sounds of their own home from outside and importantly the cat flap that you will want them to return to when the pen is finally removed.

Even though they could go between house and pen whenever they chose - I fed them in the pen as well as providing their litter in the pen.

We did have two back doors though which helped as the pen could stay in place.

Anyway - it worked well for all our cats.

Once the pen was no longer needed I just took it down and was left with wooden framed mesh panels which came in handy for all manner of things in the garden for years afterwatds.

 

[DorsetDude]

Thanks Phil

 

[DorsetDude]

Hello all.

A weekly quick update and anothar raft of questions.
I've had the moggies for a week come this evening. Was really annoying not being able to open the windows and doors yersterday to get some air in/let mogges out.
They are definitely settling as can be expected. The little one now occasionally ventures up on to my lap and then proceeds to flop on her side and "turkey-trot" against my armpit whilst purring vigorously.
This is my first full day out at work leaving them locked in at home also.
So its been a week and my thoughts are turning to letting them out at some point. I want to get them to use a cat flap I have in my kitchen door. Any ideas on how best to do it? I was thinking of just initially sellotaping the flap up until they suddenly realise they can get out and going from there.

Also can anyone reccomend a good cat hair hoover? One that does wet wash as well might be plan I thought so I guess thats a VAX?

Litter trays - do people use liners or not? I am finding the moggies try and paw/claw at the liner when they are trying to bury their business so I have removed the liner in one tray. So far I am removing clumps daily or more often and refilling. I suppose I ought to throw the whole lot out and refill from scratch regularly too, maybe once a week. What litter do people use? I am using Sains clumping and it seems ok and at £2 odd a bag not too extortionate.

Oh and boy, do they like the Sheba cat food or what?


Thanks for any input

 

[srichards]

If the cat flap has a clear door then they'll probably work out what it is for quite quickly. I have posted mine through a cat flap before now. Once one sees another going through then they will both start using it. Ones with clear doors are preferred as they can see out and make sure nothing is lying in wait for them.

I never used litter tray liners more than once as they do claw them to bits.

Cat hair removal is a pain on certain fabrics. Best thing I've found is one of these: http://www.catchat.org/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=56&osCsid=irmgmtu20vles9fa140fpingu5 It makes getting most of the hair off really easy. Normal crevice tool on a standard hoover usually removes any left. If you have an upright then that gets rid of most of the hair off the carpet too. Cylinder hoovers even with the dog/cat hair things aren't much cop.

Build that run so they can do their business outside!

The cat mate drinking fountains are also good for them as it keeps the water fresh as it is running.

 

[Yv]

Yep, another vote for binning the liners, useless things, if you really want to stop clumps sticking to the bottom of tray, just pop a sheet of newspaper in there.

I linked to my current fav litter earlier in the thread, its not the cheapest, but is the best I have tried, and I have tried lots of them!

When we had a the catflap, all the cats I had just started using it of their own accord so didn't really have to train them, cats ARE naturally curious and will investigate things like that. We don't have one now - 2 reasons, 2 jackrussels that would also try using it [ ] and the 3 poncy cats aren't allowed to roam, they have their own catrun outside that they access through a conservatory window, so the moggies just het let in and out through the door. of course, I work from home, so this works for us, otherwise we would have to look at other ways of doing things.

 

[DorsetDude]

Thanks Suz and Yv.

The flap does have a clear door. I have it sellotaped over with paper up to now as I didnt want them investigating it, finding out it was another "window" that didnt open and then igonoring it. When the time comes I will remove the paper and see what then happens.

I did consider a run but the cost was too prohibitive for a temporay thing. they will be going out in a matter of days now I suspect.

I missed the litter link. Once they go outside for no 2's (which I hope they will), I may get some of that. The newspaper is a good idea too. And I will scrap the liners.

The cat hair thing looks good too.

thanks all.