- Joined
- Mar 9, 2018
- Messages
- 15
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- 13
Hi there!
So I really need the advice of some other cat people. My beautiful girl, Echo, is 6yo and has lived with me for almost a year now. Fortunately, I do a lot of work from home so she gets lots of love and attention, and we have bonded so much more than I have with the other cats in my past (which I honestly didn't think was possible). When I'm out of town she is well cared for by some friends but they all agree that she just isn't the same when I'm away...when I'm here she's VERY chatty (we have long conversations) and generally likes to have me around (for some context there MAY be some separation anxiety as she previously came from a neglectful home and was a rescue).
But she's a fiercely intelligent cat, who quickly tires of toys (yes, even if presented in a rotation) and she is mostly indoors as I'm in a flat. I'm certain she lacked stimulation and, it being just the two of us at home, I've started taking her for semi-daily walks which usually last around 40min-1h. She loves these and is always begging to go outside, but the way my unit is built I have to go out with her or she can't get back inside...but I can't really do more than one hour in a day.
I'm honestly really torn. She is so special to me but I just really feel that she would be happier with more stimulation and our interactions are becoming more-and-more me telling her 'no', and her begging to go out, even with our daily walks. I just keep wondering if she would be happier in a busier home where she could go outside at will and have multiple ppl to give her love...but it would legit break my heart to see her go, and I do worry as she has struggled to bond with my other friends.
I tried bringing another feline friend of a similar age (also female and similar size) but had to rehome her after a month as they HATED each other, often having cat fights and Echo became miserable.
My only thoughts other than rehoming are to perhaps implement the walks as more of a routine or that I may have spoiled her and this calls for some tough love, but am not convinced.
I love her, but am at somewhat of a loss. My friends all think I'm nuts to worry but I just want her to have the best possible life and home. If you have any ideas I would be grateful.
So I really need the advice of some other cat people. My beautiful girl, Echo, is 6yo and has lived with me for almost a year now. Fortunately, I do a lot of work from home so she gets lots of love and attention, and we have bonded so much more than I have with the other cats in my past (which I honestly didn't think was possible). When I'm out of town she is well cared for by some friends but they all agree that she just isn't the same when I'm away...when I'm here she's VERY chatty (we have long conversations) and generally likes to have me around (for some context there MAY be some separation anxiety as she previously came from a neglectful home and was a rescue).
But she's a fiercely intelligent cat, who quickly tires of toys (yes, even if presented in a rotation) and she is mostly indoors as I'm in a flat. I'm certain she lacked stimulation and, it being just the two of us at home, I've started taking her for semi-daily walks which usually last around 40min-1h. She loves these and is always begging to go outside, but the way my unit is built I have to go out with her or she can't get back inside...but I can't really do more than one hour in a day.
I'm honestly really torn. She is so special to me but I just really feel that she would be happier with more stimulation and our interactions are becoming more-and-more me telling her 'no', and her begging to go out, even with our daily walks. I just keep wondering if she would be happier in a busier home where she could go outside at will and have multiple ppl to give her love...but it would legit break my heart to see her go, and I do worry as she has struggled to bond with my other friends.
I tried bringing another feline friend of a similar age (also female and similar size) but had to rehome her after a month as they HATED each other, often having cat fights and Echo became miserable.
My only thoughts other than rehoming are to perhaps implement the walks as more of a routine or that I may have spoiled her and this calls for some tough love, but am not convinced.
I love her, but am at somewhat of a loss. My friends all think I'm nuts to worry but I just want her to have the best possible life and home. If you have any ideas I would be grateful.