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My Mom's Cats - need advice

post #1 of 7
2/3/11 at 10:43am
Thread Starter 
My mother lives in Austin, TX in an apartment with two mature cats. She has SEVERE COPD and recently landed in a nursing home. I live in Burbank, CA -- my sister lives in Austin and has been going over to Mom's apartment daily to feed and visit with the kitties. One of them does not come out AT ALL unless my Mom is there -- she's been able to visit them once or twice when my sister can bring her over.

In the meantime, they are trying to get Mom qualified for Medicaid in Texas --this will probably mean she has to stay in the home for at least the next 30 days. After that, she MAY be able to return home with Medicaid-supplied daily help -- but more than likely we will try to find assisted living that will let her keep the kitties.

I am worried that these poor babies will be horribly lonely without my mom and with my sister just stopping by every day to make sure they are fed and the litter is clean, etc.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Bridget
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post #2 of 7
2/3/11 at 4:44pm
Is it possible for your sister to move into your mother's house, just until she can come home? My grandparents go South every winter. The winters they didn't take Sueling with them, my aunt lived in their house that way it was easier to take care of Sueling. Could your sister do something like that? Or another family member?
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post #3 of 7
2/4/11 at 6:20am
Thread Starter 
Unfortunately, no.

My sister is married with two kids (three if you count my BIL) who have serious issues making it very difficult for her to get away even for one night.

My husband and I live 2000 miles away and there are no other family members available.

I am hoping that there will be some sort of assisted-living situation for my mother where she can bring the kitties with her -- but at the moment, the nursing home is saying she could be there for up to 90 days.

If my sister visits them every day, will they be all right???
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post #4 of 7
2/4/11 at 9:49am
Yes, they will be alright, though lonely.

How long does your sister stay with them? Does she pet them and play with them? If she could spend some time, that would be best. How old are her kids? Could she bring them by sometimes to play with the cats (not if the kids are too young, though)? Of course, if the cats are elderly, they need less activity.

As far as the one cat who hides, getting her to come out would probably take someone spending hours there, talking to her (even reading aloud), and being very quiet and gentle coaxing her out. It would take time.

Another idea is hiring a qualified pet sitter to come in, at least some days, if your sister needs a break. I'd get recommendations from vets or shelters. The pet sitters I use will stay half an hour and play with the cats. The charge varies, depending on location. Usually it is under $20 a visit. You want an experienced, qualified sitter - from an established pet sitter business. At least, that's what I'd hire. Maybe a pet sitter a couple times a week would help your sister.

I sincerely hope you can find an assisted living place for your mother, if you go that route, that allows her to have her cats. I volunteer at a shelter, and one of the saddest things is when people have gone into nursing homes and assisted living places, and their families have turned in their cats. These cats are depressed, and languish there, usually, especially if they are older than about age 6. So, if your mother can't keep them, I hope you can find a home for them.

I hope your mother is well soon. It's wonderful that you and your sister are looking after her pets.


Robin
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post #5 of 7
2/4/11 at 10:03am
The cats will adjust to your Mom being gone but, yes, they will be a bit uneasy about her missing. How old are the cats? Going two times a day would be ideal for them, but I am sure this is taking a toll on your sister having to go just once a day. The pet sitter was something I would suggest and if it is financially feasible. I guess the longer your sister can stay and "hang out" at the house the better. Even have her bring the kids over to watch TV, read books (aloud) and the cat hiding will get used to the routine and maybe venture out as the days go on. But there is a chance your sister won't be seeing much of the timid cat.

I hope you mother gets better soon and can return home to her cats, as I am sure she is worried about them. Just reassure your Mom that the cats will be just fine, and they will be, even with a once a day visit..
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post #6 of 7
2/4/11 at 10:35am
Maybe your sister could find a pet sitter to go every other day and she go every other day. That way, it would give her a break.

If they do get a sitter, get excellent refs. Maybe one of her vet techs would do it. I have thought many times, if I absolutely had to go away, I would ask one of the techs at my vets office. I' ve known them for years and would be comfortable.with any one of them.

Perhaps thats a possibility? Or a neighbor?

I know how it is.....I took my moms cat in when she was in an AL. But my mom never came out again.

I hope she gets to come home soon.
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post #7 of 7
2/14/11 at 4:15pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks so much everybody - haven't been able to visit the site since last week - I feel a lot better reading these posts! I am heading to Austin on Friday for a visit - I was originally going to stay in a hotel but I'm going to stay at my Mom's with the kitties and see if I can coax the shy one out of hiding.

I think it's better for them to stay in their own surroundings for sure. I will also talk to my sister while I'm there and suggest the pet sitter idea.

I'm hoping my Mom will be out in a month or two - but it's really all up to her. She is not good about staying off of the cigarettes and staying ON her oxygen so she ends up in trouble -- the lack of oxygen causes dimentia. This is the third time she has been hospitalized - the sad thing is, she starts to get better and stronger...and then starts smoking again It doesn't matter what we tell her - nothing seems to sink in and she's very unwilling to take responsibility for her actions.

Thanks for all the advice here -- I do think they'll be okay since the family continues to visit - and my Mom is actually able to visit them a couple of times a week as well, so that's a good thing.
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