Beautiful black & white declawed female needs a loving home

Miss Sophie is a shy, sweet 4-yr. old kitty who is sadly not getting along with our newest cat, Marty.  She desperately needs a home where she is the only pet - after she warms up to you, she loves to curl up in your lap and sleep on your bed.  She is an indoor cat, declawed (front only) and litter-box trained.  She is an extremely low-maintenance kitty.  Beautiful markings and sweet disposition.  Please help us find her a loving home!

May I ask if this isthe only reason? There are many wayscto help cats fey alongvand livecyogether. Tearing a kitty from her only home seems too cruel given that catscare highly stressed upon losing either her family or her home (territory) -how she defines her world. Uoucan use the vanilla or towel methods of having the cats believe they belong to the same clowder. It may take a week or 2 but is well worth it and may save a cat from illness (stress can seriously lead to physical aolmentscin cats) . Poor Kitty!! I would try anything before seeking. New home.Four yrs is s longbtime and cats become so adjusted to their territory!!! She has a loving home.

Yes, surely there is a way around this?

Have you don't the introductions very slowly and carefully?

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

It is very difficult to rehome adult cats and even more difficult to fine single cat homes.  You have had her so long, I don't understand why she is the one who has to go.

How old is Marty?  If he is of desexing age, has he been neutered?

Please let us try to help you work through ways of keeping her ...

Hi, Mani...

Thanks for your comments and concern over my Sophie.  It's been a tough decision finding her another home, with pressure from my husband who doesn't care for her and her ways.  Marty is one yr. old, is neutered, but is very bold and outgoing while Sophie is skittish and shy.  We continue to give them small amounts of time together, but it usually ends with Sophie hissing and running under the bed while Marty is confused.  Of course, I'd love to keep both (I love them) but I'm between a rock and a hard place.  Any suggestions would be most welcomed...

thanks, Julie S.
 

Dear Abisiobhan,

Thanks so much for your comments and concern over my cat, Sophie.  Yes, I'd very much like to keep her, but after 7 months, she's still hiding in our bedroom, afraid to wander outside the room for fear of Marty, our 1-yr. old playful neutered male.  What are the vanilla and towel methods you mentioned to help cats tolerate each other? The real problem is that Sophie was from a feral cat litter and was never properly socialized, and is very timid and scared of new people or animals.  She seems to only be affectionate and social with me.  I'd appreciate all ideas you have for helping the 2 cats share our home amicably.  The hissing and chasing is getting old!

Thanks, 

Julie s.

I have absolutely no experience with introducing cats to one another but I've read a lot about it and have heard some intense stories. Is it possible you haven't done the introductions correctly or slowly enough. When I decide to add another cat to my house I am recruiting the help from someone from my local cat rescue who has tons of experience with it.

That all being said, it doesn't sound like you have an awful situation. No one is peeing in unwanted places or fighting. Sophie's just hissing and running, correct? As already mentioned, its so hard to find homes for adult cats and especially for one who is skittish. It's heartbreaking that she would be the one to go even though she's been there for a while and she was there first. I do hope you get some good info her or get some help from someone locally. Cats are finicky. I don't think re-homing Sophie is the solution. Why would Sophie be the one to go and not Marty?

I do hope you get some help here. Sorry I have nothing to offer aside from my opinion. I just think your situation isn't hopeless and that all can work out :-)

Read the introducing cats to cats that Mani posted above. You can try starting over with the introductions and the towel method is when separated rub each with a towel to mix their scents and vanilla can be used on each cat to get them to smell the same.

I agree the situation is not dire and it for sure is not even near the rehoming stage. Since she is a shy older cat there is very little hope you will find her a home and if you put her in a her in a shelter she will be terrified and will most likely be put down. You are the only person she trusts and it would be terrible for you to betray her like that.

Another thing you can try to calm the situation is feliway and spirit essences or rescue remedy for Sophie. I believe there is a special spirit essence made for feral cats which may be a good one to get.

She's beautiful with a even beautiful name as well. If she only interacts with you that would mean she has bonded with you a great deal. I am not so sure getting rid of her would be good for her. Is there any way you can restart the introduction of the two cats slowly?  I hope all works out for her and you and your other cat.