I have a 13 year old male cat that I am not sure what to do with. I have two children under 2 who he is terrified of. He spends his days under the bed. He has been urinating on things. Have had to replace my carpet, 2 large area rugs and 2 small rugs. He also has been having sneezing fits for about the last year. I know this is not a happy home for him any longer and I can't afford to have him continue to ruin things - nor do I want to live in a home that smells of cat pee. Any suggestions - or thoughts on gettting him adopted? I feel like he is not very adoptable?!
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Old unhappy cat
- Thread starter samsonc
- Start Date
Whether you're keeping him or not, you need to get him seen by a vet asap. Sneezing fits are NOT normal for cats - especially so if they've been going on for a year. Also, litterbox issues can often have a physical route - you need to know that he's fit and healthy before you do anything.
He might really be helped in your home by the addition of places up high that he can access - if he can get well out of reach he may start to feel safe to come out and observe you're kids, secure in the knowledge that they cant't get to him. Blocking off access to underneath things would be a good idea - this will encourage him out and up. Up=confidence and under=fear/insecurity.
Make sure you use an enzymatic cleaner to clean up after him. Nothing else will remove the smell to his sensitive nose.
In terms of stress, Feliway diffusers can really help, and you might find that he benefits from a calmer such as Composure Max liquid or treats. Spirit Essences can be helpful too.
I do appreciate the frustration you're feeling - I know it can be an absolute nightmare trying to deal with these issues, let alone trying to do it whilst caring for two babies/toddlers! The point is, the happier and more confident you can get him now, the easier it will be to find him a new home. You never know - he might even adjust well enough that you feel able to keep him. I'm sure that you don't want to let him go - more that you don't know what to do anymore,and you feel he'd be happier in a quieter household.
[article="32366"][/article][article="32735"][/article][article="30316"][/article][article="30274"][/article][article="29684"][/article]
He might really be helped in your home by the addition of places up high that he can access - if he can get well out of reach he may start to feel safe to come out and observe you're kids, secure in the knowledge that they cant't get to him. Blocking off access to underneath things would be a good idea - this will encourage him out and up. Up=confidence and under=fear/insecurity.
Make sure you use an enzymatic cleaner to clean up after him. Nothing else will remove the smell to his sensitive nose.
In terms of stress, Feliway diffusers can really help, and you might find that he benefits from a calmer such as Composure Max liquid or treats. Spirit Essences can be helpful too.
I do appreciate the frustration you're feeling - I know it can be an absolute nightmare trying to deal with these issues, let alone trying to do it whilst caring for two babies/toddlers! The point is, the happier and more confident you can get him now, the easier it will be to find him a new home. You never know - he might even adjust well enough that you feel able to keep him. I'm sure that you don't want to let him go - more that you don't know what to do anymore,and you feel he'd be happier in a quieter household.
[article="32366"][/article][article="32735"][/article][article="30316"][/article][article="30274"][/article][article="29684"][/article]
