Is it alright for Mari to live in my bedroom?

Hi, I have a slightly fat cat named Marni. She is 5 years old. Recently marni went missing for over 6 days and was eventually found trapped under a house. She was rushed to the vet where I found out that she had lost 2 kgs and was very dehydrated. This really made me think about bringing her indoors.

We also have another cat named Max, he is very dominant and will chase and hiss at marni as soon as she comes inside. Max also eats everything and we cant leave food out for Marni because max will just eat it. Even when its poring down and freezing outside she sleeps on the bean bags out side on the deck because she would rather that then put up with max. She is also a cat that loves to kill birds, rats and mice.

I was wondering is she could comfortably live in my room so that I can make sure that she is fed, she doesn't kill and birds, rats or mice, work on her obesity, let her relax in warmth and know for sure that I wont come home to a missing cat.

My room is quite large and I think she would have plenty of room to wander around in. I would once a day close off some doors in the house (make sure max is outside) and let her wander around in the living room and kitchen. I would also turn one of the closets in my room into a kitty paradise (which would be made up into 6 levels with litter box, food, toys, scratching posts and more. I also have a fish tank where she can watch fish, some big sliding doors where she would be able to look out side. (I could also install one of those suction cup beds to the window).

any answers would be appreciated [emoji]128512[/emoji]

I've taken cats in years ago and we made it work.  I'm big on boxes.  Get a clean cardboard box turn it on it's side with clean towels or nice small blanket.  Not a big box mind you one she can crawl in and curl up and snuggle in.  Get scratchers, perhaps a kitty condo or sorts. 

I would make sure the litter is on the opposite side of the room, not near her food or lounging/play area.  She might be happy.  Once inside out of the cold, she may like it or she may not.  Only time will tell.  Perhaps eventually you can make the introduction to your male cat.

I'm sure others will chime in with advice as well.

Best to you...

Thank you very much for your reply.

Last night  i set marni up in my room, she happily slept for hours until she started meowing at the door. I woke up and let her out. about 5 minutes later she was back meowing at the door to get in. This happened 3 times during the night.

I just let her back in now, she s sitting across my chest purring.

I think that she definitely enjoys the nice heated room.

I will definitely get some boxes, what a great idea.

When we got her as a little kitten, she was litter trained. But she then we got her to do all her business out side. Do you  have any tips on litter training her again? 

She has been in my room all day and seems to be enjoying it. She is constantly purring ))

I'm glad shes enjoying her warm digs. LOL

Some cat's who were outdoor adjust naturally to indoors and of course others don't.  My experience has always been easy with this.  

As far as training a 5 year old.  What kind of training are you looking to give her, "litter"???  That should come naturally.

If you're asking about training with playtime, keep it simple at first, and only use a couple of toys.  Cat's tend to have attention spans like a fruit fly, and are easily distracted, but if you show them repetitive play using one or two toys.

How is Marni doing now?  Is she drinking and eating good.  Being trapped under a house was probably scary for her, and now she's realizing that she's safer with you.

Can't wait to learn more about her.

Do you have any pictures of her.  

Sounds like Max is not fixed. Is he?

Your arrangement seems fine to me. Not perfect, but if Marni is safe and comfy, that's all that matters.

​Both of the cats are fixed. Im not to keen on babies LOL

Marni is eating and drinking fine. She has taken to the litter box so I am fine in that area.

​She's not really a cat that enjoys playtime, I managed to get her to throw around a little knitted cat nip mouse.

I have gone out and brought one cat scratch pole that has no smell of max on it, I have also brought her a card board house with scratching pads, which she seems to be liking. I made her this DIY bed, which she has been sleeping on for about 3 hours.

Over all I really think marni is enjoying her self.

 My only problem is, I am scared that if she decides she wants to leave my room she will scratch at my door and ruin the carpets.

Max is one of those cheeky little cats that has scratched all the doors in the house, which is thousands of dollars of damage.

I have put down one of those plastic office chair sheets which I am hoping will stop her from doing any damage. Do you have any other ideas.

Marni is one cute kitty.  If you poke around in Behavior you will find threads on different sprays etc, that you can spray near the door so she won't scratch.

I'm glad she's adjusting.  How is your fella Max doing knowing she's behind the door?  Have you noticed a change in him.  I hope they will be able to meet in the future.

Good job...

Many cats who have been on the street do not "play" per se. When you live in a tough environment you use all your calories to survive.

Is that milk in her bowl? Milk is not good for cats; all they need is clean water.

Cannot help you re scratching. I literally have never had a cat that scratches anything other than its scratching post.

​No its not milk, its jiust the inside colour of the bowl.

Max is actually a lot more chilled, however I find him sitting outside the door sometimes. Wanting to come in.