Oh, catnip! We meet again...

So, I was at Wal-Mart and I saw a little bag of catnip. In the past, Felix had some but I don't think I crushed it so it never interested him much. I bought the little bag of catnip today, put some in my hands and rubbed it up to "activate the herbs". Felix went MAD. I haven't seen him so excited for anything since... ever.

Then, Smokey came and she went MAD too. They both started biting my hands (which hurt really badly. Smokey almost broke my flesh).

Hazel was hiding and I couldn't get her out to have a try so I crushed some up and blew it in her face. She didn't do much but Smokey and Felix went after her because she smelt like catnip.

I also rubbed it on a new carpet I bought for them and also in their fur.

I wanted to know if this will help Hazel to socialize even more. She has made such great progress and I've tried to find a home for her but I've exhausted all possible options and no one wants her. She now comes out in the open to eat and she also relaxes in the open. I can walk up to her and she won't run away. I can rub her head (but only while she's eating).

How will catnip help to improve all my cats behaviour and possible help them to get along?

In my experience, nip is not a social drug. It does sound like you're making progress with Hazel.

I see. Yes, we have made tons of progress but unfortunately, she won't be staying with us. She'll be moved to a barn in April or next month depending on the weather. It cost too much to feed 3 cats raw meat. I'm struggling to keep up and with college and my other rescue animals, it isn't a good idea.

Graceful-Lily said:

I see. Yes, we have made tons of progress but unfortunately, she won't be staying with us. She'll be moved to a barn in April or next month depending on the weather. It cost too much to feed 3 cats raw meat. I'm struggling to keep up and with college and my other rescue animals, it isn't a good idea.

Click to expand...

Oh, I hope you will reconsider this. She is just learning to trust you and the others. She won't be looked after nearly the same in a barn. Could you reconsider what you are feeding the cats? Look into more affordable raw options?

It just breaks my heart that she keeps getting a home and is always on the verge of being kicked out.

No, I've been searching for months and this is the most affordable option I have found. I wouldn't want to change that. We all agreed that she can't stay. No one wants her and the barn is our only option. I can't keep the animals that I rescue for long because then they get use to me or I build an emotional connection. My job is to take them from the bad situation they are in, help them get better, and find them a new home.

Graceful-Lily said:

No, I've been searching for months and this is the most affordable option I have found. I wouldn't want to change that. We all agreed that she can't stay. No one wants her and the barn is our only option. I can't keep the animals that I rescue for long because then they get use to me or I build an emotional connection. My job is to take them from the bad situation they are in, help them get better, and find them a new home.

Click to expand...

But a barn is not necessarily a better option if she is not going to be fed well, have medical attention when needed, or appropriate human interaction.  She will be exposed to predators.  You rescued her from a life outside.  

If I were faced with the decision of rehoming a cat or changing to a more affordable food, even if it weren't raw, I would.  

From what I can tell, you didn't take her in as a foster.  You wanted to integrate this cat, which you believe is Felix's sister.  She has an emotional connection to you.  It makes me very sad that she won't have a chance at a happy life like your other pets.

I understand that but with college, the rats, moving, and other personal issues, it just isn't really a good idea to keep her. She may end up somewhere else in the future even if we did decide to keep her. On top of that, she and Smokey have started fighting so that's two cats against one now. At one point I did want to keep her, yes, but I can't see where it will work out right now. She deserves better. I barely see my own cats most days because sometimes him at school from 8am - 10pm.

Graceful-Lily said:

I understand that but with college, the rats, moving, and other personal issues, it just isn't really a good idea to keep her. She may end up somewhere else in the future even if we did decide to keep her. On top of that, she and Smokey have started fighting so that's two cats against one now. At one point I did want to keep her, yes, but I can't see where it will work out right now. She deserves better. I barely see my own cats most days because sometimes him at school from 8am - 10pm.

Click to expand...

I think she deserves better than a barn. I hope you will keep looking for a better option.

talkingpeanut said:

I think she deserves better than a barn. I hope you will keep looking for a better option.

Click to expand...

Just thought I'd let you all know that after searching for so long, I finally found a rescue. Hazel was put up for a foster and received one within a week. They will be working with her everyday, taming her and getting her better until she can be adopted.

Graceful-Lily said:

Just thought I'd let you all know that after searching for so long, I finally found a rescue. Hazel was put up for a foster and received one within a week. They will be working with her everyday, taming her and getting her better until she can be adopted.

Click to expand...

I am glad you kept looking.