Buddy the stray/feral update

At least she went. That's good you could place the poo in the box so she gets the idea she is to "go here"

I had that same thought! Done and done!

Okay so I figured out WHY she wasn't using the litter box. Buddy is used to dirt, leaves, moss, not litter! So I put some dirt and leaves in the box and ::drum roll:: she used it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so very excited! Eep!

kolie said:

Okay so I figured out WHY she wasn't using the litter box. Buddy is used to dirt, leaves, moss, not litter! So I put some dirt and leaves in the box and ::drum roll:: she used it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so very excited! Eep!

Click to expand...

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Yay sometimes it takes a bit of detective work to figure out what goes on in their brains.

Thank you so much for all your inspiration, advice, and help!

No problem keep us updated on buddy's progress

I was going to wait until the weekend but on a whim I decided to feed them both a little wet food when I got home:

So I have progressed to the point where I can have no cover on the gate and both cats will eat. However that's it so far.

I am concerned about moving forward yet because patches keeps actively going over to the door if it isn't shut all the way, pulling it open, pushing the cover out of the way, to get hissy.

I am happy to see her interest in buddy. But I am concerned that it's hissing and growling. Her ears aren't back... But she seems to be going over to the gate to bully buddy when she thinks she can get away with it.

(Patches also doesn't seem to speak cat very week. She has also hissed while purring, and has been know to growl while playing.)

Sounds like you're making progress it is small but progress. As for bullying you sure patches isn't just putting buddy in her place? You will see this for a while cats do have a social order and alphas will make sure it is followed.

Does buddy react at all or just kind of ignore it?

If buddy reacts it's to go back into her crate, but for the most part she ignores it, it seems.

I took down the gate this weekend, and I leave the bathroom door open. Buddy doesn't come out of the bathroom unless she is encouraged or there is food. Patches is getting more used to it, but she still hisses and seems to get upset anytime she doesn't have my full attention.
I've been able to get buddy into the hallway, and distract patches by playing with her. Buddy gets scared of the play :/ guess she doesn't understand it.

Sounds good you're making progress!

@indyjones I really appreciate all of your feedback and your help, you have no idea!

No problem. Glad I could help.

Okay, well... I have a new problem. Buddy started hanging out in the cat tree cubby hole. My vet suggested that since the cats were fighting over the cat tree cubby hole that a create a new one. Well a gave Buddy a cardboard box with open doors the same size and shape of the cubby hole. Patches was livid and every time she walked by the box, patches would attack Buddy. Buddy stopped going into the bathroom to use the litter box where it has been since I brought her inside.. She's peed on my husband pants 3 times now. I think it was a sign of destress. So I moved the litter box into the living room close to the cat tree. And she started using it again for a couple of weeks without a problem.

BUT my indoor cat, patches, has been smacking buddy and getting in between buddy and the litter box. This morning, further away from the litter box and cat tree, Buddy climbed onto the couch to pee on my husband's pants.

I am at a loss. What can I do? Buddy won't stay in the bathroom anymore.

Though patches is slowly getting used to buddy, she sometimes sniffs her without hissing... But for the most part patches gets jealous if buddy plays, gets any attention, or Patches will chase her any time she comes out of the cat tree and try to smack buddy.

Listening to my vet seemed to make the situation worse.
Everything seemed fine, and then it regressed. What do I do?