We don't practice using screens in Malaysia too. Almost every household here never use screens unless they have a really bad mosquito problem.
It's not that I want to create this issue intentionally. My rescuer friend was in a bind when the pregnant momma cat ran away and she has 12 or more cats and dogs to tend to. I decided to take in the kitty so that she doesn't have to live in a small wire cage, and made the best with my current living conditions.
I think it's unfair of you to say you are being reprimanded when we have tried to help you with this all day.
Omg I did that sort of kick thing too when she pounces on my feet but of course it excited her more than it taught her anything. It's nice to have a kitty for winter, but it's summer here all year round. Maybe it takes a lot of ignoring and time for her to get the message. Will try that, thanks!
Okay maybe reprimanded is too strong a word. But I don't appreciate you saying that I created this problem for myself when all I did was take her in despite not knowing much about cat ownership. And I had given it weeks of thinking through and reading before I got her.
Patience is the biggest thing. I wanted a kitten because... well, long story short, I'm a suck. anyways, i just keep repeating that they will grow out of it. Six months Badger is sleeping though the night and a year old they are WAY calmer then three months.
Oh I really hope she would grow out of it! That means at least a few more months of interrupted sleep for me.
EVERY cat owner has made mistakes and you learn that's the biggest thing. Lucky for me, I've grown up around cats so I've never really had a 'new cat owner' phase. Somethings can be taught, some can't and some they will outgrow.I used to keep my cats off the counters until i moved to my new place that has a freaking window right above the sink. Guess their favorite spot now? I gave up on keeping them off the counters... And like i said, Whiskey outgrew the feet thing after getting a socked foot in the teeth a couple times. Heck, if he got me through the sheet, or worse, bare foot, he went flying. He learned.
The screen thing i will admit is a little odd that you don't use them but then again i HATE spiders and mosquitoes are freaking insane and the flies drive my cats wild. And my cat did pop out a screen so i NEVER have the windows open enough anyways so a screen is more to keep the bugs out then the cats in. And the other cats out...
I like the soft toy option! I'd go and get her one today. Thanks!
People are just want her to be safe.
When my 2 were babies they could get out of rooms in our old house by squeezing under the doors! The first morning after we brought them home DH and I woke up to hearing them in the living room checking out our fish tank! They'd also climb double stacked and ANGLED baby gates!! So we bought a large wire dog crate. It was big enough to hold a small litter box, bed, water, etc. Since they were together; we didn't really have to deal with a lonely kitten and they entertained each other. Your kitten might appreciate a stuffed animal or something like that to cuddle with and wrestle some of her kitten energy and hunting practice on. They've never slept with us because DH is allergic. My childhood cats all did though.
First, congratulations on adopting Reiko!
People are just want her to be safe.
When my 2 were babies they could get out of rooms in our old house by squeezing under the doors! The first morning after we brought them home DH and I woke up to hearing them in the living room checking out our fish tank! They'd also climb double stacked and ANGLED baby gates!! So we bought a large wire dog crate. It was big enough to hold a small litter box, bed, water, etc. Since they were together; we didn't really have to deal with a lonely kitten and they entertained each other. Your kitten might appreciate a stuffed animal or something like that to cuddle with and wrestle some of her kitten energy and hunting practice on. They've never slept with us because DH is allergic. My childhood cats all did though.
Thank you for the advice! I might need to consider that option since she's been quite a handful and it would be great to get some sleep. Will look into the food maze as well, it's an interesting idea.
First, congratulations on adopting Reiko!He's a beautiful little kitten and once he learns a few lessons, he's going to bring you a lot of happiness.And bless you for rescuing him!
I can sympathize with your problem - I've had cats who wouldn't let me sleep before and it's pretty awful. Sleep deprivation is used as a form of torture for a reason. A large wire dog crate like that suggested above might be a good solution for you. It will take awhile for Reiko to learn that's his place at night so you'll have a few dreadful nights in store, but eventually he'll get the message. It might help if you got him yet another really nice bed - maybe one that's heated. You might also put a food maze in there. That should keep him entertained as he works to extract each bit of kibble. This is the one I have: http://www.thecatsite.com/products/catit-design-senses-treat-maze
Leave the door open during the day and he might even go in there by choice, if you make it inviting enough. Of course, you could create a wonderful cosy haven and he still might prefer a shoebox in the closet - cats are funny like that!
Good luck! And welcome to TCS! This site is really a tremendous resource - be sure to check out the articles and search the threads as things come up. You're almost sure to find answers and ideas to help you!
Thanks for the reassurance Jenny! She gets 4 play sessions (about 30 mins each) throughout the day as I work from home. She's getting a little better since I got the advice about using a large cage. She's only been caged once for jumping and biting me at 3am, but since then she's sort of learned and only disturb me every alternate night - but she's picking up fast, she's not disturbed me much except at 9am (which is ok). I hope I can get rid of that cage soon!
It's crazy to have window screens in America until the first time a bat flies in at night!
Dang, you have never experienced the Blitz of the Mosquitos?
We don't have a mosquito problem actually. My neighbourhood has monthly mosquito fogging sessions and we have natural citronella plants surrounding the house which keeps most bugs away.
