I adopted Mishka 8 months ago from a shelter. She will be 4 yrs. old this July. At the shelter they mentioned that she had been adopted and returned before. Later I found out that she had been returned three times. She misbehaved from the beginning: biting, scratching. She is also very vocal, her meaowing is sharp and very loud but I thought that once in a loving home (only cat) she would come around. I never spanked or punished her in any way. Friends told me from the beginning that I should return her but I really love her very much and I justified her behavior to the fact that maybe she had bad experiences in the past. I live in a second floor condo, it is very spacious, but she likes the outdoors. I used to let her out in the balconies (in the back) but she prefers to be out in the catwalk (front). Almost from the beginning she has been sleeping on my bed and also under the covers, the first time I melted - I thought it showed affection and any idea of returning her was forever put aside. My neighbor next door is afraid of cats and asked that I keep her inside. Since then she drives me crazy trying to go out (which I allow once it is dark outside so that nobody will see her). Twice she disappeared from the balconies and I found her downstairs (don't know if she fell or jumped) The first time she was very scared and I had a hard time putting her in the carrier to bring her back upstairs (The stairs have doors and need to use the elevator), she would not be able to come back on her own. The second time happened at night, when I found her she seemed to be thriving on the grass (we have huge grounds nicely landscaped) among trees and plants, climbing up trees, digging up holes and chasing lizards and squirrels. I felt sad because I thought that this is what makes her happy. No way to put her in the carrier; finally I picked her up (she doesn't let me pick her up and doesn't get on my lap, although she is always by my side when I am at home) and brought her back home.
I decided to call the shelter and went to talk to them. They said they would take her back if I was totally sure. At that time I was at the end of my rope and felt it was the only option. I am 77 years old and have tried to give her everything to make her happy, a beautiful kiddy condo, toys, free feeding and tons of love. They were waiting for me at the shelter and even though it has always been very difficult to put her in the carrier, this time it was impossible. She seemed to know what I intended. I decided to keep her.
I would very much appreciate any advice that you can give me. She doesn't let me apply the flea medication, needs to have her nails clipped (has all her claws) and I feel I don't know how to be a cat's mom. Can you help? Thank you, for Mishka's happiness and my sanity...
I decided to call the shelter and went to talk to them. They said they would take her back if I was totally sure. At that time I was at the end of my rope and felt it was the only option. I am 77 years old and have tried to give her everything to make her happy, a beautiful kiddy condo, toys, free feeding and tons of love. They were waiting for me at the shelter and even though it has always been very difficult to put her in the carrier, this time it was impossible. She seemed to know what I intended. I decided to keep her.
I would very much appreciate any advice that you can give me. She doesn't let me apply the flea medication, needs to have her nails clipped (has all her claws) and I feel I don't know how to be a cat's mom. Can you help? Thank you, for Mishka's happiness and my sanity...