So Jinkers has been having some trouble with the litter box so we decided we needed to re-train him on it. To do this we have had to confine him until he can get the hang of it. We use the TidyCats Breeze litter system, but Jinkers doesn't poop in it, he never has been willing to. (Apparently this is a common problem with cats who didn't take the transition to the different box right the first time, but we have checked with the vet for parasites, etc.) So we have to provide him regular litter to re-train to use the box for poop, and then re-do the Breeze transition which we HOPE will solve the problem. We think that having the other two cats using his regular litter box will confuse him and them (who are using the Breeze just fine and have been for years), so he is being confined to his own room.
Don't get me wrong, its a nice room. We call it the "Cat Room" because it is just for the kitties. Shelves to climb on, kitty box, lots of toys, cardboard boxes, tunnels, etc. He has a big open window with lots of sunshine, food, water, and we are going in to spend time with him and give lots of love and treats. I brought in his favorite kitty bed and his favorite toys. But all the same I feel awful.
Apparently all three of my boys are very bonded to one another. Jinkers is miserable in his "prison" and the other boys sympathize. He sits in there and meows at the door to be let out, and they sit at the door and meow at him. If I'm not paying attention they will run to find me and then go back to the door as if to tell me Jinkers has accidentally been locked in. Earlier today I saw Mulder lying in front of the door, with Jinkers sticking his paws under the door for Mulder to groom. Later Jinkers had his one paw sticking out and Spooky was "holding" it with his paw. Spooky and Mulder are both sleeping at the edge of the door, and from the buildup of grey fur on the inside, he is sleeping against it on his side too.
It makes me want to cry I feel like the worst Meowmy in the world! But Jinkers has to re-learn to use the litter box or his Daddy (DH) is going to have my head. He told me if Jinkers won't start using the box I have to get rid of him, even though he loves him he won't have him ruining our house. Have you ever had to enact some "Tough Love" on your kitties? How did you live with the guilt?
ETA: I am not sure how this got in the wrong section. Can a mod please move it for me, please?
Don't get me wrong, its a nice room. We call it the "Cat Room" because it is just for the kitties. Shelves to climb on, kitty box, lots of toys, cardboard boxes, tunnels, etc. He has a big open window with lots of sunshine, food, water, and we are going in to spend time with him and give lots of love and treats. I brought in his favorite kitty bed and his favorite toys. But all the same I feel awful.
Apparently all three of my boys are very bonded to one another. Jinkers is miserable in his "prison" and the other boys sympathize. He sits in there and meows at the door to be let out, and they sit at the door and meow at him. If I'm not paying attention they will run to find me and then go back to the door as if to tell me Jinkers has accidentally been locked in. Earlier today I saw Mulder lying in front of the door, with Jinkers sticking his paws under the door for Mulder to groom. Later Jinkers had his one paw sticking out and Spooky was "holding" it with his paw. Spooky and Mulder are both sleeping at the edge of the door, and from the buildup of grey fur on the inside, he is sleeping against it on his side too.
It makes me want to cry I feel like the worst Meowmy in the world! But Jinkers has to re-learn to use the litter box or his Daddy (DH) is going to have my head. He told me if Jinkers won't start using the box I have to get rid of him, even though he loves him he won't have him ruining our house. Have you ever had to enact some "Tough Love" on your kitties? How did you live with the guilt?
ETA: I am not sure how this got in the wrong section. Can a mod please move it for me, please?