Thanks for the advice, but..........

[ashley]

Whistle was wild when we got her, and at first we tried to keep her in the house, but she was extremely unhappy. She loves the freedom of being outside, yet when she feels like a little TLC, she comes indoors to be with us. We always have let her have her way as far as that goes, and it is almost impossible to keep her in the house. As for Nikki, we are not letting her outside for the time being, because we are afraid that she will wander off and not come back. Nikki was extremely wild when we first caught her, and it took her about a week to stop hissing, spitting, and biting us when we tried to get her out of her cage. Now we let her wander around the house, and she is the most lovable, sweet cat you have ever seen. Also, my mother hates the smell of the litter box (Nikki's poop has a very powerful smell! ) and that's another reason that we let Whistle out. She uses the bathroom outside. Like I said, it's pretty much not an option for us to make Whistle stay in the house. Is there any other way that I can socialize them? I can't bear the thought that I would have to give up Nikki. Help!

[jason]

one post/article per topic please, FH is already 14 pages and will continue to grow.

and at first we tried to keep her in the house, but she was extremely unhappy. She loves the freedom of being outside

need to help make the indoors enjoyable, alot of us have made the effort and the rewards are worth it (for the cat first of course).

Also, my mother hates the smell of the litter box (Nikki's poop has a very powerful smell! ) and that's another reason that we let Whistle out.

has a fecal exam been done on this kitty recently? you mention Nikki's poop and then say thats why Whistle is out...did you mean Whistle instead of Nikki?

have heard that baking soda mixed with litter helps to reduce certain smells, just need to clean it daily (scoop).

it's pretty much not an option for us to make Whistle stay in the house

im not sure i understand why, could you be descriptive about the problems you faced when trying before? perhaps we could help.

[ashley]

The reason that we had a hard time keeping her inside is because everytime we open the door she runs out, If you try to hold her back, it just doesn't work. She will do whatever she has to to get out. If we ever do manage to keep her in, when we get back and open the door she runs out then as well. No, I said Nikki's poop stinks. We haven't had a litter box in the house in about a year and a half, and since my house is tiny, the smell is awful. When I said that's another reason Whistle is outside, I meant she is indoor/outdoor because she uses the bathroom outside.

[jason]

The reason that we had a hard time keeping her inside is because everytime we open the door she runs out, If you try to hold her back, it just doesn't work. She will do whatever she has to to get out.

that is quite typical of a cat who is being adjusted to the indoor life, takes time. one of mine was exactly like that...even got out a few times with a blink of an eye (door or even ripping a screen). its been over 1.5-2 years now and although i have to keep a fairly close eye on her, the "darting for the outdoors" is simply no longer there.

you need to do whatever it takes (initially) to keep them in, they learn (eventually).

No, I said Nikki's poop stinks. We haven't had a litter box in the house in about a year and a half, and since my house is tiny, the smell is awful. When I said that's another reason Whistle is outside, I meant she is indoor/outdoor because she uses the bathroom outside.

i think just about any cat who is able to roam outdoors will opt to urinate/defecate outdoors.

so, fecal exam?

[Ron]

Hi Ashley. First of all let me congratulate you on your new kitty! It was very kind of you to take in this sweet little kitten in need.

It's quite normal for a resident cat to resent a newcomer. Over time it's most likely that Whistle will accept the new kitten and then settle down, of utmost importance are patience on your part, and gradual introductions.

I understand how difficult it is for you to try to keep Whistle indoors, I had a cat once that was much like Whistle in that regard. As some of the others have suggested, Whistle would certainly be much better off indoors, as she will be much safer and her risk of injury or disease will be of course immeasurably lower. However I think that attempting to keep Whistle indoors at this time, before she has fully accepted Nikki, would likely make things more difficult for everyone concerned. I would recommend that over time, as Whistle begins to accept Nikki that you at least try to convert Whistle into an indoor kitty. Cats WILL adjust to being indoors, although it may take some patience on your part as it won't happen overnight.

As for Nikki's bowel movements, if they seem excessively odorous I would strongly suggest that Nikki be examined by a vet and be sure to take in a fecal sample that the vet can check for parasites. An exam for Nikki would certainly be an excellent idea even if her bowel movements were normal. In the meanwhile, if you use a good quality scoopable litter, such as Fresh Step, and scoop it often then the odor should be well under control. You can also buy air freshener specifically for pet odors, such as NILodor "Pet Room Deodorizer". You should be able to find that, or an equivalent product, at any pet store.

Good luck with your kitties!!!!!!!