Stressed out kitty mommy

[Guest]

I THINK this is being posted in the right place, but Im not sure.

I have two wonderful little urchins, Gizmo and Sylvia. Both front declawed, both completely indoor kitties, littermates.

About a month ago or so I took Gizmo out onto the porch a couple times - I never let him roam, but rather let him sit on my lap with me petting him and ready to grab the scruff of his neck if he made a bolt.

Recently it seems like he wants to go out ALL the time - and Im not about to let him out on his own - so he has turned into a great escape artist.

I got them both collars the other day figuring if somehow he DID escape and I couldn't get him back quickly, at least it would be likely he'd be returned.

Both cats are 12 years old. Sylvia who is normally the collar "drama queen" has adjusted beautifully. Gizmo on the other hand is throwing a HUGE hissy fit over it. He's crouching in the corner, hissing at his brother, trying desperately to find places to hide and generally being a royal PITA.

My question is, how likely is he to eventually adjust to the collar? It is a quick release, Ive gone by the two finger rule, and the only "attachment" is his rabies tag. I would like to get address tags to put on there, but I am afraid of prolonging or restarting the theatrics.

Its been a little over a day since I put it on. (Put it on early evening last night - took it off in the middle of the night after bolting awake from a nightmare) Should I give it a couple more days before giving up, or should I stop now? Im really scared that Im traumitizing him.

Any insight or suggestions on either the collar thing or keeping him indoors would be greatly appreciated. I admit, I'm hoping he will adjust, but remember how much he hated it at first, and associate that with going outside - so that he loses his escapist tendencies.

Thanks!

[Tina B and crew]

Hi I've found that eventually cats get over their "wanderlust" for the outdoors. We use to take our Willow out on a harness and leash thinking it would calm her desire to want to always go outside...nope, it only made it worse. So we quit taking her out and over time she has quit trying to escape. I do still watch the door closely when I come in or go out to make sure she isn't nearby ready to bolt. As far as the collar goes, I've only collared on of my cats (who also happens to be a Gizmo). The only reason I collared him is because he constantly terrorizes Willow, so I put a collar and bell on him so she could hear him coming and not be attacted in sleep or with her back turned. He adjusted quite well. If he hasn't gotten use to it in a day and is acting the way you say, I'm not sure I'd leave it one...you could try putting it on for increasingly long amounts of time and see what happens...I wouldn't let him be stressed over it though. Have you considered microchipping??

How is your Gizmo escaping? Bolting out the door when you open it?? Is there anyway to stop him from escaping?

[medelle]

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestions. I took the collar off for now. Its freaking him out too much.

Someone suggested I try putting it on again (after he destresses) while giving him a treat. I might try that at some point, but I dont think for right now, as Im going out of town in a few days.

In answer to how he's getting out, our door handle is broken so I have to leave it in the "open" position. I can deadbolt the door, which I do every single time I step out - even if Im just taking out the trash, but Gizmo has taken to sitting right by the door and trying to bolt the second I open it.

Ive been opening it slowly to see where he is, and then sticking my foot out to block him from getting out. I'm about to have a subletter tho taking care of these guys and Im a little concerned that he won't remember to do that sort of stuff.

I really wish I could take them with me but they do NOT travel well at all.

I guess maybe I just need to hope he gets over his wanderlust. I feel so stupid taking him out on the porch - I thought it would be a nice safe way for him to enjoy the sun and the outdoors a little.

[Tina B and crew]

They are incredibly adept at getting by that leg in the doorway aren't they!! You could try keeping a water bottle next to the door and whenever you step out or come in have it with you and spritz it toward him through a small crack in the door if he comes to0 close. I know some people think it is mean to use a water bottle as a deterrant, but I think it better that he get spritz than escape and get hurt.

[medelle]

They really are adept at getting by! I am amazed sometimes at the determination their little minds have.

I wound up giving up on the collar. I think it was REALLY stressing him out and making him angry. He will almost always pull the drama queen act after relocating to a new place, but it never lasts more than a day or two (usually because his brother stakes out the litter box and food bowl and won't let him have access to either till he chills out. )

He came running over to the bed this morning and crawled under the covers to the bottom and curled himself up as small and tight as possible. Since I sleep on an air mattress I was concerned about him puncturing it with his back claws, and tried to move him. He wasn't having ANY of that and as a result urinated on the bedspread (which is a quilt made by my hubby's grandmother during the Depression *sighs*).

He has NEVER done that before - so that let me know he's mighty unhappy about the collar thing.

So I took it off and he visibly relaxed almost immediately. He's still in an irritible mood, but you can tell he's not as upset.

Another question - Sylvia, while he seems to have adapted to the collar perfectly fine (i.e. no theatrics) keeps shaking his head and will occassionally scratch at his neck. Its definitely not too tight - but I am wondering if it could be irritating his skin?

The water bottle is a terrific idea btw. We regularly use one with them to "discipline" them. We find it to be very effective with the only side effect being a little wounded pride.

Thanks!!!