Specific cat living situation

[lauren292]

Hi there everyone, I have a very specific problem involving my two cats that I would love your opinion on. It takes some back story, so just hear me out!

I have two cats, one female, Toni, and a male, Charlie. Toni is about 12 years old, and she was a mostly outdoor cat since we adopted her from a farm when she was a kitten. I've had her pretty much my whole life (I'm 18) and (obviously) I'm very attached. She's pretty tough, quite the fighter in her day, but now shes older, and she stays in more. We got Charlie about four years ago, and he's definitely more spunky, hyper, insane, whatever. He's a completely indoor cat. He always got on Toni's nerves, and she would go outside to avoid him. They never got into any fights, or hurt each other, they just don't like each other that much. My mother recently died, and now I live alone in my house with these two cats. We have to sell my house, however, so now I am in the process of finding somewhere else to live. My only real option is an apartment, which I know Charlie won't mind at all, but Toni is the problem. She's old, and she doesn't go out as much, but I worry that she won't adjust. Plus, she won't be able to get away from Charlie. I was thinking maybe making a little sleeping area for her that I would keep Charlie away from, like in a closet or something, but I really don't know.

These cats are my family, and I can't part with either of them. Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks so much!

[mamabear]

Lauren your age didn't show up (one of the emoticons did lol) but I can assume that you would be and adult since you are living alone and a relative didn't take you in so you are not a minor.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family (fur ones too) that your mama died. My Grandma just passed away last thursday. it is never easy no matter what your age.

Your kitties will do best living with you , you are right in thinking that.

Your Toni will adjust but you should start keeping her in doors know. I won't go into the whole reason as to why she should be in doors and the dangers that are out there. Whether you are in an apt or another house she really needs to be indoors. It is safer for her, even if she is only go out side a little or not very far, many things happen to her and when you move she wont know it. She will adjust fine, it is humans that don't adjust to thinking that the cats will do fine lol . Here is a link to read about why it is so much better to keep them INDOORS ONLY . A safe haven is always a good idea in a new home for any animal. Start to keep her indoors now so you wont have to stress her out with a new home AND keeping her in. It wont take long BUT she will meow and she will ask to go out. DO NOT give in, she will eventually stop. Most people do not want to go through the transition of doing so therefore they just give up and keep the cats staying outside. Some even loose their pet because one day the kitty just doesn't come back and they say well how come. I don't want that happening to do you your kitties.

Charlie on the other hand weeeeell, make both their nails are clipped. If they are not then get them clipped frequently so that CHarlie doesn't use them against Toni. If you witness Charlie going after Toni you can try a squirt bottle on Charlie(dont let him see you do it and don't get it on his face or in his ears or eyes). He will associate attacking Toni with getting wet and then eventually stop. Ummm we hope THere are others on here that have a better understanding on the whole squirt bottle thing or other ways to show Charlie that he should leave Toni alone.

Now before you go to a new apt. make sure both kitties get a good workup at the vet's office. Obviously Toni will need a geriatric workup with xrays and blood work and what ever the Vet's protocol is for 12 year olds.

Charlie is younger but should still have a check up. I do hope that since Toni goes out side that BOTH Toni and CHarlie are fully vaccinated against everything and were tested prior to that. Toni going out can pick up anything and therefore give it to Charlie. So make sure you get them tested and vaccinated if you have not done this. It is very important and can be devastating if Toni is allowed to continue outside without proper protection against diseases and fleas/ticks and she give it to Charlie.

Good luck. I am sure as the morning comes and people awake that they respond to your post.

HUGS

[Traci]

I concur you should keep Toni indoors from NOW ON. Not only are the outdoors dangerous and hazardous for cats, but she is older now, and if you let her out, she could get disoriented, and be lost, or many things even worse. As mamabear said, you MUST keep her indoors and do NOT give in to her cries etc to go outdoors. Both cats are happier, healthier and live longer when kept indoors, providing you tend to their needs and create an interesting environment for them.

While it should have been done way before this, you have to start teaching Charlie not to "terrorize" Toni. Use a squirt bottle, combined with a stern, vocal "NO" each time he intimidates, chases her etc. In time, and if you're consistent, he will associate this and learn not to intimidate her.

Yes, you can provide a safe haven for Toni, and if you're thinking about a closet, be sure it is open and airy. But, the main concern is teaching Charlie he needs to respect her boundaries, etc.

You can create a harmonious environment for both of them by involving them together in playtime and activity, often. Use toys, play fetch, drag a string across the floor for them to play etc. The more focused on playtime they are, the less focused on each other. Get actively involved with them, and make the activity/playtime sessions interesting and fun for them so they learn they can share the same space equally, without fear or intimidation from each other, etc. Give them equal attention, but also committ to spending quality time with both of them in the same space with the same playtime activities, etc.

I agree that you should get them both health checkups by your vet before the move. Moving is the number one cause of stress for cats, and stress can bring on various health conditions. If stress causes anorexia and withdrawal, for example, this can fast lead to hepatic lipidosis, which is a very serious disease and requires immediate and agressive treatment promptly. Watch both cats extremely carefully during and after the move (for several weeks and even months because cats hide their stress until a serious signs of ill health develop)....pay close attention to their needs, work on providing a safe and harmonious environment for them, and spend quality time with them to ensure they are adjusting. Should any unusual behavior or signs of ill health and stress occur, do not wait, get them seen by your vet immediately. Toni should be getting bloodwork/urinalysis/thyroid function testing done yearly, all cats over the age of 7 need to have this done yearly or twice a year. Even though Charlie is younger, you still have to keep an eye on his health too and ensure that stress is reduced at all costs.

[lauren292]

Thanks guys, this has been very helpful! (I'm 18 by the way!) I'll have to work on keeping Toni in, but just another question. We have a litter box, but Charlie uses it mostly, I don't think Toni does really. Should I get another one, or will Toni just use Charlie's?

[Traci]

Get two, or even three, keep them in seperate areas of the house so the cats can access them easily.

[mamabear]

yes i'd say three just because as you keep Toni in she will need to go and that need might strike anywhere and you want her to feel safe. So 3 boxes should be fine for now. DO NOT put one right by her bed, she will not like that.

18 is a very crucial time in a young girls life, many mistakes can be made and many can be wrong without the proper guidance. You have already shown that you are mature enough that when you do not know the answers you ask for help. That is the makings of a fine lady. To loose your mom at such a young age must be so hard. And for you to have to go through the after effects of what to do and where and when is very hard.

not only should you get your kitties to the vet and make sure they are healthy and happy before any move. And make sure that Toni stays indoors only from now on, you should make sure that you get yourself your annual physical as well to make sure that you are doing ok after this very very stressful time. Staying healthy for yourself, your loved ones and your kitties is very important too.

Good luck and keep us posted.

(((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))

[lauren292]

Thanks to all of you! I'll definitely keep you updated!