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View Full Version : My mom needs some advice from experienced cat owners



Kirsten
09-16-2005, 11:39 AM
Well, as you may know, my mother got a little calico girl earlier this summer; Peggy, who is now 5 months old. It is their second kitty; their resident cat Dino lives with them for 6 years now. All these years, Dino was an indoor/outdoor cat, and so is Peggy now. During her first two weeks, Peggy has been kept indoors only, and from her very first day in my mom's and Reinhold's house, Dino has refused to enter the house. And still he doesn't, which is breaking my mother's heart. Now that the days are getting colder, and more rainy, Dino would sit outside the house and complain and whine to my mother and Reinhold, but he still won't come in, even when Peggy is not the house (she's very often outside these days, too).

My mother is so heartbroken about Dino's behavior that she called me at work today and cried on the phone. She's feeling guilty for having Peggy now, but she doesn't want to give her up.

The Dino/Peggy-relationship went through some changes btw. During the first days, Dino hated her, but after a while it seemed that he enjoyed playing with her. But a couple of weeks ago, he started running away from her, and he's hissing at her again. I think this has something to do with Peggy becoming more mature now (she isn't spayed yet; and Dino has been neutered).

Anyway, the vet has suggested Bachflower remedies, and I thought that Feliway could also be worth a try. Reinhold has suggested to keep Dino inside against his will, but neither my mom nor I do think that this is a good idea. It will break his trust completely, and he may run away for good.

I know here are many people who are very experienced in introducing cats to each other. Does anyone here has some advice for us?

Kirsten

Soapets
09-16-2005, 11:55 AM
I'm not sure what to do, but I hope things work out. I'll be curious to see what solutions others on here can come up with to help the situation out.....

Deb

catmandu
09-16-2005, 12:07 PM
HAVING PEGGY SPAYED,MAY HELP,AS SHE IS STARTING,TO MATURE,AND THIS MAY WELL BE COFUSING DINO.
THEN AFTER THIS,IS DONE BRING DINO ISIDE,AND SEE IF THAT CHANGE WORKS!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/Picture744.jpg

OH BOY,WHISKAS POUCHES,YUMMMO!!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/Picture747.jpg

jenluckenbach
09-16-2005, 06:03 PM
I have no experience with cats who go outside at will. But my first thought was that Dino NEEDS to be kept inside and to be reintroduced to Peggy until they can tolerate each other.
Possibly PayItForward or another person with more experience with the indoor/outdoor dynamics of cat relationships, will see this and offer help.

lizbud
09-16-2005, 07:09 PM
Well, I am sure not an expert on cats at all but, seems like
people couldn't begin to work on bettering the relationship
between the cats with one outside & one in. I would lure Dino
back inside & not let either one be an outside cat. Spaying the
female should help a lot, but not immediately.I'd let them each
have their own space & gradually work on re-introing them.

Kirsten
09-17-2005, 12:35 PM
Thank you for your replies everyone.

I figure that maybe Reinhold's idea to keep Dino indoors for a while wasn't so bad at all?

I really hope that things will be better after Peggy is spayed!

Kirsten

catcrazylady
09-17-2005, 12:47 PM
Kirsten I'm no expert but my first thought was to bring Dino inside and make him stay in. Maybe once he realizes that he can be inside comfortably with Peggy he won't be so upset anymore. He may feel like the inside has become Peggy's domain and he thinks he can't come in.

I would bring him in and make him stay for a while so he and Peggy can work things out on the inside.

I sure hope everything works out soon because it is going to get cold!

Kirsten
09-17-2005, 12:57 PM
He may feel like the inside has become Peggy's domain and he thinks he can't come in.


Yes, think that's the point!

My mother told me today that Reinhold had brought him in yesterday to his favourite spot on the heating, and he petted him there and talked to him. Dino seemed to have enjoyed that for a while and even purred, but then it seemed to have hit him that he's in Peggy's territory, and he hissed and wanted to leave the house.

Maybe they should continue doing this, especially when Peggy is not around.

Kirsten

lvpets2002
09-17-2005, 01:40 PM
I agree with Gary to get Penny spayed & let Dino sit with afterwards.. It could be she is sending conflicting vibes to Dino & he is confused..