Can anyone help our unhappy kitty?

Hello PetTalk Folk,

I haven't used this forum before, so please forgive me if I make unintentional errors, and for asking for your help my first time on. My mum suggested I try this to see if anyone can help us (for those of you out there that know her, and I know there are many, my mum is Lynne from the UK with the 3 furbabies Bagel, Ketchum and Dan. Yes, her computer is STILL down, and she is most upset that she can't get on)

My husband and I have a huge problem. Our kitty-moo is called Tabitha. and for the most part she has been a fantastic and loving addidition to our home. However, in these past seven years, we have had to deal with the "peeing/spraying/pooping outside of the box and on our living room/dining room carpet" 3 times -- this time being her third episode. In the past, we ended up having to rip up all the carpeting and lay down wood floors (no fun) to stop her from doing it, as none of the other "remedies" worked at all. The problem this time is that we moved into a brand new house last November. and six weeks ago, my husband and I had our first baby. We have just had her tested again to make sure she's okay physically, and she is a fit and healthy seven year old.

We made the decision before our baby was born, knowing that there may be problems, that we would not, nor could we afford, to go though this all over again,. We have been down this road before, and unfortunetely with Tab, nothing will stop her until we replace all the affected flooring, or move -- and neither is feasible. She is naturally shy and although tends to be a nervous, she is a loving furbaby, and I am heartbroken that she is this unhappy all over again. But I can't give back the baby, and we are showering her with love and affection just as we always have, to make sure she would feel part of our new, larger family, but it seems that we cannot console her.

We were hoping to find a new and loving home for her, somewhere less stressful, where she would feel more loved and where she would be given the kind of attention she deserves. Unfortunately, NO animal shelter will take her. Not one. The pee-problem is almost secondary to her age, of all things. In fact, nearly all the shelters suggested euthenasia as our only option, which completely devastated us. I have to believe there is a better way, but we are running out of options.

So I am writing to you all our of desperation. We need to find a new home for her if possible, and fast. Right now we are boarding her, because we had to get her out of the house, although we simply can't afford it for an extended period of time, and nevermind that it's just not fair on her. She is beautiful, black and white, and loves to play. She is SO affectionate, and loves to roll and "love-on-you" all the time. She plays fetch with hair-ties and rubber balls, and like to pinch my socks and throw them in the air. Please … can anyone help?? We are truly desperate. If you could smell my house right now, I hope you'd understand. I know she's not exactly an attractive adoption prospect right now, but I know that in the right home, she would be so much happier than she is right now I would make a wonderful addition to a home.

We live in Kenosha, Wisconsin USA, and I would be willing to drive her anywhere in the midwest. Any farther afield and we'd think of something. I just want her to go to someone who will love her.

I hope someone out there can help us quickly.
Thank you, whoever you are, for taking the time to read this -- whether or not you reply, and whether or not you agree with what we are trying to do.

diane
xxx

Diane,

Boy, what a dilemma. Have you taken her to the vet to rule out any medical problem??

Cats are creatures of habit and do not like change. I think moving and bringing a new baby into the house overwhelmed her. Peeing and pooping outside the litterbox is her way of telling you she's not happy. Unfortunately, since she's done it 3 times, the odor is there.

When you brought your baby home, did you let her sniff the kid and just kind of check her out???

I live in Michigan and would be more than happy to take her and try to rehome her. Do you know if she gets along with other cats???? I have a cage I can put her in in my spare room till she gets used to her roommate, a stray 3 year old Meezer. I'll PM you with my phone number. Give me a call so we can talk. Try to hang in there till a solution can be found, okay??

Donna

Diane,

Contact Donna. Don't let her be euthenised. She deserves better and Donna can help. She can provide the love and socialization needed for her to be adopted to a wonderful family. And besides that Donna WILL NOT let her go to the wrong home. Not too long ago someone wanted to adopt the meezer she mentioned in her post and it really wouldn't have been a good place for her. So Donna told the rescue she didn't think the lady was right and they did not let the kitty go to this lady for that reason. She loves her cats and her fosters. Your Tabitha would be in very capible, caring and skilled hands with Donna. Please do call her.

Michelle

Thank you thank you Donna and Michelle,

I am writing this as I am sniffling over the keyboard. Your generosity Donna is incredible. What an amazing person you are to offer us help like this.

Michelle - thanks for your reply too. Unfortunately, we have had her all checked out, and although she has a pre-existing problem (she is on a limited ingredient diet for an irritable bowel-type condition) she is healthy in every way - no UTI, no nothing. She went through this in our old home, which is where we ripped up the carpets and repainted the entire living room. She was doing so well here in our new home with us. Our baby is six weeks old, and Tabitha has been amazing with him (I never had any worries about her getting in his crib, or sitting on his chest, or any of the other horrid tales people give as reasons to get rid of cats) She has sniffed him plenty, and comes up while I feed him. We thought everything was okay.

I have attached a picture of Tabitha so you can see how lovely she is :-)

I will call you Donna. Thank you again. This gives us such hope.
Thank goodness for this site.

Diane
xxx

Thank you thank you Donna and Michelle,

I am writing this as I am sniffling over the keyboard. Your generosity Donna is incredible. What an amazing person you are to offer us help like this.

Michelle - thanks for your reply too. Unfortunately, we have had her all checked out, and although she has a pre-existing problem (she is on a limited ingredient diet for an irritable bowel-type condition) she is healthy in every way - no UTI, no nothing. She went through this in our old home, which is where we ripped up the carpets and repainted the entire living room. She was doing so well here in our new home with us. Our baby is six weeks old, and Tabitha has been amazing with him (I never had any worries about her getting in his crib, or sitting on his chest, or any of the other horrid tales people give as reasons to get rid of cats) She has sniffed him plenty, and comes up while I feed him. We thought everything was okay.

I have attached a picture of Tabitha so you can see how lovely she is :-)

I will call you Donna. Thank you again. This gives us such hope.
Thank goodness for this site.

Diane
xxx

Thank you thank you Donna and Michelle,

I am writing this as I am sniffling over the keyboard. Your generosity Donna is incredible. What an amazing person you are to offer us help like this.

Michelle - thanks for your reply too. Unfortunately, we have had her all checked out, and although she has a pre-existing problem (she is on a limited ingredient diet for an irritable bowel-type condition) she is healthy in every way - no UTI, no nothing. She went through this in our old home, which is where we ripped up the carpets and repainted the entire living room. She was doing so well here in our new home with us. Our baby is six weeks old, and Tabitha has been amazing with him (I never had any worries about her getting in his crib, or sitting on his chest, or any of the other horrid tales people give as reasons to get rid of cats) She has sniffed him plenty, and comes up while I feed him. We thought everything was okay.

I have attached a picture of Tabitha so you can see how lovely she is :-)

I will call you Donna. Thank you again. This gives us such hope.
Thank goodness for this site.

Diane
xxx

I spoke with Diane on the phone today. She and hubby are going to bring Tabitha here on Tuesday. I'm off from work until Friday so I will have some time to spend with her. I will have the cage all set up for her in the spare room with Parker. Hopefully they'll get used to each other in time so I can take the cage down.

I'm looking forward to working with Tabitha. Diane and I somewhat agree that it MIGHT be that Tabitha is lonely for a companion kitty. God KNOWS I've got many to choose from here. Before Diane adopted her, she lived in a home with alot of cats.

I will also be able to give everyone updates on her progress and pictures of reassurance to Diane.

Okay, so I DON'T move to a new apartment till Tabitha and Parker get a home. The rent here is cheap, the drive to work is only 30 minutes and my landlord doesn't mind the cats. I can ALWAYS ignore the HO in the back (up till now I have been ignoring her)What more could I ask for???

All in the name of cats! ;)

woohoo. I am soo glad you are going to be able to help her Donna. You know you are an angel to these kitties that need you so much. I couldn't halp but LOL the last part of your post. I know exactly what you mean. Pain in the rearend landlord, Ho next store but even though we are not suppose to have cats he ignores that they are here and he has seen them. LOL SO I guess you put up with the rest as long as the kitties are happy.

All paws, whiskers, fingers and toes and anything else that is crossable crossed to ensure a safe transport for Tabitha and an easy transition for her in her new foster home. Have a safe journey Diane. And you will see Donna is a godsend. Your Tabitha couldn't be going into better or more capable hands. :D

Please keep us updated on this situation. Donna, I know you have your hands full, but your help is so much appreciated!! Thank you!! Tabitha you are wished the very, very best!!

DONNA, YOU ARE A SAINT!!

Please, I am no saint. I am a person who wants to help cats out anyway I can. I also want to help Diane find a furrrever home for Tabitha. I'm looking forward to helping Tab out. My hand full??? Hardly. Even with Tabitha, I'll still be in the single digits. :p;)

I wanted to welcome you Diane.

Maybe you can adopt Donna's foster kitty Parker and she can foster your kitty Tabitha. ;) Sounds like a GREAT trade. :D:D

Donna & Diane,
I really appreciate it how you are helping the cats find happiness. It warms my heart!! I wish my hubby would let me be more like you in taking in the needy, but he is doing real well letting me have 2 as it is. I can't even adopt outside cats because of our neighbor's cat traps she leaves set all the time- UGH!!!
For those in the Central IL area, the mall in Effingham has a cat store where cats can be taken to be adopted or you can adopt from them. They have a good set-up going there. I don't volunteer with them because of the mileage, but I go visit every chance I get.

Hello again all,

I've been unable to get on our computer for a few days, but I wanted to write and say just how amazing Donna is. She is a truly wonderful, caring person, and I know that Tabitha is in the right place now. I think about 'our' little kitty everyday, and I miss her so much, but I know she is in a great place and will get the help she deserves.

It was so wonderful to meet you Donna, and I hope we can stay in touch through Pet Talk. WE had such a blast meeting you and all your fabulous fur-babies!!!!

I have to go -- my little human-baby is crying!!!! Love to all:-)

Hi Mum if you're reading this!!!

Diane, (Jason and Ethan too!)
xxxx

Diane and Jason,

Tabitha is doing great!! I put Parker (the Meezer) in another room so Tabitha wouldn't be so stressed out. She now has a room of her own (no cage anymore).

I take the baby gates down when I'm home to supervise and at night so she can stroll out while the other cats sleep. She is the cutest thing!! It's obvious she loves being around other kitties. MooShoo is smitten with her. He'll sit in the room with her (she'll be laying on the catbox hood) and he'll roll on his belly to try and get her attention. She cackles at him (it's the sweetest thing) They go nose to nose every now and again. She still likes the security of her room, but will stroll out every once in a while to check the place out.

She's going to do fine here. I've been giving her dry crunchies (Eukanuba) and a little of the canned stuff you brought with her. No litterbox problems whatsoever. She loves to be brushed.

She has made a wonderful addition to my fur family (as you can see by my siggy!). :D:D

Thank you for allowing this sweet girl to become a part of my crew!!

I would definately adopt him/her. Only thing is...i'm only 13, but if I were older I would definatley take him/her in