Lily freaking out - what can I do?

[Julie Grove]

Kirsten, panic mouse is a toy designed to encourage cats to play by themselves. It is a yellow mouse with a rod attached which when switched on swings around at different speeds. The idea is for the cat to chase it - which uses a lot of energy. I think the web address is www.panicmouse.co.uk though I believe it is available in other countries too. Lucy has toys on elasticated string which I hang around the place and she loves them because they 'ping' all over the place when she pulls them. And I don't know if you saw my recent post that I have bought her a little aquarium with some fish which has been my best purchase yet. It doesn't have to been expensive as a small bowl with one fish would suffice (as long as it has a lid!!).

Hope this helps.

[CatMama78]

Hello. I think cats are prone to all kinds of quirky behavior. My cats go nuts about twice a day too and they've been indoor cats for over a year now. They are about 18 months so I've always assumed it's just kitten behavior. I usually just tease them about being wild cats and ignore it. I know they'll be asleep in a few minutes

Maybe if you feel the cat needs more outdoor activity you could try leash training??.....

[Cataholic]

Kirsten,
Poor you AND Lily! But, to sound like a broken record...I agree with everyone else. Lily sounds like a nawteekat, bratty cat, kitten, not yet grown out of her ways. I truly do not believe it has anything to do with being outside for any part of her life. With the exception of Allie and Dakky, all my kitties were strays, spending much more time out of doors than Lily, and ALL have adapted to the inside life without any problem. (Well, not Minnie, but, she is a cat of a different stripe). I let my kitties out in the back yard, which is fenced, on occasion. I don't notice any more "I want outside, if not I will go crazy" behaviour from them regardless of when they have last been out. Please don't think you are being 'mean' to Lily by confining her. The sad facts tell us otherwise.

I bet she will grow out of it..though Allie, who is 4 this August, still acts like a crazy nut at times. I just smile, pick up whatever has been displaced, realize nothing in my house is that precious (besides them) and go on.

Good luck.