what would you do if it was your cat? serious answers only.?

Question

I have to move, into my mother-n-laws. She said I could bring him. But she is one who would go to our room open the door and let him out of the room and let him outside while we were gone, accidently on purpose. He is declawed and a total inside cat. Even if she didn't we are getting a camper to live in at job sites. Would it be too inhumane to keep him cooped up in the room and the camper ? Also because I love him like my own child, this is emotionally hard. The other choice is to give him to some friends that I know would love him and care for him as we do. so keep or friends or what would you do?

at my mother-n-laws that's temporary and I would care for the cat not her. also it's a camper trailer not a camper shell. Thank You so much for all your great input.

Answer 1

Would you give your child away because of work?
My cats are my babies as well (2 of my 6 are.) We have a camper and the 2 that are my babies dearly love going inside the camper. I don't know the size you will be using, our is 33 feet long, 1 bedroom, a living room, kitchen and bath, so its like a smaller home. If your "baby" is already an indoor cat, the size of "home" doesn't matter to it. BUT....mom accidently on purpose letting him out would devastate you.
Also you can purchase animal runs for pets at camping stores or from camping magazines for under $50.00 and this would give your pet a space right outside your camper to romp and play and get some fresh air. Good luck, but take your baby with you.

Answer 2

Well, it would depend on if that camper gets too hot and how long it would have to be in that room. cats need to stretch their legs and run around. If you have not had your cat too long, find a home tht the cat will live longer at and get the care that you won't be able to give it. I am sorry but think of the cat, even though this hurts you. Can't a different job be found and find a home to live in? I know that times can be tough. Good Luck to you. Ask God for some guidance with this. Is there an ASPCA near by? Just don't give your cat to anyone and don't put an add i the paper. There are people that swear to be good owners and then sell them to animal testing sites. Be careful. believe me, these people are so good at this that they even bvring their kids with them. Is there a pet co near by? How about a place that is called, a no kill aboption for the homeless. Call the local vets office, sometimes they can help too.

Answer 3

Personally, I only trust myself and the local veterinary clinic who offers boarding when it comes to the safety of my pets. But it also isn't just the safety, and I think that is one thing you should be sure to take into account - it's also about the mental well-being of your cat.

With that said, there are a few things to consider...

(1) I don't know if your situation is a temporary one or what - so boarding may be out of the question due to the expenses, but what better place to have your pet than at a veterinarians office in case something happens. Plus, while loving friends are great, you are giving them a precious task -- if something happens, or the cat cannot cope with the transition, they will have that guilt. It can also end a friendship - I've seen it happen many times.

(2) Cats are resilient animals but the older they get the harder stress is on them. Also keep in mind that you are basically asking your cat to deal with several things...new surroundings and new people. Each adds its own level of problems for your pet, especially if he is clingy to you. So you have to ask, can he deal with one of these, or maybe even both (boarding a pet has the same implications here)!?

Some pets adapt readily, while others struggle. You know your cat best - take his personality into consideration. If I had to decide and boarding was out of the question, I would keep him with me. That way, even though it is a new environment (albeit a smaller one), he would still have me as that constant. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

You have asked for," what would I do?" Not what should you do! I answer believe your words, you love him like your own child. May your actions speak louder than words.
I would keep him with me 24hrs a day guarding him, never taking my mined off him till him and me were in a secure save place with zero chance of harm to him. And if I did not have the same equal support and feeling from the person I was married to or with for any reason. Then I'd take the pain of that person out of my life, without a word to them, as they might hurt or kill my feline child. So hopefully you have equal care and support.
Northshore Animal League did a survey, over I believe 10yrs, to see what the average life of the outside domesticated cat is. Those to have lost there lives, not just missing. Results 2yrs average. And they had claws to protect them self.
I would be very concerned about keeping small trailer cool on a job site and concern for escape an loss. I would not take a job site job if in any way put my child at any risk. My feline child would be first.
I would need to know your situation better to then, if asked, say what you should do, as my answers are to give the cats (ALL) I luv the best chance for maximum happiness and long life.

Answer 5

Your cat can adapt well to life in a camper, provided that the temperature inside the camper is controlled to keep within a normal comfort level. If you can visit a few times throughout the day, he will adjust quickly.

I have a Russian Blue male cat, and have traveled with him for 10 years. He has lived in houses, apartments, RVs, vans, and sailboats. All with no problems.

I would give it a try in the camper. Keep the option to let friends care for him open, and if things don't wok out, let them care for your cat.

Good luck!

Answer 6

First I'd sit down and have a serious talk with your Mother-In-Law. Find out if she really would let him out. Try keeping in in your room if she promises that she won't. See how it goes the 1st day.
Secondly, if that doesn't work, then keep him in the camper. He'll be fine, as long as he knows he is safe. Bring him in the room when you and your husband are there. Animals understand these situations. I had to have my cat in a studio apt. with my husband and keep him in the bathroom at night. We moved after a year, and my cat lived to be 18. He was just happy to be with me, no matter what the circumstance was.

Answer 7

It's a hard choice. I have 3 cats that I love all of them to death. I can't imagine my life without them. I would not take the cat somewhere where he can get outside. Declawed cats are completely defenseless. There are a few options here. Get a big dog kennel to put him in while you are gone. This sounds mean, but he'll be safer than if he were let outside. If your Mother-in-law doesn't like cats, then you can get him self feeding and watering bowls and she should only have to chech his food once a week. They also make self cleaning litter boxes so if you have one of them, she'd just have to empty a tray instead of scooping it every day.

As far as him living in a camper, leash (harnes) train him and he should be ok. this way he can go for walks and get exercise.he;ll love you enough for keeping him with you.

If you have to give him to friends, well at least you know he'll be loved. i had to give away a cat not too long ago so I gave her to my boss so that we could still visit her all the time. She was a long haired cat that I never would have got, but I'd overheard some people saying they were going to take her out and dump her and I just couldn't live with knowing a cat was going to be dumped, so I gave them $10 to let me take her instead. We kept her for awhile, but my husband is allergic to long haired cats, so I ended up having to let her go.

Overall, consider what is best for your cat, and then you;ll know you made the right choice. Your cat will love you no matter what. The cat I had to give up sees me everyday and still knows who her "Mommy" is.

Chanda

Answer 8

Give the cat to your friend that way you can visit and know he is comfortable. Camper shells get hot and very cold. They are not animal friendly plus not much room to stretch out in. And think of the litter box? The smell will make the cat nuts let alone you. Let him have a home and a place to roam at least inside safely. You can visit him.

Answer 9

He'll be fine in the camper.If I were you I'd get him a harness and a very lite lead.stretch a cable tie-out and attach the lead to it so the cat can safely roam without getting tangled while it's unattended.While you're working you need to bring the cat in and keep him either warm or cool.And everytime you move the cat will undoubtedly not like it.Ours go camping with us but hate the ride.And they don't want to eat for a day or 2 depending on how far we go but love being with us and seeing new places.
You'll have to be very careful but the cat should be fine.If he acts extremely unhappy moving around then give him to friends.

Answer 10

I feel your pain. I wouldn't want to part with my cat either. Don't discount the adaptablity of your cat. I first discovered my cat's flexibility when she adapted in one day to moving from a small one bedroom apt. to a warehouse with two other people and three other cats. After that I started taking her on 2 week business trips with me.

If I were you I would start with her in the trailer. Keep her inside for a few days until she starts to really feel comfortable and comes out of hiding and starts acting normal. Eventually maybe she will follow you outside. Maybe she will hang out with you outside the trailer and be the job site cat. As long as cats know where there food and litter are, they are pretty cool. I doubt your "declawed indoor cat" will be facing many natural predators. ...and if it doesn't work out have your friends take care of her until you are back in a more stable situation.