I am a cat lady. I love my cats a lot. I have two cats: Lola and Jimi. Now that you know a little about me I'll explain more and ask my question. In the past year we have moved two times (one of which was a 24 hour car ride and the other was a plane ride) and had a new baby. It's been a really crazy year and I really feel it's effected my cats. They used to be outdoor cats and now they are stuck inside all day long. I didn't think it would be a big deal but apparently it is. They have been misbehaving, longing for attention, and standing by the door crying. I don't know what to do! It seems the minute I get one on my lap, I have to change a diaper or wash dishes. A friend of mine came over the other day and asked if one of them was previously abused--and she never was! I feel so bad and I feel like I am neglecting them. They always have food, water, and a clean litter box but I just don’t seem to have time to just pay loads of attention to them. What can I do to give my cats the attention they need? Is there anything to solve the problem of misbehavior and “neglect” issues? Having cats my entire life I realize they pretty much do what they want but I can’t help but feel that they aren’t doing well. Thanks for your responses!
2006-10-25 16:18:42 · 12 answers · asked by .vato. 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
We live in a military community and cats are not allowed outdoors to roam free. I really wish I could let them--trust me!
2006-10-25 16:24:26 · update #1
Ok, if you're a crazy cat lady, then so am I. As you are probably well aware, any change is upsetting to your cat. It's unfortunate you can't let your babies out to play. I believe one person has already suggested a harness and leash.
If it turns out that you just can't give them the attention they need and deserve because your baby should come first, I hate to say it, but you may need to find a new home for them. I had to do this one time and it ripped my heart out. I hope you find a way to solve the problem and you can keep them.
Try the "special kitty time" with them first. Even play with them near your baby so they get used to your child's smell and will not hold the baby responsible for their situation. By no means am I saying put the kitties on the baby, just near.
Good luck!
2006-10-25 16:46:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they can't roam free, try a harness and leash as previously suggested or I have seen wire animal enclosures (not a big dog kennel) that you can fold up for storage and unfold when you need it. I have seen them at dog shows to allow the dogs some exercise without running all over the place. For a cat you would definitely need something with a roof or cover on it 'cause they will climb. Maybe you could check on-line for something like that.
Moving so much over the past year and the new addition to the house has also probably caused some upset with the cats. I would suggest talking with a vet and see if he/she has any suggestions to make your cats feel more at home. Cats can also feel your stress and tension with the moves and new baby. I hope you don't have to get rid of your cats, they just might need a little more time to settle in.
2006-10-25 17:49:13 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 3 cats. It is really safer to keep your cats inside. I have actually taken mine out on a leash in the backyard and let them roam a little and eat some grass, chase bugs and such. They love it. Are they "punishing" you by pottying in inappropriate places? If so, they are upset with you. But all I know to tell you is to give them time to adjust. How old is your baby? Are the cats sweet to the baby? Your child, of course must come first, but perhaps as things settle down you will be able to give the kitties more attention. Good luck.
2006-10-25 16:31:51 · answer #3 · answered by dkrgrand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Set aside some time each day, even a few minutes, to play with them. I know that's easier said than done. But you could hold one of them while you are on the phone, or reading the paper, or sitting at the computer. Also, I'm guessing that you moved into an apartment, and that's why they have to stay indoors now. If you have room, build them a playshelf near a window. You could even but up a couple of shelves, with different toys attached that you could change out from time to time. When we moved, my cat freaked and wanted to be held all of the time, so I put her in front snuggly and she was happy. I wouldn't use the same one for the baby though lol.
Good Luck! I hope it works out well for you.
2006-10-25 16:29:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try the Drs Foster and Smith website. It has a few neat ideas for outdoor cat containment, sort of like kennels. You can let your cats out in these things and they can't roam free but still are outside. Be warned though, there are also lots of good cat toys on this site too.
2006-10-25 17:27:31 · answer #5 · answered by livingstonseagull43 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what about supervised outdoor privileges with a leash and harness? you can take the baby outside with you! why not hand the baby over to hubby for a bit to get some cat time in? when a friend comes by let her hold the baby and you hold the cats? maybe your neighbor have a really scary dog that just happens to be outside your door whenever they go outside?
that's all I could come up with, I obviously don't have a baby. I'm sure when the baby get older and more independent you'll have more time
2006-10-25 17:05:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With all due respect, I have no answer to your question, but would like to comment that you are not a crazy cat lady! Give yourself some credit! To me, a crazy cat lady is one of those middle aged (which you are obviously not!) women who have not 2, but NUMEROUS cats roaming around their house, and whose mission in life is to "save" every cat in the world. Somehow you just don't strike me to be that type! Around here, there are ladies who work at the SPCA who go around trying to catch all the stray little kitties who hang out in the local fast food dumpster. The cats are obviously doing well on their own, but they put so much time into "saving" them! THOSE are the crazy cat ladies! You can love your cats and still not be a crazy cat lady - you are just a normal pet loving person! I wouldn't suggest calling yourself a crazy cat lady - it comes with a bad rep!
2006-10-26 05:24:05 · answer #7 · answered by angelbaby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If one is '''collecting''' cats around simply for the pleasure of owning cats, they might be considered crazy cat people. But the cats in this household serve more functions than their dubious relationship with the humans in the house. They are our pest control agents and they are particularly exceptional at their job. They also provide hours of completely mindless entertainment for both us and their poor beleaguered dog. And being new in a very small, closed community their antics in the neighbours yards certainly has them 'talking' to us. (((LOL)))
2016-03-28 07:50:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi fellow cat lady, all I can say is give it time and try to give them as much attention as possible (talk to them while doing dishes, etc). They probably just really miss going outside. Is it possible to build a kennel for them? If not, hopefully in time they'll not want to go outside so badly.
2006-10-25 16:30:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a cat person too. Maybe they need some more toys to keep them entertained. Also, if you don't have a cat tree you may want to get one or even two. I hope this helps you out.
2006-10-25 16:32:08 · answer #10 · answered by rainydayislandgirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋