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New to Cat ownership need help

niknich Jan 12, 2004 11:29 AM

My mom died about 9 months ago. She had a cat. The cat, Cleo, lived with my grandparents from then until recently. She is 14 and was left outside, didn't get much attention or food on a regular basis. My grandparents are just not able to take care of her anymore. Over Christmas, my husband and I decided to adopt her and bring her into our home.

Since she is 14 we decided to keep her indoors. The first week, Cleo seemed so happy to be inside where it is warm, and to get attention and love. she's very vocal and loving.

3-4 weeks later, however, she crys all the time at night, doesn't eat as much, and seems bored. When we are home, she won't leave us alone...she just wants attention. I try to play with her, but she isn't interested in anything but petting. She will follow us all over the house and cry.

My husband and I have allergies so are really trying to keep our bedroom cat free. But at night she yowls. WE took her to the vet and she doesn't seem to have any medical problems. I worry that she is bored and don't know what to do about it. She is alone all day while we are at work. We pay alot of attention to her in the evening....and then she is alone again while we sleep. I'm pretty new to cat ownership and don't know if this is normal of if there is something I should be doing to keep her less bored and entertained.

Replies (3)

janome Mar 05, 2004 08:54 PM

Could be she misses her outdoor life and cat friends. we have 6 cats in our household and sometimes Jazzy will wonder around the house 'calling' for company from her house mates. I also have a 20 year old that wonders around with a toy in her mouth yowling as loud as she can. The minute she see me or my sis she will stop. Usually she wants something to eat or just petting. Or she could be getting senile.
It's a big adjustment for an outdoor cat to be an indoor cat all of the sudden. Do you have a spot she can call her own? Ours have scratching post, ect. around the house. They esp love to watch out the window.
Just some of my thoughts as I'm no expert or vet :0)

shortstff467 Mar 05, 2004 11:34 PM

Well good for you taking in this kit...and keeping her inside is best no matter what the cats age. She probably is bored and lonely being on her own all day and at night. Its good she had a checkup to rule out any physical problems. the only thing I can think to suggest is possibly a second cat. Cat home alone a lot often do much better in pairs. Good luck with her
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Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Shorty

PHAbymom Mar 06, 2004 12:45 AM

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Remember that cats sleep a lot! When they're her age, probably about 16 or so hours a day and most cats are nocturnal by nature. This means that when you get home, she's ready for her day to begin. Paying attention to her is probably the most important thing you can do.

The suggestions from the other posters are good, too. Provide some alternatives for her - scratching posts, a bed (even a blanket or towel on the couch) and one thing that often helps - get an interactive toy, like a feather flyer (toys that are attached by a string to a rod) or a laser pointer... use these with her for about 15 or 20 minutes before you are ready to go to bed. Also, right before bed is a good time for a special snack or treat. In other words, like a child, tire them out, fill their tummies and then put them to bed.

Another alternative might be to leave a radio on low (on a talk station) at nite in the area where her bed is.

Good luck and keep us posted!