Do I need to rehome my cat?

[splendide]

I'm really struggling about what to do for the best here, would appreciate any advice.

I got my lovely cat about 4 years ago. She was living unhappily on a farm, too frightened to go outside, not getting much to eat and all scabby and big bald patches from stress grooming. She also had a completely in-grown claw. Poor girl spent a week hiding under out spare bed but got to know us and was really happy. She won't go outside still and hides from visitors but DH works from home and she seemed great.

Now you probably know what's coming next. We had a baby. Was ok at first but now DS is 18 months and I think the poor cat is really unhappy. I cannot overemphasise how careful I am to not let him bother her. He has literally never touched her. But he's noisy of course and she used to sleep in the room that's now the nursery so she lost that safe space. She's started being sick a lot, I think it's stress.

I'm honestly in floods of tears writing this, I feel dreadful. Just not sure what to do for the best. I feel so guilty, she had a lovely life and I don't know if the best ting is to find someone who can give her the calm life she clearly needs.

Any experience/ thoughts?

[FoxSticks]

Have you been to the vets to rule out a physical reason for the sickness? You could also try one of those pheromone plug ins if you think she's stressed. I was in the same position when my daughter was little but after a few months everything seemed to calm down a little and I'm so glad I didn't make any snap decisions.

[splendide]

I have and they couldn't find anything wrong. I think she's bolting her food because she doesn't feel she can just graze all day as she's hiding upstairs.

Haven't tried the pheromones, could try that actually.

I'm wondering whether we do need to just ride it out but realistically it's another couple of years before DS will be approaching a level of self control so the cat could stand to be in a room with him. I just really don't want to be cruel.

[Iknownuffink]

Could you give him space upstairs with his food, water and litter tray?

Once he realises that the new baby smells and noises are non threatening he will probably relax.

[splendide]

Not really, it's a tiny two bed terrace. Her food is in an area the baby can't reach but she won't eat when he's making a racket anywhere in the house. Not just if he's crying (he's pretty calm for a toddler) but just general crashing about.

Sorry I must sound like I'm being really defeatist. It's just that it's getting worse not better, she was ok until he got mobile.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Have you tried zylkene? It's really good at calming cats down.

How about a little play tent she can feed in?

[splendide]

Tent is a good idea. And could try Zylkene. Thank you.

I'll try the suggestions above and see if it helps.

[ocelot41]

How about some cat shelves so she can escape little grabby hands?