It's another 'I hate my cat' one

[lookingforthecorkscrew]

For context: We rescued our cat (moggy) when he was 7 weeks old (tiny, I know) from a local woman with newborn twins who was struggling to cope. We have always taken good care of him, regular check ups, wormings, flea treatments etc. He has outside access (though he doesn't roam far) and, until recently, was an easy and gentle pet.

He's eleven now, and I'm 23 weeks pregnant, and he's a completely different animal. He constantly begs for food, despite being given a very generous diet. He hounds my every footstep for hours all day and when I don't feed him he attacks my feet. He attacks me daily, unprovoked and often for no reason. The image I've posted is a scar from a deep scratch I received through my leggings, while I was just sitting watching tv one evening. He doesn't attack DH or 3yo DS, just me. He also STINKS, I have HG and just can't handle the smell of his box at all. DH cleans and sifts it regularly but his smells stick around for hours.

We've taken him to the vet, he's healthy. We've installed Feliway diffusers upstairs and downstairs. We've made sure that he has as much outside access as he wants.

But I'm living on constant tenterhooks around him and tbh I'm fucking sick of it. I guiltily fantasise about rehoming him and never having to smell him or have chunks gouged out of my ankles again. I just don't know what to do. DH is much less bothered by it all than I am, but he isn't covered in scars!

I know why he hates me. But I can't do much about that atm!!

Well it won't be forever, will it? Poor thing is probably confused. Can you move the litter tray nearer to the catflap and then gradually put it outside, so he will eventually go in the garden? No need to have a litter tray in the house if you don't wan't one.

I know I'll get shot down for this but maybe we feel sympathy for the cat who's going to lose the only home he's ever known because you've decided he's too much hard work.

Ok, here’s some advice: re-home the cat. He deserves better than you.

You completely ignored any advice you were given, eg justkeepdancing's thoughtful and detailed post.

I know it's not forever but life is unbearable atm. This morning I woke up, went into the bathroom (where the litter tray is) and retched into the sink because the cat had shat in it in the night. Went downstairs with the cat snaking between my legs, fed the cat. Ten minutes later the cat finds me in the lounge and sinks his teeth and claws into my leg.

That's just today.

Imagine throwing up EVERY MORNING, often several times a day. And imagine that being greatly exacerbated by the cat.

He'd shat in his box, not the sink, btw

Do you play with him? My cat used to like attacking people but laser pen/teaser/etc. twice a day for 20 mins tires her out completely, nothing where she has to come near me. She's not generally a fan of teasers but this one www.amazon.co.uk/GoCat-Apart-Feather-Assorted-Colors/dp/B000F9JJJE/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=da+bird+toy&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1519037432&sr=8-2 she goes loopy for. Ten minutes with the laser then ten minutes with the teaser (so she feels as if she's caught something) then feed.

Do you dry feed as well as wet? If he's hungry then having dry available might help.

I've lost all sympathy for you I'm afraid.
You committed to getting a pet, you've asked for advice and completely ignored the post I wrote suggesting tips which do actually work, and outlining why your cat might have had a change in attitude towards you. You've ignored the posts from others suggesting that your cat may be stressed and needing affection, and you've ignored the posts suggesting that this may be age related issues.

You clearly don't give a crap about your cat anymore, so that leaves two options - change your attitude and put the work in, or re-home the cat. It seems as if you don't want to do the former, so that that leaves the latter. Just be aware that this time of year is incredibly busy for rescues and that there's a possibility they might be full or operate a waiting list. Please don't turn to Gumtree if that happens.

He has a combo of dry and wet food. I don't have time to play with him. I have a DS with additional needs and I have hyperemesis gravidarum and PGP.

Ten minutes later the cat finds me in the lounge and sinks his teeth and claws into my leg.

Is he just playing? Trying to get attention?
Can't you just put him in a different room, while you are there with him? Cat's sleep most of the day anyway.

I can't 'put the work in'. I have a DS at home all day with ASD. I'm having a shitty pregnancy. Im trying to organise a house move. I have no family nearby to help out. So I'm sorry if that makes me a shitty catmother but life is too much atm.

He stinks? Lovely attitude.

Ever had HG Rose?

What did you expect people to say?

OP what exactly do you want from this thread?

If you can’t put the work in then you have to rehome it. The biting thing could be a cry for attention as it’s bored and wants you to spend time playing with it. Cats are living beings that feel boredom just like you or I would. Can you get a local cat charity to rehome it for you?

I’m out. Can’t be bothered reading this sort of whining on a thread. Grrrr

And i don’t think you should keep the litter tray in a room that you have to use regularly at the moment like the bathroom. Is there not somewhere a bit more hidden away that you can put it? I keep my cat’s one in a corner near the front door behind a table

I think you just want people to tell you he's a horrid cat and you re-home and now you're getting snappy because they're not.

And yes, I have had HG. You have my sympathies. its vile.

You should re-home, for the cats sake.

I suspect that he can tell you smell differently because you are pregnant. It is only you he is attacking. Surely give him a chance to see if he is back to normal after you have given birth?
And yes put him outside to give yourself a break.

So I'm sorry if that makes me a shitty catmother but life is too much atm.

You are obviously stressed but it won't always be like this. Once you have moved and had the baby, the cat will eventually settle down. You said he was gentle before this, so he will be again.

But it seems like you have made up your mind, so just make sure he goes to a decent home.

Poor cat, I hate people who just re home their pets when they can't be bothered with them.

Op just wanted people to justify her wish to rehome the poor cat. This didn't happen. Of course, we know that rehoming isn't easy and the poor cat will likely end up euthanised.

Had his thyroid been checked?

How will be manage when the baby arrives? How can you be sure the baby will be safe?