Not sure where to post this - got to give up my cat and feel so guilty :(

[Feelingguilty1e]

I know it’s a stupid thing really. I got him a few months ago, he was a stray. My job has changed and so I am rarely around to look after him. He’s only a kitten and when I get home he’s clearly hungry and bored.

I know I need to let him go, but nobody wants him and so he will have to go back to a shelter in one of those tiny cages.

Am I doing the right thing? :( feel so so guilty!

It's a myth that cats are fine alone, they have different personalities and do need stimulation.

Can the cat go outside?

Feelingguilty please don't give up on the little one! Guilt is normal when leaving a pet and they need something to do while you're out but they aren't kittens forever. Plenty of play and love when you get home can work wonders. I used to set up toys and various activities for mine before I left for work, still felt guilty for leaving them but they are well adjusted now! It's a good Idea to get a second cat, ideally an older kitten (and be prepared for the hilarity that ensues). I have two as the rescue charity I adopted them from always tries to give them in pairs so they have some animal company.

Could you pay someone a few pounds to come in and feed/play during the day? My DD did this for a short time after graduating from university. Cats can be intensive and demanding sometimes but this one will have bonded with you even if you can't see it yet! Good luck! XX

Doesn’t go outside at the moment but we have a shed that is unused, clean and safe. Could get a cat flap put in there so he had the run of the garden too, but would he be cold?

But that wouldn’t solve the loneliness part

Timed feeders are cheap and easy to use. Get a water fountain too, as they usually love them. A good tall cat tree, one of those track with ball things. And finally, a second cat. If the cat seems stressed, a plugin Feliway cartridge will also help.

If it can go out and about then it won’t be lonely.
It’s a cat. Try not to put human emotions on it.
My cat was left at home all day and could go in and out, perfectly fine.

And no it won’t be cold, it’s not that cold out at the moment.
Cats are easy. They love you no matter what and don’t feel guilty!
If you feed it, they will love you!

Is recommend looking at dog feeder toys, such as the kong wobbler, the spiral feeders, lickimats, snufflemats etc that you can put kibble and treats in to keep him occupied and fed throughout the day.
Many small breed dog toys are suitable for cats too.

Shame you don't live nearer me, I'm looking for a new cat. The old guy died and my other female is lonely.
But Birmingham is too far.
I wouldn't feel that guilty people generally want younger cats but please, please, please don't advertise, always return to a shelter where they will check out the new owner.

Depends on the cat. My two hate each other. I can count on one hand the number of times they each interact with one of us (even though whole family home) each day.
Some cats are needy cuddle monsters. Others have a more erm “fuck You” attitude to the world.

Op make a nice nest for him in the shed with the cat flap and every morning make him a hot water bottle for his nest so it stays warm for him for a while. Get a cat flap that only opens with his collar otherwise you’ll have lots of cheeky cats sneaking in.

I have a cat and I work long hours , I have one of those cat toy Centre set up things , it’s like a play station for the cat , bare in mind cats do sleep an awful lot , I have an in house camera and my cat literally doesn’t move until I come home 😂.

I also like the suggestion of maybe adding another kitten to the mix ?

I adore my cat and I’m sure your little kitten loves you very much xx

Agree cats have different personalities. My girl cat sleeps in my bed all day long apart from a couple of hours in the evening when she goes outside. My boy cat thinks he is a dog and has to be at my feet or on my lap. If I go upstairs and he can’t see me immediately he cries like a baby until I call him and he comes bounding up the stairs just to sit and watch me hanging laundry.

I meant to say you can find the cat play centres on amazon and probably gumtree too . Alternatively you could make your cat a really tall climbing poll out of card and that tough rope. My cat loved it, she’s a proper monkey Xx

Seriously? Of course the cat won't be better off in a shelter than with you. The cat will be fine, they can spend the day alone. Maybe you could find a nice young teenage student who you could pay to pop in for half an hour each evening to feed him and give him a cuddle and a play?

I feel like long term he will never get the attention he deserves. I want him to be cuddled and loved and I am so rarely home. Maybe that doesn’t matter? He just seems so much happier when I have been around all day. Usually meowing by the time I get home.

Ime cats are very low maintenance and without wanting to sound harsh, it would seem that you are looking for reasons to give the cat away. They don't care that you work long hours- they are not humans and affixing "loneliness" on them is somewhat silly. As long as you provide well for them (toys/food/litter- all of which you should do regardless of work) they are content. Your cat isn't showing signs of distress- peeing and hissing/ shyness/ scramming etc. You just "feel" he's not getting what he needs? That reads to me like you've changed your mind.

Mine meow when we get home. But they don’t come in for attention. They just want to be acknowledged.
Do you want to give the cat up!

I don’t want to give the cat up. I worry a lot that he’s lonely. This is obviously a bit silly given what I’m reading!

I think you’re over thinking it op. In your position I’d personally keep the cat , also your work situation may change again who knows but lots of good suggestions here to help keep kitty entertained whilst your out XX

I make mine activity toys from shoe boxes and cardboard

Random things my boy likes to play with.

The plastic ring off the milk carton
Hair bobbles
Toilet roll tubes
My slippers (he loves my slippers- will fall asleep with his head in them sometimes)
Plastic tops off sports drinks bottles
The stairs (at 3am)
The handtowels from the bathrooms
My dressing gown (pulls it off the hook to sleep on)
DS1s feet
His sister (she hates it)

OP we got out kitten at 8 weeks old and DP and I often work 8am- 9pm!

We made sure he had food and water, a warm house and plenty of toys! He’s two years old now and a soft affectionate little thing who seems very happy and content!

Cats are solitary animals so as long as you’re coming home everyday (even late) it won’t be a problem the way it would with a dog!

I don’t think you need to give him up- the only advice I’d give is to leave your bedroom open to him on a night so he can come snuggle (get earplugs though as they’re noisy little sods)

Cats sleep most of their lives. Yours will be blissfully happy. You don’t need to worry.