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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Trying to re-home my cat :(

40 replies

hoops997 · 23/08/2012 10:48

Hello all,

I'm trying to re-home my lovely cat, I got her a few months back but she's very skittish and is absolutely terrified of my 2 yo DS, so much so she has developed a skin complaint, vet said this is something that can be bought on by being nervous :(

She hasn't had the best start in life, spent her first 6 weeks in a drug dealers home having to raid bins for food :( anyway her being so frightened of DS is not good for her and I want her to be happy.

I have pics on my profile, I'm posting this in the hope some lovely mnetter can maybe help.

I've tried all the shelters, cats protection but they are all full, I've even put adverts up in doctors and vets but to no avail :(

Please pm me if you can help

OP posts:

NPPF · 28/08/2012 01:08

I would say that most cats are terrified of a 2 year old. I wouldn't worry too much that the cat spends time away from the house. I'm sure it is happier being fed by you than being neglected by a junkie.

Justme23 · 28/08/2012 09:11

How are you getting on with your cat OP?

Original poster

hoops997 · 28/08/2012 15:00

She's still the same, she won't even come into the house even in the rain last night, I left my window open for her and her food was untouched this morning :(

OP posts:

lljkk · 28/08/2012 15:49

Probably caught too many mice :).

I suggest even if they can't take her in, go chat with CPL about what they think she needs.

noddyholder · 28/08/2012 15:52

Try rescue remedy I have had great success with it

Catsdontcare · 28/08/2012 15:52

We never see our cats this time of year as they don't really like the noise of children and it's warm outside but come winter they know which side their bread is buttered!

I would create a dry shelter for he outside and regularly try to invite her indoors once you little one is in bed. Tbh as long as she is well fed and has shelter then that's not a bad life for a moggy.

lljkk · 28/08/2012 15:54

There is a half-way measure, you could ask CPL to rehome her but say that you will continue to act as her foster carer in meantime. You'd not be asking extra resources of the shelters, but if the opportunity comes up for a better home she'd have it.

lljkk · 28/08/2012 15:56

In fact, I think it would have been better if you had said from the start, "I took this cat in until it could be rehomed but I'm not sure how to go about it" and then no on would accuse you of negligence, a Pet is For Life mentality. Your mistake was in calling it "My" cat.

Original poster

hoops997 · 28/08/2012 16:12

I spoke to one shelter and they said if you can't rehome her, you can have her put down

OP posts:

Justme23 · 28/08/2012 17:51

That's generally what happens. There are only so many options for animals that don't conform.

She soUnds like she would do well as a stray.

NaturalNature · 28/08/2012 17:56

I'm going to sound a bit lot batty here but it sounds like she had a horrible start in life and has not had the best lessons in owner/pet relations.

Have you tried "cat kisses" ? these are a way of gaining trust in cats. When you notice your cat looking at you, look back and slowly and firmly close your eyes for a few seconds then open them again. The cat should end up doing the same back when it trusts you and relaxing with you.

Hairtodayandgonetomorrow · 28/08/2012 18:00

I don't think you are meant to, but I put my cat on freecycle and found a lovely home for him.

wintersnight · 28/08/2012 18:09

I think you've had some good advice. We re-homed a rescue cat. It took her three years before she would come and sit on a knee. But she did eventually turn into a complete lap cat.

SummerRain · 28/08/2012 18:11

Most cats don't spend much time indoors in summer, I can go all day without seeing the older cats as they tend to just pop back for food.

As for the nervousness, my rescued feral took 2 years to get comfortable with us but is an absolute tramp for cuddles now.

The skin complaint may just be an allergy, one of mine gets scabby skin every summer, it goes away once the weather gets cold again. We just need to make sure she doesn't develope any infections. Her son used get it as well but none of the others ever do

juneau · 28/08/2012 18:19

My mother has had several very skittish rescue cats and it's taken her months to get them feeling secure and she's a 60+ woman with no children in her home. Do you have a 'safe' room where she can come and go from and you could leave her food up on a shelf - a porch, a utility room or something? My mother's scaredy cats hate my DC too, but it's really just a case of keeping them apart when we visit. It should get easier as your DS gets older and she adjusts to you all though and I can't help feeling that the last thing this poor cat needs is yet another home to get used to.

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