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The litter tray

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Original poster

Our cat has divorced us :-(

16 replies

ItStillLooksLikeRainDear · 07/02/2014 22:48

We are moving house in 2 weeks & Our lovely cat who is 17 this year hasn't been home in 2 weeks. It seems he's moved into our neighbour across the road who already has 4 cats. DH & I were worried about moving him as he's quite old & is loved by the neighbours. Our neighbour has offered to have him but we feel very torn - he's not very fond of DC aged 4 & 2 as they are over affectionate but we don't want to abandon him either. Any thoughts?

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 07/02/2014 22:52

Doesn't sounds as if you'll be abandoning him. If he's happiest there, the neighbour and her cats are happy - well. And he's an old boy.

BrianTheMole · 07/02/2014 22:54

If he's moved house by himself and he's happy, then I would let him do that. Can you come back and visit?

Fluffycloudland77 · 07/02/2014 22:57

He sounds happy and he has other cats to keep him company so it's not abandonment. They must like cats a lot to have four already.

mellojello · 07/02/2014 22:57

Is it because he has seen you moving things around whilst packing? That he feels anxious maybe & went for some rest, bless him, he loves you Im sure.

cozietoesie · 07/02/2014 23:02

I was also wondering whether you could somehow have given out signals of impending reorganisation ? I reckon he's chosen.

Original poster

ItStillLooksLikeRainDear · 07/02/2014 23:03

The neighbour who he seems to have moved in with had 2 cats of her own & then her next door neighbour moved who had 2 cats & they ended up staying with her. We are only moving 1/2 mile away so will be near & love the neighbours so will be back to visit. We have been packing & moving things since just after Christmas.

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cozietoesie · 07/02/2014 23:08

He's received the message then and as an old boy is sticking with what he knows best. It's good that you would be close enough to visit him though.

Original poster

ItStillLooksLikeRainDear · 07/02/2014 23:20

Still feel as though we are abandoning him though but DH says we'd be selfish bringing him with us & I can see his point - our next door neighbour's son bought her a cat bowl with our cat's name on as he's always popping round there. & another neighbour with no pets buys treats in especially for him.

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TamzinGrey · 07/02/2014 23:22

A 16 year old cat from across the road moved in with us a couple of years ago. We used to keep taking her back to their house, but she was very determined and now lives here permanently, with her previous owners blessing. There are young children in her old house and, although she loved her family, and was loved in return by them, she seemed to have just suddenly decided that she needed to have peace and quiet in her old age.

Old cats find a change of environment frightening and stressful. You'd be doing her a big favour if you left her with your neighbour, in familiar surroundings.

cozietoesie · 07/02/2014 23:34

I don't think you would be abandoning him. As others have said, it sounds as if he's after some peace and quiet in his sunset time.

Maybe offer to keep funding his needs though? If your neighbour is looking at 5 cats, it would be quite a drain on her resources.

BuggersMuddle · 07/02/2014 23:37

Speak to your neighbour.

We took on a neighbour's 15 year old cat but to be honest we'd known him for 4 years and been his 'humans' for 2 years with his owner's knowledge. Catalyst was neighbour getting an Alsatian pup on the basis that 'cat was okay with dogs'...when he got him, not at nearly 11 years old...

If you are leaving him (and it might be right) do the paperwork. I had to prove I wasn't a cat thief for a cat I'd given more care than his owner did for 4 years (He was flea ridden and had worms when we met him - that's why I fed him, thought he was a poor wee stray.) Owner new the situation but could neither say he would take care of cat nor hand him over until he was leaving the area.

Do make sure they understand that a 17 year old car is essentially a liability (no offence) and make sure you are comfortable with what they would do if and when he gets sick. We are fairly well off, but I could not get insurance at a reasonable rate for our cat despite the fact he functions like a cat half his age.

Original poster

ItStillLooksLikeRainDear · 07/02/2014 23:38

I think you are right Tamzin the peace and quiet is a lot to do with it. I'm going to have to let him go aren't i? :-( . I saw him on the street yesterday & called him, he looked over his shoulder, gave me a quick glance & carried on walking.

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cozietoesie · 07/02/2014 23:44

He might also enjoy the company of the other cats she has ? I happen to have a cussed blighter who only likes humans and could see any other cat far enough but there are plenty of cats who enjoy hanging out with their mates. Who can tell.

Original poster

ItStillLooksLikeRainDear · 07/02/2014 23:58

True cozie. I also wouldn't dream of leaving him without paying his way. We will take him to the vets before we go for his check & drop food round regularly. He's always been a healthy & spoilt well looked after cat but he is getting noticeably old now.

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TamzinGrey · 08/02/2014 00:02

Well this could turn out to be the perfect scenario for him. He would be living in comfortable retirement in his familiar territory, with regular visits from you. If your neighbour would be happy to take him, I think that it would be best to let him go. Just think about it as if he was moving into a luxury retirement home.

Original poster

ItStillLooksLikeRainDear · 08/02/2014 00:06

That's just what one of my RL friends said Tamzin. Thank u

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