Can I get a hand hold and some advice on rehoming?

[EvansAndThePrince]

DH and I have two 2 year old indoor cats. We have a 1 year old DD and are now finding it harder to keep the cats happy. We have less time for them, and now due to unfortunate circumstances are less able financially to give them the things they need. Obviously they have food and litter, they aren't going without.
Last year the younger of the two had to stay at the vets to be treated for crystals in his urine and now the other cat is in the vet with the same issue. We think that stress from having a small person running around may be contributing to this issue as well as not being able to give them wet food daily. Obviously there is a hefty vet bill coming our way and the cat needs to have a prescription diet for a few months which is really stretching us financially and we feel that it may be time to think about what's best for them, which is possibly being rehomed with someone more able to give them the care they need and a less stressful life.
This is naturally breaking my heart but I can see that it would be better for them in the long run.
DH has never been a huge fan and they're definitely "my" cats, I feel totally wretched like I'm betraying them.
I'm not sure how to go about rehoming them either.
The older cat is still in the vet right now so obviously it's not something immediate but it's weighing on me.

Make sure they are insured and let them out ! It's not much life to keep cats in to be honest . They will learn to look after themselves .

Thank you cosie

I think having cats is at its hardest when you have a toddler, but toddlerhood doesn't last forever. I remember feeling really stressed and thought about rehoming my cats when my first child was about 18 months, as it happened I didn't go through with it and we don't have any problems with them now.

I think you should try letting them out. They're still so young and must be bored being cooped up.

Yes let them out - a lot of cats get stessed being inside all the time. I have two cats, one scraps, one runs away, neither has needed vet treatment

Yes, Butchers Classic is a very good food. No nasties in it like Go-Cat (I'm surprised that crap stuff's still on the market. And my cats gobble up the Butchers, unlike the fancy expensive stuff I used to offer them. On Butchers classic 2 cats would cost less than £20 a month to feed, if you buy 12 packs from Tesco.

When DH's cat moved in with me, his condition improved immensely after a change in food.

Would you consider trying that?

Also deep shelves (about 30cm) with offcuts of carpet glued on they have a place to escape from little grabby toddler hands?

I'm going to show DH this thread. Maybe we could switch foods and let them out, see how that goes.

Oh god I didn't realise their house cats. No wonder their stressed.

You've really got to stand up to men over things like this or it becomes a habit for both of you. Then you end up like one of my relatives, full of good ideas but a dh who negs her out so he gets his way all the time. It's not nice.

Cats only fight to establish the hierarchy, once that's done they rub along ok.

I totally agree with letting them out. Butcher Classic tins and going outside really should be the answer.

And what Fluffy said ....

There you go - thinking more about options.

Good luck.

DEFINITELY not asking for relationship advice thank you fluffy

Just gatecrashing again , we have problems with one cat getting recurring cystitis too. Our vet said its genetic and nothing we can do will change it but she does have go cat and felix wet food . Has anyone changed their cats food to help and if so which one ?

bish - the dried food/gocat thing is more of a problem with male cats in that it causes urinary crystals leading to blocked bladders. Cystitis in female cats can be caused by all sorts of things - stress being a favourite - and seems to be less causally linked to diet.

That said in cats prone to cystitis it is always good to make sure they are as hydrated as possible, so fed food as opposed to dry is a good idea. As are homemade chicken broth (without any salt) or the new sachets of 'cat soup'. Basically anything to get the liquid intake up.

fed food?? What the hell is that? I meant wet food of course.

It means personally peeling their grapes, TCN. (Although you'd need a tray of the fruit and 3 hours spare to do all yours, I guess. )

How many are you at now?

Bish, we fed LandingCat a mix of wet food and dry (sometimes GoCat, sometimes Iams, depending on finances/offers) and stopped when he first got crystals. Went onto wet food after that on vet's advice and never had the problem recur. He lived to 18 so did pretty well! As a result I'm wary of giving dry food to BiteyCat except as I would cat treats - a small handful in a treat ball is his limit - but again he's a male so more prone to blockages. I'd ask your vet's advice on your girl's diet.

I think it's 23 cozie but that's including an extra two in my spare room that are for rehoming, but not including the four that are scattered around in hospital baskets and are part of my current trap/neuter/return job.

Thank you . She loves biscuits but I think I'll cut them out for now . Oldcat is on y/d as he has thyroid issues so I don't mind buying her better food if it helps . She is only 7 but is lazy and doesn't go out much unless it's sunny .

Agree with PP's.
Let them out.
Not sure what you mean about not 'having time for them' ....... what would you be doing with them if you DID have time?? Cats are pretty independent and basically just get on with it.
Sounds to me like your DH is the driving force behind this.

Hi i think. We let wee cat out today (supervised!) as he has been out the odd time before. We used to let them cuddle on us in the evenings and play with them a lot but I barely have time to shower these days let alone sit down for a good play and long cuddle.

Great , I bet he loved it ! I really think cats should be allowed outside . My cats look after themselves in the day and get attention at night . Most cats are happy with that .

Big cat went to sleep today. He was just too unwell. We will follow all your advice for wee cat, thanks for commenting.

I'm so sorry

I'm sorry to hear about big cat .. Maybe the other cat can learn to be an outdoor cat more now . They really are very independent and I'm sure much less of a worry trying to stop them escaping .

I'm sorry to hear that.

Best give it a goodly time to allow little cat to adjust now, I think. Your situation may change greatly if he does.