So I have 4 black cats who are my whole world and even thinking about letting them outside sends a shiver down my spine.
Cat 1 is 4 years old female
Cat 2 is 3 years old female
Cat 3 is nearly 2 years old female
Cat 4 is around 8 months old male
As you can see, I get a new cat around once a year but I think 4 is enough for me now!
So, everything was ticking along nicely, all cats got along just fine until cat 4 shows up. He is a terror, a cute terror, but a terror nonetheless. We had him neutered as soon as the vets allowed it as we wanted to avoid spraying and any aggression. All the girls are spayed also.
Cat 4 chases cat 2 round the house non stop. Cat 2 is very timid and finding this very stressful and is now overgrooming to the point her legs are pretty much bald.
We've tried feliway, calming collars, trying to give her her own space - nothing works.
So we've just moved into a new house which we now own rather than rent. Our new house backs on to beautiful fields however the front does have a road which is moderately busy. I don't think they'd go near this road with all the fields they have access to.
I'm thinking now we've bought and we have the fields at the back it may be a good idea to start letting them out to explore and this may give Cat 2 a bit of relief from Cat 4.
None of them have ever been outside other than less than 5 times each on a harness.
How long should I wait until I begin the process? Should I even begin the process? What do I do, just install a cat flap and hope for the best? :( Very nervous