Hi everyone. I’m posting in Chat for traffic as I desperately need some advice. This will be quite long but please bear with me.
In February my partner and I adopted two cats (16 & 12). We have a 7 month old baby, which we discussed with the rescue place as obviously important to mention. We had always wanted to adopt two older cats as kittens get so much interest at rescue places and we wanted to give some elderly ones a chance. We contacted a local cat rescue place when we saw a post go up about adopting these two, and within a week they were home with us.
we were told they were a bonded pair who had been rescued from an old lady who had gone into a home with dementia, and that the girl cat (let’s call her Sooty) was a bit bossy and the boy cat (let’s call him Ginger) was a bit shy but both friendly.
That was absolutely the case - both so sweet, friendly and affectionate…with us. But they absolutely hate each other. We thought it was because of needing to re-establish relationships in a new place, but nearly 5 months down the line nothing has improved and in fact it has worsened. They are soiling all over the house multiple times a day. They have both been to the vet and had medical issues ruled out - it’s behavioural/territorial.
We have tried everything. A Feliway plug-in, calming sachets in food (vet recommended), multiple litter trays, keeping them separate, anti-pee/foul spray. They have access to the garden which they use to toilet in and they use the litter trays so we know they know HOW to do these things. Yet 3 times a day we are cleaning up poo from the floor - in front of the litter tray, the bathroom floor, the bedroom floor. They often urinate on things as well.
Sooty adores our baby but Ginger is less keen. He has pooed/urinated on several of her things. She isn’t mobile yet so doesnt bother them. And even if she was she would be closely monitored and supervised. She doesn’t even really cry so it’s not like he’s contending with lots of loud noise he would find unpleasant. We have a decent sized house with plenty of places for him to sleep.
This morning we have come downstairs to poo in the kitchen and dining room, and wee all over the baby’s changing bag. My partner has said he’s absolutely had enough and he would like to rehome them.
I really don’t want to do this and am so upset about the situation. I’m sorry this is so long but wanted to give enough detail. I have owned cats all my life and never had such issues. We are at the end of our tether. I never thought I’d be one of those people who would rehome a cat but they’re both clearly unhappy here which breaks my heart - they have lots of space, a garden, plenty of food, toys and affection.
Does anyone have any advice, or has been in a similar situation? I am constantly worrying about them.