I rescued a 14wk old kitten about 11 years ago, I'll call her OGCat for the purposes of the thread.
Now, for the third time in about 8yrs we have a cat trying to adopt us.
Why? What is it about us/our house that makes it so appealing?
The first one was a total treasure and lived with us for 4 years before passing away at 17yrs of age, after trying to reunite her with her chip registered owners who denied all knowledge of her. She cost me a fortune in vets bills but was worth every penny. She was affectionate from the moment she arrived and was loved by us as much as she loved us. OGCat tolerated her and occasionally on really cold days they'd snuggle up together to sleep.
About 6months after she passed, the 2nd arrived and was feral, scrawny and clearly unloved with poor fur/skin condition and even after 2.5yrs would only tolerate a quick fuss on the head as he ravenously ate his food on the back doorstep. As soon as he came in the house he sprayed everywhere. We never got to the point where we could get enough hands on contact with him to take him to the vets for a chip/health check. He came to the door twice a day for his food and a chat but he never lost the scrawny look, so I concluded that he wasn't double dining. He slept under the covers of our garden furniture. He passed away on our grass last summer. OGCat initially tried to warn him off but came to simply watch him from a few feet away each visit.
Again, 6 months later the 3rd arrived and is still turning up daily after 4 months despite not getting a bite to eat from us. Its big so im assuming it's male. He looks like he's living outside, the white parts of his fur look muddy. He's a long haired beauty but
OGCat becomes very anxious and agitated when he tries his luck at the cat flap. He paws and howls at it desperately trying to get in. OGCat didnt used to be scared of anything but over the last few years has had a few stress uti's. I'm loathe to entertain this 3rd cat because of her reaction to him, and it's a problem now I want to leave the back door open with the nicer weather. When he has got in he has sauntered through like he owns the place and OGCat is on high alert for hours afterwards.
Any suggestions as to why we keep being the chosen ones, that might help me figure out how to deter this one?
OGCat was spayed as a very young cat so that rules one reason out.
I imagine this sounds like a dream situation to many but it's horrible to see OGCats anxious response to him (and I'm really hoping a dog will be my next animal).