Break my heart. We will take Snowy with us to the new flat, at least until we find him a new home, and see how he adapts - if all goes well of course we'll keep him. But we had lived in flats before (two) and he really found it difficult. He would scratch at the door until it opened, even if that took two days (literally - let's not even talk about damage to rental property), and then would run outside as soon as the door was open even a crack and we'd spend hours chasing after him to get him back inside. Not to mention all kinds of behavioral problems which disappeared as soon as we moved and he was able to go outside. Snowy is extremely sociable, not at all the kind of cat to go hide under the sofa when guests arrive or the door opens! We are even planning to solicit a behavioralist (at CHF 180 per hour) to help him adapt, but truly I anticipate that he won't. As much as we love Snowy, once he goes back to his old antics it will be difficult for us to continue to live together. It really does break my heart, and our four-year-old will be terribly sad too, but at the end of the day we need to teach him that it's the pet's welfare, not our emotions, that take precedence.



This will be the hardest part of this move!



:(



[quote]Are you sure??! :-o



My cat has been with me for 12 years (since she was 2 months old - abandoned by her mother) and whereas she loved it when I was living in the countryside (and able to go out when she wanted), she's adapted very well to living in a town (and having to stay inside)...



I hope you reconsider, as I wouldn't give mine up for the world! :-) J.[/quote]
sela_michal, Jan 6, 2009 @ 11:38

Yes, we're looking for a person or family to adopt Snowy, for free - in exchange for a loving home where he can go outside a bit.



[quote]

-

hi



Do you mean that you wnat to offer your cat?[/quote]
sela_michal, Jan 6, 2009 @ 11:42

Hi, I have 6 cats and love them dearly and really feel for you in this predicament.

 Are you sure you want to give him away because whilst I understand about the issue of him wanting to go out sometimes cats would rather have the same owner if a choice had to be made? It is very difficult I understand. 

It may depend on how old he is and how long you have had him.

It seems you want the best for him but is it ?

Just from my experience because I have had so many rescue cats over the years and they have adapted to what ever environment we have been in from the middle of no where in a farm house to a busy housing estate.

Why not give him a chance and just see how he adapts first hun ?

Also some of my cats have been the worlds biggest hunters and out all the time to suddenly not wanting to go out, their behaviours can change over the years

Do let us know how he gets on

Kindest wishes xx
dora2505, Jan 10, 2009 @ 17:13

sorry dont think I read what you said fully as seems you have been here with moving him before. New to the forums. Have you tried the felaway spray ? and perhaps a towel or 2 that has the scent of his old home  

As I say do keep us posted how you all get on xx
dora2505, Jan 10, 2009 @ 17:16

Hi :)



Well i have a problem with my cats as well. I got them from a farm and the difference from that to in a small appartment where they cannot go out at all is huge. I have them for one week and so far they stay in their box the whole day and dont even let me touch them. At night when i sleep they are all over the place. What can i do to make them more friendly?



Anyone?
Maria_, Jan 10, 2009 @ 18:25

how old are they, are they kittens ? and have you only had them a week and how long at the farm? Most cats sleep in the day and stay awake at night.
dora2505, Jan 10, 2009 @ 18:28

thanks for your reply. i dont know exactly but i think they are about a year old and were born at the farm. im giving them two more weeks and if they dont change im taking them back. they will be happier there
Maria_, Jan 12, 2009 @ 00:27

Hi Maria,

Most of the time, farmers don't bother to socialize their cats. If they did not play and learned a few rules to your cats it is unfortunately possible that it is too late for them to learn how to interact with a human...

Anyway one week is a little bit short for cats of that age to fully adapt so it's a good thing to give them more time.

I wish you good luck,

Isa
zezette, Jan 12, 2009 @ 11:56

Hi, it is very soon to feel the cats should be settling, even if they were previously in a house.

It is even harder that they have grown up on a farm but at the age of only one year they have a chance of settling very well but it’s going to take time and patience from you.

 I have cared for several ferral  and abused cats, we still have the one which came from a farm at one year of age but it was a good 6 months before she settled.    The older and wilder they are the harder it is to home.

It is good there are 2 so they can play together and keep each other company.

I also wonder if you know much about cats behaviour and what is normal. I suggest that you visit cat sites and forums; I even need these forums for advice and am 25 years into caring for cats.

 

Here is just one example

 

http://www.catownerforum.com/

 

Give them a chance honey if you can

xx
dora2505, Jan 12, 2009 @ 20:23

Well since so many people say i should give them more time i will :) I found names for them already. I think Biscuit and Mustard would eventually like the person who feeds them and cleans up after them!
Maria_, Jan 12, 2009 @ 22:04