Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 10, 2009, 10:45:25 AM

Title: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 10, 2009, 10:45:25 AM

I am totally hacked off- last night when I went to bed, I sat on the bed to get in then from nowhere Oliver came over and SPRAYED all over me  >:(

So whilst changing bed sheets at 2am, I was  considering to strangle him there and then  :censored: I didnt get to sleep till around 3.30  :tired:

I have really had enough of this cat, although I love him- my love and patience are wearing thin  >:(

He has to go I really cant cope with the spraying anymore. I have even thought about just "letting" him out but I know in my heart I couldnt do that  :(

It going to get to a point where Im going to keep him in the back garden- banned from the house  :shify:

Tell me what Im gonna do, who would want a cat like that  :(

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: lisa281 on July 10, 2009, 11:00:33 AM

 oh dear ccmacey , no solution here but wanted to give you  :hug:  :hug:

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: blackcat on July 10, 2009, 11:00:51 AM

Hate to say this, but I put up with that sort of thing from Pavarotti for 8 years - he would sit on my head in bed and pee on me. Or sit at the foot of the bed looking at me intently and pee. Or do the same on the sofa, or the curtains ... It ain't nice i can tell you. Breathe deeply and take up meditation ...  :hug:

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: JackSpratt on July 10, 2009, 11:02:25 AM

There's a possibility Oliver wouldn't act this way if he were an only cat. I'm so sorry he's playing up so much; believe me I know how hard it can be coping with a demanding cat. (Mog has hardly shut up all morning - not to mention how many times she wakes me up at night. I'm exhausted.)

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Janeyk on July 10, 2009, 11:09:09 AM

Has he been checked there's no medical problem CC?

If he's healthy he's obviously territorial but will probably will be ok as an only cat - has he always been like this?

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Tan on July 10, 2009, 11:18:14 AM

CC hun you need to find out why he is doing it. He aint doing it to be naughty, it's a natural way for cats when stressed and upset. Try yo stay calm and figure our the reason behind it.
If it is because he is not allowed outside anyomore and was used to, then for me it would be kinder to him to either let him out or rehome him where he can go out safely but that is your choice hun.  I know it's hard but sometimes we have to do whats best for them if they are showing signs of being unhappy in current situtaion no matter how much we adore them.  :hug:

Not sure of you have read the bit in Health & behaviour about spraying?  I know it won't be the solution as all cats have a diff reason why they spray but it may help to try and understand why so you can help stop it.  :hug:

Urine Spraying & Scratching behavior problems
Reference CAT DETECTIVE by Vicky Halls  

One of the most common behaviour problems.

It's important to remember that your cat is not doing this just to be naughty.
Once you understand why your cat is Urinating and scratching in your home, you are half way there to solving the problem. A long read but well worth it!!

URINE SPRAYING IS A PERFECTLY NORMAL FELINE behaviour and it represents an important means of com¬munication within a cat's territory. The behaviour, when observed, is quite unmistakable. The cat will approach an object or vertical surface and often sniff intently. He may even turn away slightly from the point of interest with an open-mouthed grimace and a faraway look. This shows us how interesting the smell must be as the cat draws the exciting aroma into the second organ of scent that a cat possesses in the roof of its mouth (called the Jacobsen's organ). Once all the necessary information has been gleaned from the `tasted' smell the cat will turn round, raise its tail vertically and tread with its back paws. As the tail quivers a small jet of pungent urine hits the surface. Hey presto a unique scent and visual mark is deposited for all to see.

As cats appear to be able to differentiate between sprayed and squatted urine it is believed that the anal glands may secrete when urine is sprayed to produce the oily, viscous liquid found on the skirting boards of less fortunate cat owners. There should be, in theory, no need to spray urine indoors if it is perceived as the cat's core area or den. Safety and security in this context should be paramount. If the individual develops a sense of insecurity and becomes stressed then he has limited ways of expressing this vulnerability. So he uses a natural behaviour (urine spraying) usually employed in situations of conflict.
The jury is still out regarding the definitive reasons why the behaviour is so necessary but it appears to be most relevant to the sprayer itself. Any cat is capable of spraying urine, male, female, neutered or entire, although it is most common in the intact male. Sexually active cats will spray urine that is laden with pheromones to indicate their readiness for mating. Neutered cats will spray on fences and bushes, for example, in- areas of high cat density as part of their daily routine. Despite the fact that urine spraying can be utilized to relieve all sorts of weird and wonderful emotions in certain rather complex individuals it can safely be said that it is usually `a cat thing' and another feline is at the root of the problem.

One interesting statistic gleaned from the `Feline Felons' survey reinforced my feelings about cats' being acutely aware of social overcrowding. The results showed that the incidence of urine spraying indoors increased in proportion to the number of cats in the home, from 17 per cent of single cat households to 86 per cent of those with seven or more cats. Every house has that `one too many' cats threshold. Two may be a crowd in homes containing particularly intolerant individuals whereas six or seven may be the magic number in others. A great deal of luck is required, together with the right environment, to prevent all hell's breaking loose.

Indoor urine spraying is often just one symptom of a generally turbulent and disrupted existence. Most cases are combined with other complications including excessive scratching within the house, anxious individuals in the group and, worse still, inappropriate urination or defecation indoors.

Urine spraying is not the only marking behaviour that cats indulge in; their sense of smell is the most powerful of all their senses and scent is deposited daily by various means.

Rubbing/chinning
Cats have sebaceous glands around lips, chin, head and base of the tail. These secrete scent that can be used either to rub against other cats within a social group to identify members of the same gang or to deposit on objects around the home and outer territory to ensure that things smell familiar. You will probably notice that your cat will raise his bottom if you tickle him on top of the base of his tail or push against your hand if you stroke him on his cheek. He's probably just grateful that you're going to help him spread his scent around.

Middening
When cats feel threatened within their home territory they may occasionally deposit faeces in prominent locations and on strategic pathways as a very strong signal to all and sundry. It is sometimes easy to confuse this marking gesture with a case of inappropriate defecation when the problem is not invading cats but merely a dirty litter tray.

If your cat is spraying excessively due to anxiety and insecurity then punishment will add to his distress and probably make the situation worse.

If you haven't lived with this problem you cannot imagine how disruptive it can be. Urine spraying can often be an intermittent problem and many households tolerate it for years because, in between episodes, they keep hoping that it has gone away. Sadly it comes back in most cases so don't leave it any longer.

Jake’s Story - The battle fatigued cat
Jake was a slight (and somewhat feminine) ginger moggy , about five years old when I met him, and his owners, Laura and Chris. In their previous house Jake had been a gentle and placid character; he had spent a lot of time outdoors and returned home for a fuss and a cuddle when it suited him. He seemed to be the perfect cat for a working couple - independent yet loving when his owners returned after a hard day.

When Laura and Chris moved they were keen to do the right thing with Jake and they tried to keep him indoors for three weeks to acclimatize him to his new surroundings. This proved extremely difficult as he was desperate to explore and they soon relented and allowed him to investigate his territory.  Little did Jake know that he was entering a battle zone teeming with warring factions drawn from the meanest feline feral fraternities. Huge beasts with broad chests and squinty eyes patrolled the territory and the arrival of Jake represented nothing more than a minor inconvenience. He was severely beaten up on his first excursion and continued to be bitten, scratched and squashed on a regular basis. Laura would often lie awake at night and hear the screams of vicious cat fights and wonder what was being inflicted on poor Jake. Chris was far more confident about Jake's ability to defend himself and felt this was merely a period of adjustment as Jake found his paws in his new home ground. They had been allowing Jake access to out¬doors via a bathroom window but Chris thought the time was right to fit a cat flap to accommodate unlimited comings and goings.

Time passed and Laura and Chris noticed that Jake was finding a thousand excuses not to go outside. He was sitting by the window in the living room and `asking' to go out from the front of the house. Since the property was one of a long terrace it was clear to both Laura and Chris that a different group of cats populated this area. Maybe Jake just didn't like the rough lot out the back? So they allowed him to go out through the living-room window, but even this was a short-lived activity. Jake once again retreated indoors or sat disconsolately on the front doorstep.

After a couple of months Laura returned home to the sinister aroma of cat pee in the living room. This confused both Laura and Chris for a number of days until Jake sauntered into the room, backed up to a chest of drawers and sprayed a fine jet of urine all over the
front. After the initial shock they shouted at Jake for this appalling act of vandalism and chased him out of the room. He was subsequently barred from the living room but he continued his `dirty protest' against the walls in the hallway and the front door. Laura and Chris would always shout if they saw him do it but this didn't seem to be a sufficient deterrent. Poor Jake became agitated and restless and he would often be found pacing around the ground floor and crying constantly.

During the course of the consultation Jake didn't settle. He took little interest in the toys in my magic bag and spent long periods looking out of the windows. We were in the living room so both Laura and Chris were tightly coiled springs waiting to leap up if Jake showed even the remotest interest in a wall or a piece of furniture. I had a deep sense that Jake was guarding his property against an enemy far greater than himself. That must be pretty scary and comparable with a child's being relentlessly bullied at school or an elderly lady's being terrorized by vandals.  Hideous.

The facts of the case
My job relies on information gathering and history taking and this, together with an almost intuitive under¬standing of the patient's emotional state, helps me to get to the bottom of the mystery in each case. I had been told a number of significant facts during my visit:
• Jake had always been provided with an indoor litter tray but he never used it in their old house. Now he was using the tray often.
• Jake was spraying urine in relatively large quantities.
• Jake started spraying when the cat flap was fitted. • Jake paced and vocalized prior to spraying.
• He spent a lot of time upstairs and never sprayed urine there.
• He started to demand entry and exit through the front door.

This was my conclusion.
Laura and Chris had moved into an area with a high population of feral cats. The physical appearance of the males (broad chests and thick jowls) indicated that they were entire and this would mean that the colony was probably actively breeding and expanding. Whenever a new cat moves into an established territory there is a need to fight (or at the very least agree by mutual consent) for rights of passage.  Poor Jake with his rather camp demeanour just didn't stand a chance. Suddenly he was a prisoner in his own home. Well, that is until Chris fitted the cat flap! It merely represented a breach in the defenses and an opportunity far the enemy to invade Jake's home.
Jake had done the sensible thing and tried to establish territory elsewhere. However, he had obviously met resistance there also and his confidence would not have been at an all time high by then. He was utterly defeated so he with¬drew to the comparative safety of the upstairs (cats often go up when in danger).

The use of the indoor litter tray was also significant. Here was a cat who preferred to eliminate outdoors. In his new environment this would have been a dangerous habit so he turned to the relative safety of the indoor tray. Two problems here: the tray was located in the downstairs bathroom (which was perilously near the cat flap) and it contained wood pellets. Whilst wood is a great substrate in many ways it can be quite unpleasant for some cats. Jake was probably retaining urine, which may have resulted in the passing of larger quantities than normal when he sprayed.

So why was Jake spraying indoors? As you now know, the act of urine spraying is a perfectly normal feline behaviour used in areas of shared territory where the sprayer feels a sense of threat or conflict. It provides an important source of the cat's own smell and is probably extremely reassuring. There should in theory be no reason to spray urine indoors - after all, a cat's home is his den, a haven of security.
Sadly, in Jake's case, this safe zone fell apart when Chris fitted the cat flap and any Tom, Dick or Sooty could enter at will and beat poor Jake into a pulp. Can you imagine Jake in a terrible state of angst try¬ing desperately to make sense of this? Like all cats, he has a limited number of coping strategies so spraying urine in these new-found areas of conflict seems a good course of action. So he sprays and then gets walloped by his owners. His world is rapidly falling apart as everything he thought he could rely on for comfort and security is turning against him. No wonder he is pacing and crying - I think I would have been by then.


The bebaviour programme
I explained my thoughts to Laura and Chris and I devised a plan that we hoped would restore some sense of safety for Jake. His confidence had been seriously shattered and we really wanted to try to restore it.
Here is the plan that we put in place and followed for a couple of months.
-Laura and Chris were asked to visit their veterinary surgeon to have Jake's urine analysed to rule out any potential urinary tract problem. Whilst this was not a likely cause for the behaviour, it was important to check.

-The feral colony was a major cause of the problem and many of the neighbours were experiencing similar difficulties. A breeding colony can harbour many diseases such as Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLU) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (potentially AIDS) and a bite from a carrier can mean your pet will become infected. Feral cats tend to be very territorial and correspondingly aggressive, so vet bills for bite wounds and abscesses are common. Many charities will humanely trap entire feral cats to neuter them and treat or put to sleep any that are sick. Laura put the wheels in motion to deal with the problem and had the help and support of many of her neighbours.

-Chris's handiwork had to go. The cat flap was immediately removed and the door panel replaced with a solid piece. It isn't enough to block up the cat flap since this does not remove the visual cue of the vulnerable opening. Jake started to come and go through the bathroom window again, and the front door or window. This meant he was restricted to excursions when his owners were home but, in the circumstances, this seemed sensible. It also represented an important message for Jake. If any cat was to come and go they had to ask his owners first. We had to make sure Jake started to trust them again since their relationship had suffered a little with all the shouting and smacking.

-Laura and Chris were asked to use the synthetic feline facial pheromone spray according to the manufacturer's instructions to treat the areas where Jake had sprayed urine. They also used the plug-in version in the hallway.

-Jake was given an additional litter tray upstairs in the spare bedroom and the original tray was relocated away from the back door in a discreet corner. Both trays contained a fine grain substrate that was easier underfoot.

-Laura used a cleaning regime for the soiled areas of carpet in the living room and hallway to remove any residual smell of urine that would have encouraged Jake to return.

We needed to get Jake more active and alert indoors. (Importance of play therapy) We gave him boxes to explore and both Laura and Chris played games with Jake to take his mind off all his problems and restore the relationship between owners and pet.

I asked Laura and Chris to review the house to make sure there were plenty of warm hiding and resting places for Jake. He particularly liked jumping up onto high surfaces so we made an area for him on top of the wardrobe and lined it with an old sheepskin coat. This proved very popular!

Jake was being fed a mixture of wet and dry food so we gradually removed the wet content and started to feed the dry food only. This was a good quality veterinary formulated diet (light formula as he wasn't getting out much) and I made sure that Laura measured it accurately to avoid Jake's becoming overweight. I recommended food-foraging techniques (see thread on Indoor cats under Food) to challenge Jake and provide him with positive messages around the home to rival his more negative urine marking.
Water bowls were placed around the house to encourage Jake to drink more. Water intake is essential on a dry diet and several choices of water away from the food will often be attractive options.

The outcome
Laura and Chris noticed a difference in Jake within twenty-four hours of my visit. He was spending more time downstairs and seemed less agitated. Clients often report this phenomenon of an instant change but I cannot take credit for that, unfortunately. My visit enables owners to understand the problem and they instantly become less stressed themselves and more likely to offer their cat love and reassurance instead of the punish¬ment and resentment that had become the norm. This can have a dramatic effect and Jake was obviously feeling the rush of love from his owners!

The programme worked extremely well and, after a few incidents, Jake became more active and responsive to his owners. His spraying soon stopped completely but he continued to remain indoors for prolonged periods. Maybe he felt the risks of exploring outdoors still outweighed the pleasures. The feral colony is continuing to prove a problem with numbers far greater than Laura's group initially anticipated.

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Tan on July 10, 2009, 11:25:55 AM

If you also have a look at Vicky's web site FAQ's there are many situtations where cats are spraying in the house and why.

http://www.vickyhalls.net/feline_faqs.asp

It is the most common problem and the solution is to find out why.  :Luv:

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Dawn F on July 10, 2009, 11:30:56 AM

oh cc I do feel for you, when Tilly was peeing on the bed as a kitten I remember saying to oh that if she didn't have a chip I'd leave her in a layby and I was only half joking - I hope you manage to rehome him soon, its a nightmare - what does your oh think?

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 10, 2009, 13:44:41 PM

I am trying to rehome him although nothing yet, even the woman at cp said nobody wants a cat like that-what chance do i have  :(

Well he has been here since just before new year, for about 2 months he would only ever stay upstairs in the bedroom. Its only been since he started moving around the house/ back garden that hes been doing it, so marking his terrotry obviously.

He's 11 Tan and likes to spend most of his day lyed on top of the rabbit hutch, he dont do much else and has finally agreed he is happy with being in a cat proffed garden-all of my others have to so why not him  :shy: I couldnt put him at risk and wont ever  :)

Dawn my oh is none extistant.

Its just me I cant take the horrid smell, and now actually getting sprayed on  :shocked: what makes this harder is- I know it would stop if he was rehomed, obviously cos he wouldnt be here but i think thats whats best for him more than anything.

Hes really chilled here- lays flat out in the living room, eats when he wants, goes out the back when he wants. Its just he dont like the others here and Im sorry but they were here first.

I have never resitriced any or my animals from doing what they want (cept the cat profing) but I feel thats more for their safety, I just dont know what else I can do to make him more happy? My others aint going anywhere.

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Mollyrock on July 10, 2009, 14:16:50 PM

Oh dear, what a dilema. it must be awful for you. Have no suggestions i'm afraid but just wanted to say that i feel for you. I really do not know how i would cope in a situation like this  :hug:

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Mark on July 10, 2009, 14:27:16 PM

Sorry CC - I know exactly what you are going through as I am having the same problem. Willow squatted yesterday on the kitchen table. I tried to put a cloth there and she peed on my hand  :sick:  - she has peed up the new iMac computer, the LCD TV, she has ruined countless carpets, curtains, books, etc etc etc - So I understand. I shouted at her this morning as she peed on the table again but she was so upset I ended up cuddling her  :Crazy:

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: woodlandcats on July 10, 2009, 16:24:15 PM

and another one here, coming down, opening a drawer while holding the top op the sideboard, yuk, wet!!
But mine is such a sweet cat, I would never ever rehome her  :-:
But I know what a nuisance it is, had cats before that peed on the bed, and then you have to go to wash your duvet because it doesn't fit in your own machine and it costs you 8-10€! each time.

I will read the article too when I find the time, though I have tried a dozen sollutions over the years.

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: JackSpratt on July 10, 2009, 16:47:56 PM

I think CC is doing the right thing looking for a new home for Oliver - repeated spraying is a sign that a cat isn't happy with something. In the short term doesn't make things any easier.

CC, do you think Oliver would be happy as an outdoorsy kind of cat?

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Kay and Penny on July 10, 2009, 17:57:11 PM

CC and Mark - have you seen the request for volunteers with spraying cats to take part in a research project at the University of Lincoln, in this month's Your Cat?

'Owners interested in taking part in the study are asked to e-mail Dr Redgate at sredgate@lincoln.ac.uk or call the team on 01522 895478'

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Janeyk on July 10, 2009, 18:12:50 PM

I think Oliver sounds as if he'd be happier as an only cat or with just one cat too and I know it's hard because I've suffered it too but telling off just has the opposite effect to what you want to achieve, the only thing is to find a solution  :hug:

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Mark on July 10, 2009, 19:32:23 PM

Quote from: trigger on July 10, 2009, 17:57:11 PM

CC and Mark - have you seen the request for volunteers with spraying cats to take part in a research project at the University of Lincoln, in this month's Your Cat?

'Owners interested in taking part in the study are asked to e-mail Dr Redgate at sredgate@lincoln.ac.uk or call the team on 01522 895478'

I haven't seen it - is there any more info or maybe a questionaire to fill in?

Thanks for that.

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Kay and Penny on July 10, 2009, 21:39:41 PM

I think you'll have to e-mail to find out more, Mark

but Willow, on the face of it, sounds a very good candidate for their study

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Tan on July 10, 2009, 21:59:20 PM

It is so very hard, upsetting and bloomin annoying! I know i have been though it with my lads many years ago when i loved in Bournemouth. I had my 1st cat Ben a rescue Moggie aged 6 months and two Burmese Bow and Arnie. Bow was spraying all the time and back then i didn't know much about cats and their natural behaviour being brought up with dogs.  It went on for years with my Ben being the "odd one out" of the two Burmese. In my case 3 def made a crowd and Bow and Arnie either chased Ben or ignored him.  Bow was def pack leader and it was him spraying everywhere everyday.  I just kept cleaning it up and making sure Ben had lots of time with me.
It wasn't until Bow passed on at age 6  :'( that Ben (left with Arnie) started to come out of him self and no more spraying in the house.  My case was def the cats in the house and 3 was too much. They were all outside cats.   My arnie went missing at the age of 8 two years after i moved to New Forest area (never have found him  :'( )  and Ben was my only babe till he passed on at the age of 12 from oral cancer.  Ben's life on his own was so different, he was such an outgoing personality something he never showed with the other two around.

Now i look back and i feel so very guilty for Ben at the time Bow was about as he can't of been very happy with Bow.  But it wasn't Ben doing the spraying it was bow everyday marking his territory from the other two and making sure he stayed boss.  Since reading so much more about natural behaviour, i know now that Burmese esp have a tenancy to be boss of the neighbourhood and in Vicky Halls books she say that they are one of the most popular cats she has treated for behaviour issues.  :shocked:

I def agree hun that your feelings are right and that Ollie needs to be an only cat for his, yours and your other cats sake.  If i knew what i know now back then, i would have to do whats best for the cats even though it would kill me to part with any of my babes.  They have been and are very much still my children as i can't have human ones.  

I am sending huge hugs to both you, Mark and everyone going through this spraying thing cause it really isn't nice to have to deal with everyday.   :hug:

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 10, 2009, 22:31:04 PM

My Ben only started spraying after he had his bladder blockage, he'd never sprayed before that. Harry started spraying after he'd got out of the cat run (where I used to live) and had a terrible fight with a big bruiser of a tomcat, he also had never sprayed before that. Joe, I believe, started spraying in response to the other two spraying - possibly?

I experimented with Zylkene for Ben, it didnt have any effect whatsoever, havent tried it with Harry or Joe. I hadnt had a feliway diffuser plugged in for a long time, so I tried that again recently, along with the feliway spray, diligently spraying every single spot every day for about a month, and that has actually reduced the spraying by all of them.

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Mark on July 10, 2009, 22:36:53 PM

We had 6 feliways going and it didn't make any difference. Kylie pees where Willow has sprayed. This morning Willow peed on the table and I threw all the stuff away, washed the table then sprayed it with disinfectant. While the disinfectant was working, Kylie peed on it  :tired: - We wish we had bought a nice sealed table now instead if a rough recalimed pine one  :tired:

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 10, 2009, 22:46:04 PM

I think you deffo need to use the Feliway diffusers in conjunction with the Feliway spray - I don't think they work on their own to any great degree either.  :)

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Millys Mum on July 10, 2009, 23:28:33 PM

CC please dont make him live in the garden, he would be better off pts than that, hes old and needs his own space.  :( i know it must be awful to live with but ultimately its not his fault hes in the situation and he is dealing with things the way animals do, not out of spite but nature.
There must be a rescue somewhere who can help him

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 10, 2009, 23:54:21 PM

The only reason I said for him to live in the garden was he was a stray before and used to live in his old owners garden-but I know I could never do that to him  :shy:

He really is a lovely fellow-anyone would be glad to have him  :Luv2:

I just dont understand why he has to show he's boss when all of my others are really great with him, they dont fight and never have. Thats very unlike Ted and Harry cos they are the bully boys and will gang up on any can in the neighbour hood  :innocent:

I just so sick and no matter how much I love him- love is just not going to sort this out  :(

He needs to be rehomed  :( Hopefully Im going to do a pic of him now  :)

If anyone is interested in big Oliver- please contact me  :)

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 11, 2009, 00:00:56 AM

Oliver MMP (hopefully)  :)

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 11, 2009, 00:02:58 AM

 :cheer: Its Oliver  ;D

Title: Re: Something has to be done-before I either go mental or commit murder!
Post by: Tan on July 11, 2009, 00:16:15 AM

Quote from: ccmacey on July 10, 2009, 23:54:21 PM

I just so sick and no matter how much I love him- love is just not going to sort this out  :(

yes sadly sometimes just our love just aint enough with the cat's natural nature and way of coping with things.

What surprised me when reading about cat behaviour and their natural ways was it's the little things that they do we hardly notice (unless you know what to look for) that says who is boss.

For instance if one is domineering the liitter tray and not going to the loo but knows full well the other cat does and deliberately makes the other wait to use it! Or deliberately blocking the cat flap! With marl and Garf, i have noticed that Marl always seems disinterested when playing with me when Garf is around as Garf being a pushy bossy chap will always take over. Marl knows this and will always let Garf do things 1st.  If Garf is asleep and me and Marl play he is a mad thing.  :rofl:   Mind you when they play fight, Marl don't half go for it as pay back!!  :evillaugh:

It can help to understand their body launguage, they express alot this way.

Ollie is wonderful hun and i really really do hope a home can be found for him. You are so brave in putting his needs before your own and we all know it's gonna hurt alot for you to do it.  :hug:

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 11, 2009, 00:20:20 AM

Oh my Oliver is just stunning  :Luv2:

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 11, 2009, 01:01:26 AM

Yeah I know Gill he's a really wonderfull cat  :) He's exceptionaily chilled and laid back a credit to any potential owner. I would also say he would give his love for many a year to come- he's like an 11 month old kitten when he gets going  :Crazy:  :Luv:

He loves nothing more than to give love and be loved. He's come a long way since being here and although he was friendly from the start- he has opened his heart to me and my other cats and my 2 kids  :)

He has been coming to bed with me every night of him being here- and if you dont know he's there he makes it known, by giving me a big nose nuzzle  :Luv2:

He really is a lovely cat I will be sad to see him go  :shy:

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Janeyk on July 11, 2009, 06:55:23 AM

 :Luv: isn't he gorgeous! I'm sure he'll soon get a new home I didn't realise he was a black fluff  :Luv2: I had him down as black SH for some reason  :-:

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Ela on July 11, 2009, 09:58:23 AM

Quote

There's a possibility Oliver wouldn't act this way if he were an only cat.

I think you are right.

Over the years we have taken in many cats with this problem. Every one has on to be fine in a only cat situation. Of course all were vet checked first to ensure there were no underlying medical problems.

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: JackSpratt on July 11, 2009, 10:21:30 AM

Oliver is a handsome boy.

The reason I asked is because I know of a stables that was looking for a cat. The cat would have constant access to the heated tack room and obviously human company as there's always people coming and going. If you think it might work I can ask if they're still looking.

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 11, 2009, 11:25:06 AM

That sounds good Jack but Im not sure it would be good for Oliver, although been a stray before he's used to his home conforts now-he likes a bed to sleep on  :evillaugh: and also lots of human attention  :innocent: dont get me wrong he's not needy in anyway-but when he wants a love he wants a love!!!!

He's also not the fastest of cats-more like a sloth unless he is playing lazer, so I know he can move  ;D He also wouldnt stand up for himself if he came across another animal-not good if he encountered a fox or some thing  :scared:

Forgot to mention- he cant live with dogs, this is the reason he was stray in the first place-he wouldnt go into his owners home cos of the dog. So dogs are a big no-no  :shy:

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 12, 2009, 08:48:50 AM

Fingers crossed a home will come along soon CC - I have had a few fosters who have sprayed in the house due to territorial reasons, but all have stopped once rehomed, so I disagree with the CP lady. I Was honest with everyone who viewed Tom though, and explained what he did but that he probably wouldnt do it once rehomed. When I contacted a pedigree rescue for Rolo, her suggestion was Ovarid, apparently it helps with spraying Tom's, but as I knew rehoming was the only suggestion, I didn't want to put him on meds, but it might be worth asking the vet just until a home can be found, it might help stop him enough for you to cope with.

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Ela on July 12, 2009, 09:18:38 AM

Quote

The reason I asked is because I know of a stables that was looking for a cat.

We have over 30 cats that would be suitable for this situation.

Quote

I have had a few fosters who have sprayed in the house due to territorial reasons, but all have stopped once re-homed, so I disagree with the CP lady

.

I have to admit it does seem a strange thing for someone from CP to say, everyone I know in CP that deals with cats knows it usually works very well. I am wondering if someone is answering the phones who has never cared for cats or a wealth of cat experience. Maybe time for some lessons or at least to find out before giving advice.

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Janeyk on July 12, 2009, 09:29:19 AM

I disagree with advice too, I would have a cat who sprayed and lots of other people would too I know this because I now of particular cases and in the right environment for the cat the spraying has stopped.

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: JackSpratt on July 12, 2009, 10:12:10 AM

Quote from: Ela on July 12, 2009, 09:18:38 AM

Quote

The reason I asked is because I know of a stables that was looking for a cat.

We have over 30 cats that would be suitable for this situation.

It's not in your area, Ela. Otherwise I'd have mentioned it. ;)

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Bazsmum on July 12, 2009, 10:52:22 AM

I dont reckon he is the type who would do well in a stable environment (that didnt sound right lol!)

He is a nice friendly, timid cat, not nasty just a bit skitty till he gets to know you!  ;)

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 12, 2009, 12:14:42 PM

Ela it was the lady who runs my local cp that said that to me. Then again she's the one who wouldn't help me with a feral as she said he would be no good in their pens  :shocked: He would prob still be on the streets now if it wern't for my mum  :Luv:

Thats whats so anoying-if he was rehomed I know it would stop. I really dont know why he's doing this as my cats are no threat to him  :Crazy: They have welcomed him with open paws, and like I said this is not like Ted at all  :shify:

I must admit-it may have something to do with my daughter, she dont understand why she can't fuss him the same as the others  :shy:

Thats my point totally- I want to be truthfull and tell any potential owners his problem, but how when its seen as a bad thing  :P

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Ela on July 12, 2009, 18:39:53 PM

Quote

It's not in your area, Ela. Otherwise I'd have mentioned it

I know it is not in our area.  ;D

Quote

Ela it was the lady who runs my local cp that said that to me

That is what I assumed.

Quote

Then again she's the one who wouldn't help me with a feral as she said he would be no good in their pens

With that I tend to agree it is not fair to place a feral in one of our cat pens, unless it is ill and needs nursing of course. Unfortunately it often takes a long time to re-home ferals and to keep one in a pen for a length of time is just not on. We like to direct home (after a vet check of course) ferals

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: JackSpratt on July 12, 2009, 19:07:07 PM

How did you know the stable home wasn't in your area? Have I mentioned it before? :scared:

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Ela on July 12, 2009, 19:11:04 PM

I am psychic sometimes, but not actually this time it was me being thick I am afraid, I was thinking you were talking about CC's cat.

Still I know most rescues have or know of ferals looking homes, so it would not be difficult for anyone to adopt. Subject to their suitability of course.

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: JackSpratt on July 12, 2009, 19:32:49 PM

It sounds a wonderful place - it's actually near Nicky and they considered Mia. But she's a funny one to place; likes her home comforts but not especially fond of people.....

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 15, 2009, 20:43:11 PM

Bump  :)

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 16, 2009, 13:41:40 PM

Can anybody find meeeeeeee, somebody to loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Oliver is still looking for a home-if interested please get in touch  ;D

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: Bazsmum on July 16, 2009, 13:56:24 PM

Aw bless, he is a lovely cat....Positive rehoming vibes being sent to the gorgeous boy~~~~~~Good Luck!  :Luv: :hug:

Title: Re: Something has to be done- Oliver MMP looking for a lovely retirement home
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on July 16, 2009, 14:01:51 PM

Oh and he sung that top title  :evillaugh: