Some of you from catchat may remember that I adopted Bertie (formerly known as Tatty), from Georgina and her mum. They had been feeding him after his owner, their neighbour, kicked him out. Bertie had a flea allergy and was covered in scabs. He also has a disabled back leg which is the result of a car accident. The leg was broken and the owner never bothered to get treatment. Anyway, I thought I would update you on Bertie.
I went through all the introductions in the way that Wizz had suggested on her site, and bought Feliway diffuser and spray. I was hopeful that it would all be plain sailing, but it wasn't! Bertie seemed to want the spare room as his only and would only venture out if he was sure the other 3 weren't anywhere around. Also, because of his bad leg he finds it hard to use? litter tray and wees standing up, so the spare room was beginning to wiff a little, even though I was constantly cleaning. A couple of weeks ago, I was having a rethink about what would be best for Bertie and realised that he could have the conservatory as the hot weather has passed so he wouldn't get too hot in there and there is a heater to keep him warm. I also thought it might be good for him to be able to see the other cats, but feel safe knowing they couldn't get to him. So..we relocated him! I have to say that this is the best thing we have done for him. He is still hissing at the other cats when the door is open, but he will now look at them through the glass door without growling or hissing, something he wouldn't do before. He sometimes hides under the sofa in there while one of the others is in there, but there is no fighting. Last night I walked in the conservatory, and Bertie was laying on the sofa, while Pip laid below him by the heater. I couldn't believe it and had a real lump in my throat. It is still very early days, but I feel that finally there is some progress.
I have also modified an old pet carrier which Bertie uses for his litter tray and that seems to be working better. Bertie is so loving to us, so I hope that in time he will become friends with the others. His fur is growing back now and he seems to like his new bedroom!