SueP Paddy & Flynn sound so much like Tazi & Nuggie, Tazi being the 4year old only cat and Nuggie being the intruder. Tazi took on his duties well and taught Nuggie the ropes, but I always said that if Nuggie went first Tazi would cope on his own and probably much prefer it! whereas Nuggie would feel the loss alot more.
Although with Peanuts arrival, Nuggies ideas of 'only cat' have been well and truely squashed
The issue is me and Nuggie's seething jealousy of this "thing" being with me. I have adopted the role of Nuggies comforter, with reassuring tickles (although he has been
off with me, and cries in a "why me, dammit? why?" tone of voice and has limited his cuddles
) OH is Peanuts comforter, although OH is instructed to give Nuggie lots of attention too as I dont want a full divide of us and them - although Peanut sneaks over to me anyway
SheilaRose The harness has been great, but is now hung up for good
My initial thoughts of this boy never going out I think, as you said can be confirmed. I actually think he didnt go anywhere or have toys, scratch post or anything judging by his feet and it appears he was very much on his own for long periods (he has 'being left on his own issues) and he has an odd fear of black bags??
Goodness knows what the truth is, but they've missed out on a little smasher and still his spirit isnt broken
He is currently pouncing around the lawn like spring lamb, chasing insects or his own shadow am not sure which
He comes home and if the patio door is lift open a claws width he has worked out how to open it. Much to the dismay and horror of Nuggie (and myself at first) as we thought someone was breaking in
I do have to say:
Praise Be To Feliway It's the final phase and Nuggie has responded very well
Peanut is still his cheeky self, but Nuggie has calmed alot and although he still hisses (normally when Peanut opens the Patio Door or does the squeak cats do to let you know they're there - cos he does sounds like an Owl
) and there has been 'talkings to' and few fist fights, it is with less muster and aggression on Nuggies part
AND it only arrived today!!! Nuggie has also stopped charging at him and Peanut is free to actually move
Peanut also follows Nuggie outside (which he hates) but as Nuggie is very nervous of cars/people/the world I am hoping Peanut will pick up on some this, especially cars & roads! - not that we live in busy area really, but a car is a car!
Theo (year 4 student) and Tufty (year 1) operate a revolving door policy - one in, one out - that's their rule and they both observe it (although Tuffs still hasn't figured out the catflap so we need to let him in/out the door, same as you do with yours).
I have to say it took Nuggie nearly a year to master the Catflap in my old house. He then managed to go out, but not back in. I used to call him 'Victoria' after Victoria Beckham as he too was too Posh to Push
(although it still gioves me a heart attack when I catch him at the "wrong end of the cul de sac") It'll always be a worry to me - we previously lost two cats and never did find out what happened.
Good job I've never had kids - I'd still be walking them to school at 18
I am the same! I used to be mortified when I see where Tazi was or who knew him.....as it was the wrong end of the street!!
I cant imagine what it would be like to never know what happened to the cats
When Tazi went missing, it was my biggest fear, not knowing
....and yes, if I had kids i'd also be some sort of neurotic looney
infact, its best i stick with cats. I'm bad enough with them
The only way Lupin will ever go out will be on a harness and as he wont let me get one on him , he will be a house cat as its just not safe for a cat without fear to go out here..........the road at the front which has no classification on maps has a car every 10 secs from about 0600 to 1900 and after that much less cars but much faster.
He is 17months old now and has never been outside but I so wish he could.
Poor Lupin!
also once they get the taste of the great outdoors its very hard for them not to keep wanting it - so his refusal to have the harness fitted may save you alot of whining and great escape efforts.....so hes actually probably doing you a big favour without even realising it!!