Relocating elderly cat

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2004
Relocating elderly cat
19
Tue, 05-17-2005 - 5:27pm
My mother has a sweet, elderly cat, aged about 14 years; she has always lived with my mother, in a house with 2 other cats, she's lived her since she was a kitten and has never known any other home. The problem is, my mother has health issues and can't give this poor cat any time or affection; the cat only gets food and water, and shelter. That's about it. I am considering taking this older cat into my home. The problem is, if anyone really knows anything about cats, cats are very territorial; they are very attached to their TERRITORY. Moving a cat, especially a much older cat, can be traumatic. I'm not sure an elderly cat could deal with it. At the same time, this cat is not getting affection where she lives right now, not much attention at all. What should I do. Leave her in her home, or take her and subject her to the trauma of moving somewhere else? I could give her a lot more love and affection in my home, but being a 14-15 year old cat, she may be too attached to her current "territory" and it could be extremely traumatic for her to move at her age. Any advice?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Tue, 05-17-2005 - 6:00pm

In my experience, cats actually move very well. Honestly I think she will be fine. Do you have any other cats? If you have other cats, she MAY have a problem, but if not, I think she will do just fine.

My friends recently adopted a 10-year old cat who had been in the same home her whole life. The elderly lady who owned her passed away, so she suddnely found herself homeless. My friends brought her home, and even introduced her to a new cat, and several months later she is still doing great!

Good luck and keep us posted!




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Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 7:01am

*WELCOME* to Cats Leafygreens.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2004
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 8:40am
I think it is wonderful of you to want this kitty. I say take her home and try it, if she doesn't adjust then take her back to your mothers. Seems like even with health issues a person could still enjoy their cat, watch tv together, sleep together etc...but I have never been in that situation and of course don't know all the details. I do know having a pet to trip up an elderly person is touchy. One of my fears is to be put in a nursing home later (I am 45 yrs. old) and not have a kitty. Please let us know how it works out. Whats the kitties name and coloring? Donna
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Registered: 02-13-2005
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 9:11am
SEVERAL YEARS AGO MY HUSBAND MOTHER PAST AWAY AND I TOKE HER 12 YEAR OLD CAT IN. I HAVE SEVERAL OTHER CATS SO I PUT HIM IN A ROOM BY HIMSELF AND WOULD BEING HIM OUT WHEN I COULD SURPVISE AND HE DID GET SO HE FIT IN AND HE HAD BEEN THE ONLY CAT. GOOD LUCK. JOANN

LOVE IS SHOWN BY DEEDS, NOT WORDS.

LOVE IS SHOWN BY DEEDS, NOT WORDS.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2003
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 10:32am
Hi Leafygreens,
I see both sides of the issue. Donna (shellseeker) made some good points, that even if your mother isn't actively playing with or petting the cat, the cat is spending time with her, sitting with her when she reads and watches tv, sleeping in bed with her, etc. If you live nearby, it might be nice to come over and pet and play with the cat from time to time if you feel he/she needs extra attention. How does your mother feel about your adopting her cat? And are there still two other cats in her house? If so, they would be providing each other with additional companionship.
I also want to ask if you have other cats or pets, or children? How big is your house compared to your mother's? Do you live in a home you may move from in the next few years? Are you likely to marry or have children if you haven't done so already? These are all considerations.
If the cat has lived with your mother for 14 years and he/she is being cared for, it sounds like that might be preferable. You or other friends/relatives could help out with some petting/playtime for the cat, but I would hesitate to make the change based on what you've said so far.
Cynthia
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 10:59am

Hi Leafygreens.


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Registered: 10-12-2010
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 11:16am

Boy, Donna, I think about that whole nursing home thing, too. And for me, it's pretty much a given, assuming I live long enough, b/c I never married & don't have kids. My best friend & I joke all the time about sitting in rockers together on the porch of the nursing home. She also is unmarried, no kids. And neither one of us would want to be w/o cats. My mom lives in a retirement center. On the nursing floor (thankfully, she's not there), they have a few resident cats. :) And on my mom's floor, which is Assisted Living, a therapy dog sometimes comes to visit. :)

I just can't imagine life w/o cats.

Katz

 

 Katz

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2004
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 1:48pm
I am married, with two grown sons. One would probally put me away now if he could and the other, well who knows! It would be neat if you and your best friend were together for your elderly years, one can only hope. Not everyone ends up in a nursing home anyway. Guess I'd be the lady carrying around the stuffed animal kitten. Or if alzheimers? hits me I won't remember what a cat is! Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2004
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 4:20pm

>Whats the kitties name and coloring?

Her name is Audrey and she is a beautiful tortoishell, lots of gray and white fur with some ginger mixed in. She is about 14-15 years old.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2004
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 4:25pm

>that even if your mother isn't actively playing with or petting the cat, the cat is spending time with her

I hope the cat gets some kind of companionship; relatives who visit say that the cat seems starved for affection, will jump in their lap immediately, wanting to be petted. I think since its the only home she's ever known, she might be somewhat traumatized by having to move. Its just a tough call to make. I do have another cat at my house, and that might be difficult for her also, might be difficult adjustment for both of them.

Yes. The two other cats may give her some companionship...do cats enjoy having other cats as companions? I've never known if they do or not.

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