Hi everyone,
Despite being a seasoned cat owner, I am very much in need of some advice concerning one of my not-so-little ones, and thought here would be a good place to start.
I'm having a recurring problem with one of my 5 year old cats. Usually the situation rights itself after a week, but we're currently in our second month of suffering this issue, with no end in sight.
My cat is quite literally climbing the walls.
To give you a little background, she is the second oldest of my five cats, with whom she gets on well. She's extremely friendly and sociable - would probably walk away with anyone given the chance - and usually a jolly character. On the other hand, she can be quite sensitive and temperamental, and very easily stressed.
Her stress has manifested in a couple of ways, such as urinating in inappropriate places, plucking the fur on her tummy, and, most recently, by destroying the house. Each time we go through this phase, we always get her checked out by the vet. Aside from one bout of cystitis, there has never been anything physically wrong with the animal (which has been confirmed by various blood and urine tests).
My cats are all indoor only - and always have been. This particular cat, Maddy, was a feral kitten, but since coming to my home at the age of about three months, she's only known the inside of a building. Attempts to take her out on a harness have not been successful - she simply sits by the door waiting to be let back in. However, Maddy quite frequently makes attempts to rush out the front door when it opens. Once outside she simply strolls around purring.
At the moment, she is making my - and her own - life a misery by urinating on the sofa/floor (which I am 99% sure is not related to any litter tray trauma - there is a good number of trays, which have not moved or had a new brand of litter, and we often see her go in there [not to mention the fact we never find any poo around the house, just urine]), and by climbing the walls. I say climbing the walls, by that I mean she is attacking anything hanging on the wall (pictures, clocks, you name it - it smashes!), usually at night. I know it's probably a sign that she is bored, which I have tried to counter by playing with her all evening when I can, and by providing plenty of toys on rotation. It's certainly enough exhaustion and stimulation for the other four, and I make sure they all get equal attention.
My gut feeling is that she wants out. I can't give her that as I, like a lot of people who live in major cities, live in a flat. I feel like she needs a family in the countryside, who will be happy to let her snuggle on their laps all evening, but who can give her a free pass into meadows at night. Or do you think I am completely misreading the situation? I know you can't really say without knowing her, but I'd be interested to hear what you think.
I adore Maddy and don't want to rehome her. The constant use of Vanish on the soft furnishings and the sleepless nights are a real pain in the proverbial behind, but I can put up with it if I feel that this home, and my little family, are what she still wants and needs. But if she would be happier somewhere else, with more space and a whole outdoor world for her to terrorise(!), then it's something I very seriously need to consider. I debated looking for a "foster" owner, who could take Maddy on a loan-to-own type arrangement, whereby (s)he can keep the cat if it works out, and return her if it doesn't. A sort of trial and error process.
If you can give me any advice or encouragement I'd greatly appreciate it. I really want her to be happy.
Thank you.
