Crazy Magnet Posted December 7, 2010 Posted December 7, 2010 I try to be an understanding human being. Really. Sometimes I think I am understanding to a fault. However, I have no more understanding for the cat problem that has become a problem again. The cats don't live in the house anymore they live under it in a basement (concrete floors, etc.) I went down there today to check on them/feed them/ do normally kitty care and it totally REEKED of cat pee. I tried to go to the BF in a nice way and tell him that that was unacceptable and that the cats couldn't stay under the house if they were going to pee everywhere. I tried explaining that this was no longer his financial ruin but OUR financial ruin if his cats did that much damage to this house as well--see previous threads. (that whole linking finances, what's yours is mine philosophy). He asked for two days to come up with a solution and I allowed him 2 days. Am I being a doormat? Is two days reasonable to come up with a plan for the cats? And is there really a compromise here that I'm not seeing? The cats really are very sweet and I know he loves them but I am at a loss. This hasn't been a problem until it got cold (we're under 32/0 here even during the day now) and he didn't let the cats outside during the day anymore.
Surrealist Posted December 7, 2010 Posted December 7, 2010 Speaking of cats here is a pic of my kitten. He's purebred Persian and totally indoor kitten: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs478.ash2/75137_457927109694_843499694_5249894_1916574_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1139.snc4/148121_469930649694_843499694_5424048_8372169_n.jpg With a little preparation and effort, can keep cats inside and keep the place very clean.
Author Crazy Magnet Posted December 7, 2010 Author Posted December 7, 2010 Aw! Your cat is very cute! While my BFs cats are indeed cute they are not meant to be indoor cats. One was rescued off the street and in 11 years has never managed to understand the litter box. Both of them lived the last 10 years in a house with 4 males cats, so marking was a HUGE issue in the past and I bet it hasn't gone away just with the cat population decrease. I know plenty of people with fabulous indoor cats but these guys....no freaking way are they coming in my house. (See the thread with the $20,000 worth of damage they did to the last place my BF lived. They are NOT coming inside EVER!)
Woggle Posted December 7, 2010 Posted December 7, 2010 That's weird since my cat is as clean as can be. He alwaus uses the litter box and I barely have to groom him.
Surrealist Posted December 7, 2010 Posted December 7, 2010 Aw! Your cat is very cute! Thank you! At this stage of my life, it appears he's the only pussy I can get. While my BFs cats are indeed cute they are not meant to be indoor cats. One was rescued off the street and in 11 years has never managed to understand the litter box. Both of them lived the last 10 years in a house with 4 males cats, so marking was a HUGE issue in the past and I bet it hasn't gone away just with the cat population decrease. I know plenty of people with fabulous indoor cats but these guys....no freaking way are they coming in my house. (See the thread with the $20,000 worth of damage they did to the last place my BF lived. They are NOT coming inside EVER!) Good grief, I'm sorry to hear that! Now I see what you are saying!
Ruby Slippers Posted December 7, 2010 Posted December 7, 2010 He asked for two days to come up with a solution and I allowed him 2 days. Am I being a doormat? Is two days reasonable to come up with a plan for the cats? I don't know the whole story, but I think it would be really unreasonable NOT to give him 2 days to come up with a plan. They're living creatures, and I think it shows compassion that he wants to think it through and come up with a solution that will work.
cerridwen Posted December 7, 2010 Posted December 7, 2010 What Ruby said. And as an owner of formally feral cats that are now indoor, I know it's not an easy process but there are medications, sprays, neutering, and online resources that can maybe help. Poor critters. And poor you two
denise_xo Posted December 7, 2010 Posted December 7, 2010 I try to be an understanding human being. Really. Sometimes I think I am understanding to a fault. However, I have no more understanding for the cat problem that has become a problem again. The cats don't live in the house anymore they live under it in a basement (concrete floors, etc.) I went down there today to check on them/feed them/ do normally kitty care and it totally REEKED of cat pee. I tried to go to the BF in a nice way and tell him that that was unacceptable and that the cats couldn't stay under the house if they were going to pee everywhere. I tried explaining that this was no longer his financial ruin but OUR financial ruin if his cats did that much damage to this house as well--see previous threads. (that whole linking finances, what's yours is mine philosophy). He asked for two days to come up with a solution and I allowed him 2 days. Am I being a doormat? Is two days reasonable to come up with a plan for the cats? And is there really a compromise here that I'm not seeing? The cats really are very sweet and I know he loves them but I am at a loss. This hasn't been a problem until it got cold (we're under 32/0 here even during the day now) and he didn't let the cats outside during the day anymore. I really sympathise with you. Any animal inside would be extremely difficult to accept for me. Having said that, I think two days is reasonable. But I'd expect some action after that. I'm really not clear on why these cats can't go outside? Especially if they have been outdoor cats in their 'previous' life. It's -18C/0 F where I live and cats go outside all the time. Good luck... Speaking of cats here is a pic of my kitten. He's purebred Persian and totally indoor kitten: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs478.ash2/75137_457927109694_843499694_5249894_1916574_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1139.snc4/148121_469930649694_843499694_5424048_8372169_n.jpg I'm rarely charmed by animals but that one is pretty cute.
kiss_andmakeup Posted December 7, 2010 Posted December 7, 2010 Are they fixed? Unfixed male cats mark their territory but most people know this so I am assuming this isn't the problem. If they ARE fixed, do they have regular vet visits? Many cats are prone to bladder or urinary tract infections (I have one that is) and need antibiotics. Urinating outside of the box is a huge indicator of this. I'm a rescue volunteer and have never had a problem teaching an outdoor or feral cat to use a box, provided teyre fixed and receiving proper veterinary care.
Untouchable_Fire Posted December 7, 2010 Posted December 7, 2010 He asked for two days to come up with a solution and I allowed him 2 days. Am I being a doormat? Is two days reasonable to come up with a plan for the cats? And is there really a compromise here that I'm not seeing? The cats really are very sweet and I know he loves them but I am at a loss. This hasn't been a problem until it got cold (we're under 32/0 here even during the day now) and he didn't let the cats outside during the day anymore. You clearly don't know what a doormat is... if anything HE is being a doormat. I'd probably tell you to go eff yourself and bring the cats inside until the cold weather goes away. No way would I let you murder my animals by forcing them to freeze. However... I'd never own cats. That's kind of an old lady thing... Your dating a crazy cat guy...
Recommended Posts