How should I treat my cats?
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at
11:48 pm
So my husband and I got separated and so the cats (2 of em’)had to stay with my brother for about two months in CA while I got a job and set up in a new house in NV. So they have been ‘out of their element’ for a while now and they have probably felt a huge stress with this separation. They are coming back here to live with me for good now and I want to do something special for them when they get back. I was thinking about buying maybe a window perch or maybe a water fountain thing for them…does anyone have any other suggestions?
These cats are like my children and I love them to death!
Filed under: Cat Furniture
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My cats have window perches and a water fountain (Drinkwell). They love them. I don’t consider that to be doing "something special"…I’m just looking after their health, happiness, and well-being. The flowing water in cat fountains encourages most cats to drink, which helps prevent urinary tract and kidney disease, especially if the cats eat dry food instead of wet food.
The cats have been through a lot of stress not only because of the separation, but also because of the changing living environments.
Talk to them in a soft, soothing voice, and be nurturing and soothing to ease the stress of the transition. Offer them smelly canned food, treats, and catnip. Try to give them a sense of peace and security.
In addition to Wicce’s answer you also need to know that they may very well be really ticked off with you for a while. It would not be a surprise if they totally ignore you and act like they didn’t miss you at all. I also once had to "give" my Siamese to another family for several months while I relocated and got situated. We used to go visit him regularly but he still was very ticked when we finally brought him home to stay. It took a couple of weeks before he was back to normal but I am so glad we did what we did so we were able to keep him. He will be 17 on April 21st and we love him so much, my 14 year old daughter calls him her "little brother" and they both are not happy unless they are breathing each other’s air space! Cat’s RULE!
Go with the window perch, that way they can sun and see what is going on outside.
If your cats are like most they love to sun bathe in the window. A window perch would be a good idea. Also maybe buy them some canned food that they like best and just spend extra time loving and playing with them. In no time at all they will forget about the separation and be back to their normal selves.
Treat them like cats, not like children. Water fountain??? For cats? They will not understand "something special." Just treat them well and they will be fine. You could literally love them to death if you get too carried away. A window perch would be fine if they must be cooped up inside. Or just put a window-height table under the window.
I can well understand wanting to do something special for them to mark their transition back into your home and into your life. I am sure you have missed them terribly. I know I would.
Your cats will probably need some time to adjust and actually you should follow their cues. They will let you know whether they need to ease back into their routine with you or if they will crave more than the usual amount of affection. The best gift you can give them is time and understanding.
Make yourself available to them for lots of petting IF their body language indicates to you that they want it. Don’t chase them around looking to cuddle, often times cats need to adjust and will seem aloof and UNCUDDLY for a while. Don’t assume this means their feelings towards you have changed. They have been unsettled and they are going to need to feel secure again before they can totally relax.
A water fountain is a GREAT idea because health wise it is tremendously better than a stationary bowl. I have two of them in my home and the cats have universally proven to prefer drinking the fresh, running water over the water in a bowl. I have 9 cats so it is all the more important that their water remain fresh.
I recommend Fresh-Mate brand water fountain, that is the kind I chose after doing a lot of research. It uses filters so it keeps the water clean and it always feels slightly colder than the water in the bowl did. They love drinking the running water right off the little ramp/waterfall!
Just be patient with your cats as they adjust to being home with you again, and don’t spring too many surprises on them all at once. Try not to rearrange the furniture a lot or anything in the beginning. Let them know you are back for good, and once they feel secure again, they will be right back to normal.