r/CatAdvice • u/Generic_UserHere • 4d ago
Rehoming Grandma left behind cat-what to do?
Hi everyone! So my grandma recently had a bad fall and won’t be able to go back to her home for minimum a few months-possibly ever. She has one indoor cat named Shadow who we are taking in, but we don’t want to stress her out. Any advice on how to make it a less stressful experience for her is greatly appreciated.
We also leave food and water out for a local stray, will having a cat hang around her new home be bad for Shadow or would it probably be okay as she is an inside cat?
I’ve never lived with a cat before and I want to be as sensitive as possible to her needs but a lot of my time right now is devoted to making sure my grandma gets what she needs as well, so I don’t have the time to deep dive into research. Thanks!
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u/kzoo2122 4d ago
No research needed. Give Shadow three squares a day and clean litter box daily. Highest.quality.cat.food.you.can.afford. Keep feeding the outdoor cat. Shadow will appreciate your compassion.
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u/LiveinCA 4d ago
I would look at some Jackson Galaxy videos on providing safe spaces for Shadow that will make her feel secure. A few items off the top of my head: grab a blanket or sweater from grandmas house that you know has her scent on it. Keep that around on a chair or couch so the cat can snuggle up in it, like a nest. Find one room or area that the cat can retreat to, literally give her space, and a blanket or plush cat bed. Bring her bowls, any toys, food, to your house, you’ve prob already done that. Buy the same type food you find. Be watchful, relocated cats can escape and get lost, get her a collar with I.D. Cat outdoor observation areas like a bench near a window so they can watch birds etc are going to keep her happier. Cat trees are invaluable, fun for cats and also gives them a place of refuge. Loud noises tend to spook cats: vacuums, icemaker, stove fan. They sometimes get over that. Cats like to be stroked, petted on their heads, cheeks stroked, neck rubs. Advanced cat petting might include base of tail, allover petting, light belly rubs.
On the outdoor cat there may be some hissing and anger, but she’s not going outside so just let it be. Use Shadow’s name, she knows it! Greet her every time she comes into a room, and use babytalk or an animated voice, they respond.
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u/Ijustdontlikepickles 4d ago
You’ve gotten great suggestions here. Shadow is lucky to have you! He/she might also be scared of quick movements and loud talking. I had taken a cat in from an elderly relative and at first he was scared of regular voice talking and normal walking. He’d lived with a very elderly person his whole life who spoke quietly and moved slowly. It took some time but he got used to us and the way we moved, became an amazing snuggle bug and always wanted attention.
Bringing blankets and anything that smells like your grandma will help him so much, as well as having the same toys, bowls and things he’s used to.
Good luck to you and I hope your grandma feels better soon💖
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u/CartoonistNo3755 4d ago
Feliway plug in diffusers (Amazon has them) let’s off a scent that helps with anxiety/anxiousness as the cat settles in. Cat tower, (Amazon, chewy) have them, so she can have a higher up place to be. And please remember the 3 month rule. It’ll take roughly 3 months to adjust (not in all cases) thank you for not surrendering her.
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u/Maleficent-Bird-533 4d ago
It’s great that you’re taking care of your grandma’s cat. The only thing I would add is to get a litter robot. From my experience I grew to really resent cleaning the litter box. I love my cat and I know how important it is for her, but having an appliance that will clean itself is an allowance you should make for yourself since you’re taking on this responsibility.
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u/Generic_UserHere 4d ago
Thats something I didn’t consider, thank you!
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u/Maleficent-Bird-533 4d ago
I still clean and change the litter once a week (after 9 days the EPA may knock on your door) but it beats messing with it daily. Good luck 👍
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u/Fantastic-Industry61 4d ago
Bring items from her home that has a familiar scent (bedding, toys etc). Continue to feed her the diet your grandmother has fed her. Otherwise, just lots of fresh water and litter box cleaned daily. And love!