Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/3/2008

Question
My Boyfriend and I are buying a place together. He owns two cats around the age of 7. The two cats have always slept with him, however I am allergic and would like the bedroom to be off limits to the cats. Since we are moving would it be easier to close the bedroom door on the cats in a new place? Am I dreaming thinking this is going to work? I do no mind that they are in the bedroom but I do mind waking up with one on my pillow and one on my chest.

Answer
Erica,

They love you! (smile). Cats always seem to go to the person who doesn't want them to be around them. You are non-threatening to them. At least they are not jealous of you being with your boyfriend and scratching and biting you which sometimes happens.

Anytime two people move in together and there are issues about cats, there has to be some conceding and some concessions made on both sides for it to work out. The cats are his 'kids' and family, but  your allergies should take precedence in the bedroom.

Yes, I would start out right and keep the cats out of the bedroom...period. Make it off limits. The cats will probably throw fits at first but they will adjust and adapt. But you have to be consistant. You can't keep them out one time, then let them in another. And don't ever play with them in the bedroom, or let them sleep in there when you are not in bed. That will confuse them on what they can and can't do, and when.

Suggestion: Get them a nice kitty condo with sleeping areas and rub it with catnip. Don't let them see it until you move in. Then the first night when they can't get into the bedroom they may choose to sleep in the kitty condo and hopefully you won't have any further problems.

With a little give and take between you, your boyfriend, and the cats it should work out fine.

Tabbi