About Dear Tabbi Expertise My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too.
Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again.
Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials ***********
Awards and Honors * One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
Question My father and I own seven cats, and we agreed that when I go away for college next year, if I am willing to pay the extra money for a pet-friendly apartment, that I will take some with me (I have issues with depression and anxiety and my cats have always been great de-stressers). I'm looking at taking three of the youngest ones, but I also really want to take one of our older cats, Cloudy. However, I worry that it would put too much strain on her. She's eight, and her and her brother have lived in the same home since we got them (they were probably around a year old at the time). She's a fairly laid back cat, but she can get very anxious if she's stressed out (she doesn't handle baths or vet visits well at all). I worry about leaving her, though, because another of our cats who is staying with my dad likes to chase her. We had a big problem with him chasing her into cupboards and her not coming out all day--not even to eat or use the litterbox. We had to move her into my room where the other cat is not allowed. Cloudy is very much a momma's girl. She follows me around, sleeps in my room, and doesn't usually allow anyone besides me to hold her. I'm worried that leaving her, particularly since my dad works all day and would not be able to give her the attention she needs, would cause her to become depressed, but I also worry that moving her would stress her out too much. What should I do?
Answer Kitty,
I have found that most cats can adapt anywhere as long as they are with the person they love. I think you would miss her just as much.
Read my past answers on moving with a cat for tips. Also Bach's Rescue Remedy is great in helping to relieve stress.
