Actually I went through the same thing, my persian Gizmo was a in door cat w/ the exception of me taking him out on a leash a few times when he was a few months old. But then I moved into a house w/ 5 other roommates during college and they decided he should be able to go outside and let him out- on a leash at first. He loved it and so eventually it transitioned to letting him roam he'd spend most nights in with me sleeping but would go out in the morning and come in when I came home for lunch. But then I moved into an apartment where you can't let the cats outside as it's violation of your lease- so he cried and cried and even got so mad as to start peeing on my bed and clothes to make his point. Finally he settled down and stopped as it was winter and he never was one to go out in the snow, but once summer hit he was at the crying again. I decided maybe he just needed a friend and got a new siamese. I can't say he's always pleased with her as she tends to think she owns the place and me, but he's pretty mellow and let's her do most things without getting to mad. However he does not meow anymore and during the day and night they play and if I'm not home they will nap together and clean one another. Every once in awhile he'll stand at the door and look at me but then moxie comes and jumps at him looking to play and he forgets about it and plays.
I'd say give another cat a try if you are willing to have two. I think it's better for them in the long run to have a companion. Just be careful on having two males they are very territorial even when neutured.
Jan 25, 2008 Rating
thanks for your responses by: Mimi
Hi - I'm not sure I understand how to respond to comments and answers to my cat question...other than using this comment feature.
Someone suggested adding another cat to the household. Unfortunately, Babette is the kind of cat who despises having other cats around, and gets *very* jealous. A few years ago I babysat my sister's two cats for two months and Babette was SO mortified and hurt by this sudden intrusion in her queendom that she would physically attack me (biting my ankles, etc) and hiss at me everytime she heard my voice! (I know, sounds like I'm exagerating, but she was deeply, deeply disturbed by it). So much so that she ran away for two months and only came back when the cats were gone. It took her about a year to become affectionate with me again. She is, however, a very social cat when it comes to human beings and she enjoys being petted, she used to love going to neighbours' houses and getting affection and hanging out with strangers who would fawn all over her. ;) I think she misses the human interraction the most...
I have thought of a leash but I wonder how trainable she is at 8. It's worth a shot, thank you!
Jan 25, 2008 Rating
Perhaps another little one by: Linda
Have you thought of adding another little kitty to your household? She may be restless for company of another of her kind. Two kitties are just as easy as one and that would provide another to play with.There are so many that need a loving home. I'll bet that would do the trick. Good luck, she is beautiful!
