Grandcat having extended 'sleepover'!

meritaten

my son had a beautiful cat for his birthday last year - but in the last couple of months the cat (Barney) has started to behave aggressively to the other cats and the dog. he isn't eating (lost lots of weight), he has stopped grooming himself and is now toileting outside the litter tray.
my son has asked me to take Barney for a few weeks to see if his behaviour improves as he thinks the cat is suffering stress. if this is so he will then rehome him as an 'only cat'.
Sons home is a bit 'chaotic' - but the other animals seem fine. he wants to know if my much quieter home makes a difference.
I have had cats in the past but not for some years now.
I plan to go out tomorrow and buy the cat some toys - so can I have some suggestions please? Town has an Asda, a Wilkinsons and a Pets at Home. along with Poundland. anyone got an only cat who has a loved 'toy' from any of these? I am afraid Barney is going to get a bit bored with Nanny and Grandad!

balletshoes

aw you're lovely meritaten .

my current kitt is just a kitten, but my last cat was an only, he had 2 or 3 soft toys (2 dogs and a rabbit) from a kitten which he was still jumping all over and rolling about the floor fighting with, when he was 3.

Current kitt and my last cat loved the lazer pen toys you can get at Pets at Home too.

meritaten

ty balletshoes. while Barney was sat by me earlier I noticed that my watch was reflecting on the wall - so did Barney! I started 'dancing' the reflection and Barney was definitely watching it! I was thinking of a 'laser pen' but a bit worried in case I accidently shone it in his eyes. so the pet toy laser pens are quite safe? if so I will get him one.

bagpussbear

Has the cat been checked out by a vet just in case there is some sort of medical problem?

As for toys, I've never known a cat that didn't like good old string!

meritaten

yes - I am sure vet has seen cat recently.

String is good - but I knit a lot and don't really want to have Barney thinking I am playing when I am trying to knit! (from experience I don't think cats know the difference between string and wool).

Hey! I could knit him some toys! now I need to search t' net for patterns! Many thanks Bagpussbear! I didn't think of that!

arbroath_lass

Our cat loves Da Bird (http://www.da-bird.co.uk/) but you'll get something similar (and cheaper) in town.

valk_scot

Has he been neutered?

meritaten

er - I aint sure val - I didn't think to ask! but son normally neuters his cats and he just had the dog done - I would think so! Will ask him though!

meritaten

I am going to bed soon and I have been warned Barney likes to sleep on the bed - and he snores! loudly! I would know that as he looks like he ran into a wall! flat face cat! oh well, first night of grandcat sleepover!
he hasn't used litter tray yet ...............worried a bit about this. he has been here since 3.00pm. ................hope he has held it in!

calicocat

Tin foil balls , flick them at him (well just past him) , most of mine have loved this game. Ribbon.

good luck, hope you enjoy sleeping with him

~Beanie~

arbroath_lass wrote: »

Our cat loves Da Bird (http://www.da-bird.co.uk/) but you'll get something similar (and cheaper) in town.

My cat (also a Barney) loves this as well. I was a bit worried before I bought it that it would be 12 quid spent on something he would sniff at and walk away from. How wrong, I have to say that it was the best £12 I have ever spent, he loves it!!