Stressed Out Cat

[breezybre2728]

   My mother currently has 5 cats all of which get along except for one, the oldest (I believe he is about 8-years-old now). 3 of the 4 cats like to chase him around, and he really doesn't have the freedom to walk around the area as he once could. This has really caused him lots of stress and has pretty much driven him to the neighbors' houses--all of the cats are indoor-outdoor cats, but the other 4 like to be near the house and keep all other cats away. Lately, my mother has been noticing that he has been having problems taking the impact of falling when he jumps down from 6 ft high fences.

  I am really considering bringing the cat to live with me, but I know that relocating such an old cat can be problematic due to the whole moving process being a really stressful event. However, living with me he would not have to deal with high fences and territorial cats--my neighborhood does have cats and coyotes, but during the day he would not have to deal with such terrible stresses (cat fights are fairly rare which is the opposite from what happens at my mother's), and at night I would keep him inside.

  To sum everything up, my old cat has stress at home, but if I move him, he would also have to deal with relocation stress. I would really like the input of others to figure out basically which stress is better. To be honest, I know moving could stress him to the point of death, but I wonder if dying in a peaceful place away from troublesome cats would be better. Keeping him at my mother's means daily stress, not eating well (but my neighbor's do feed him), and not having a warm place to stay when it rains (at least that's what I believe since no one is sure where he goes when it rains). I would really appreciate the input of others. This is really not an easy decision, but does need to be thoroughly considered.

[CML2014]

Hi breezy,

I  agree with Opus 100%. You would be saving him from a miserable existence. Cat's can be soooo obnoxious with weekened or injured cats in their territory. That is why they try and show NO pain. Makes them a target for others to pick on--but that is nature at it worst. Only the strong survive,

He needs to be with you and taken out of that environment. God Bless you for helping him live a food life.

Keep us posted,
CML

[opus88]

How wonderful of you to be so thoughtful and concerned abt this poor kitty....he sounds so pathetic, being forced from his home by other stronger Alfa cats, longterm stress such as what you describe can lead to so many issues.
My opinion is PLZ do take this kitty into your home, the slight stress of relocating would soon be overcome when he can have full reign of the territory.
When you do get him to the new and unfamiliar new home even though he is used to going in and out for the first week or two keep him strictly indoors, he must first get used to the new home and comfortable there before you allow him to go outdoors.
Give him a room with a litter box, food and water...his safe spot! Than at his own discretion he will gradually widen his borders and explore the rest of the house, he will quickly become familiar with the new home and with his new mommy or daddy.
The stress of the move won't be fatal at all, 8 years old isn't old...he will adjust just fine and be a much happier cat:)
Let our member Piparskeggar tell you his story of moving his cat family across country to a new home
Good luck, let us know how it goes...and good for you!!!