Peek-a-Boo update
By tomcat23
@tomcat23 (622)
Old Forge, Pennsylvania
April 9, 2010 9:39pm CST
I finally got Peek-a-Boo out of the crawlspace. She is in our apartment and once again seems to be happy being loved. The other cats don't seem to mind her being here either. Naturally, at this time, we obviously have a sixth cat. We are both relieved that she is out from the crawlspace and she is very affectionate.
Here's what seemed to work. Rather than pouring a handful of food down the hole, I would open the trap door in the bathroom and feed her one morsel at a time. She didn't get much food for a few days and finally today, she came right to me when I went downstairs. As I'm writing this she is on the bed with my girlfriend who is feeling under the weather.
Hopefully, Peek-a-Boo will not return to the crawlspace, but if she does, should I take the time to hoax her out, or just leave her be and let her know she will not get fed if she is down there? If she likes it there, and gets food while she is there, why leave? If and when we move out, she may not have the same luxury. If animal control takes her, she could find a home where she is the only cat and be happier still. Is it wrong to think she is better off staying with me? Am I being selfish? There is so much to consider, after all, I know I'm not the only animal/cat lover in the world.
4 people like this
7 responses
@ElicBxn (63643)
• United States
10 Apr 10
Hun, I think you did a good thing, to lure her out of the crawl space.
Now, a cat without a lot of food can develop a problem called "Fatty Liver Disease" so, I would keep an eye on her to make sure she stays healthy.
I would also block off that crawl space so she can't do it again.
1 person likes this
@tomcat23 (622)
• Old Forge, Pennsylvania
10 Apr 10
Thank you for the info. Having cats as pets does indeed take much more than feeding. Between fleas, worms, ear mites, etc, its more of being a caregiver than a pet owner. For as independent as cats are, they are just as dependent when it comes to living a happy and healthy life. Peek-a-boo did not go very long at all without eating, so I don't see a problem there. She seems to be doing just fine right now and the other cats didn't even have to get used to her being here again. In fact, its almost as if they welcomed her back.
2 people like this
@climber7565 (2579)
• United States
10 Apr 10
Hey Tom, I think you should teach that cat to stay in and not have to add on to the work of taking care of her. Its great you won her affection and hopefully it will not try and run. I am glad to hear from you and your story my friend.
@tomcat23 (622)
• Old Forge, Pennsylvania
10 Apr 10
I still think cats are much smarter than they let us know. Since she is a female, I guess it comes natural to play hard to get. She made herself right at home, even slept on the bed for awhile then joined the other cats in the livingroom. Spoiled little creatures.
1 person likes this
@climber7565 (2579)
• United States
10 Apr 10
You are so right on that. I adopted one a few months ago and she was a street cat, she slept deep the first night and then all she wanted to do is go out at night and sure let me know, kept me up all night until I finally gave in and let her go. LOL OH thanks for your support on the new site. I am working hard here to make pay out this month and have 60 cents to go lol
@GardenGerty (160952)
• United States
10 Apr 10
I would do my best to keep her from the crawl space, and not feed her when she is down there. She is a smart kitty, she will get the picture. There is no way to know that she would get a good home if you had to move away without her. I hope you can take your kitties with you when you move. Tell the girlfriend to feel better soon.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
12 Apr 10
I’m glad you got Peek-a-Boo out of there! If I was you I would try to keep her from going back to the crawlspace and I would attempt to take her with me when I move. I think she will need a loving home, they all do… I am a cat lover and I could not bear to leave a kitty without knowing what was going to happen to her…Besides I’d like to keep them all!
@kaylachan (71763)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Apr 10
Well, I think that she will be happist living in the apartment. I would seal off the crowlspace so she can't get in it again. Personally, I don't think it will benifit her to be trapped in it, and that same trick may not work a second time. Cats tend to catch on and be resourcful.
In an urban society, its important for cats to live with humans, because our modern technology can be a danger to them. So you should take care of her and make her part of the family.
1 person likes this
@tomcat23 (622)
• Old Forge, Pennsylvania
10 Apr 10
It does seem as though we will be keeping her, and I know what you mean about modern technology being a danger. One of my cats Olie, did get run over and killed. Another, Little Tom, was killed by a dog right on our own back porch. It is indeed sad to lose one of the furry friends.
1 person likes this
@ajarvaise (453)
• Philippines
12 Apr 10
I'm glad that Peek-a-Boo got out of that crawlspace. I think you should block that so that she can't go back there again. As she is being affectionate, I think you've won her trust. If the time comes and you move out and she still trusts you, take her along. It's not selfish to want another cat if you know she'll be happier with you and the other cats.
@BarBaraPrz (47667)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
10 Apr 10
Glad to hear she's out again. If she's affectionate with you and gets along with the other cats, I'd say she was happy with the current situation.
