Blind Depressed cat in bad situation

[Heartisan]

This is a major dilemma with a lot of issues.

A few weeks ago I had to put one of my cats Tazzy to rest, it broke my heart. I also had just moved to a place I thought was perfect for us. But that isn't necessarily true for them. I have not been able to feed them or retrain them as I would have wanted. The cat room and cat box is downstairs and only one litter type is allowed and it isn't what my cats are used to.

so I still have his brother Tigger and he is mostly blind, I think even more now. Now they all seemed to be ok going downstairs to use the litter box and coming back up before Tazzy died. Tigger has been depressed, he completely stopped purring and he always purred. He was my healer cat with his purr therapy. Then I realized he was using the bottom of the cat castle for his litter box. We took that out and cleaned it up and I suggested my Landlord/friend take him downstairs to use the litter box. I hoped he would stay and see what he did but he just left him there where he stayed hidden for 3 days.

They have other animals, 2 cats and 2 large dogs. The downstairs front is the Dogspace and the side is the tiny cat room with the litter and food (yeah, same room) I had been unable to go downstairs, but I bit the dust and did it go try to draw tigger out, but it didn't work. Next down he was found in the space under the tub which the cats have access to and that is where they hide. I had to go down and half coax and have pull him out. He was ok with me, but not happy until he got back into my room and got to get his bearings where he was. He is thin, They don't like the new food, and I am not allowed to feed them anywhere but the kitchen where the dogs and other cats hang out. I think that is partly what triggered Tazzy to get sick, and now my fat cat Tigger now has his hips showing and I can feel his spine and ribs. I have said I have their old cat food and am treating them with it until they get used to the new food, but I'm giving them as much as I can. I made a mistake by not asking details about the pet issue and was simply told we would work it out.

The litter box has not been kept how they have had it their entire lives. Too little litter and the top wasn't on it.

So, here is my problem. I fixed the litter box how they like it but how do I get tigger to go down there again? I can take him down there each day but they aren't like dogs who say when they have to go. In general, they used to go twice a day morning and night, all three of them. But I am worried about him escaping to the hiding place again and starving himself to being sick.

Im afaid they are going to ask me to get rid of him, but I would just as soon move again.

Also when two cats about the same age of 6 are friends, do they sound like they are killing each other when they play? One of mine and one of theirs, one male and one female both fixed.

I am showering him with affection, and the situation isn't going to change unless I move AGAIN, or find him a new home.  People keep telling me things I already know but I am just frustrated with this one.  I am going up against a brick wall with the homeowners.  I am just looking for ideas before I have to give him to my ex.  The other cat would go too, and I would not have any. but if that is the best I can do for them, that is how it has to be.

Thanks in advance

Jewel and Tigger

[Heartisan]

I do know all those things, I know what he needs, I've always made sure I knew what I was doing and what was best. The problem is with the homeowners.  They have pets and always have and I am so surprised they know nothing about them.

It's not that I can't buy the food, but I can't have their food in my room, it has to be in the kitchen and it's hard to feed them with the big dogs around.  Tigger won't go in the kitchen, it's at that point he gets scared and runs back to his room.  I sneak feed him here.  They think I am treating/training them.  And I a 2 of them.

[opus88]

hi and welcome to our forum...you do sound like you have alot on your shoulders right now and trying to accommodate a kitty with a disability isn't simple.
Tigger is obviously very stressed right now, being blind makes moving homes and things he is used to even more stressful for him. he is lost and unfamiliar with the new rules and new surroundings. I'm sure he will adjust given time and patience...but he has to be guided and made familiar with where the litter box is now and how to get there and back. I will send you a site that has info on 'moving with a blind cat'

http://www.messybeast.com/disabled.htm#blind

as far as the food goes, that is another stresser. kitties don't like change. you say you cannot buy their old food where you are now....have you tried many different varieties of new foods to tempt them?
or is it possible to order the food the were on before? you cannot allow Tigger to loose weight and not eat, this will quickly lead to many other health issues.♥