An unfortunate need for rehoming Sid :(

[Magenta]

Well, have come to the very painful decision to re-home Sid. My heart doesn't want to, but my head knows that when it comes to Summer and Twitch is out and about in the garden I'm not going to be able to keep them apart and Sid will attack her and either do something horrific injury-wise or chase her off. He seemed to be fitting in ok, but has now got the attitude that the house is his and will pounce on her at every opportunity he's given. She's become very nervous and withdrawn and it's all my fault for being weak-willed and unable to say no to a sad case. I should have said no to the RSPCA guy that came and checked him over when he asked if he could release him back in the garden, I should have let him take him for re-homing then cos at least he might have got some place nice by now...hindsight, eh?
So now I have to try and find him a home, unfortunately all the people I know have animals, and I don't think he can be homed with another cat (as I've found out) and he is also not good with dogs. If any of my new friends reading this know of someone trustworthy and experienced with cats who are looking for a loveable, if slightly overweight lol, black tom cat (neutered) then please drop me a line. He does have a bit of an attitude problem to begin with, but once you've gained his trust he loves his snuggles and head rubs. He is probably about 5/6 years old.
I really don't want to have to put him in a rescue centre, but I don't have the time or expertise to sort out his antisocial behaviour. I have seen from your posts that someone here might be able to help me out and take him on. He was in quite a poor state when I took him on, bad skin, fur was balding in places, very aggressive and wouldn't come near anyone. I love the cat he has become, but I have to think of Twitch and her health. If she wasn't already here then I would keep him in a heartbeat.
I might be able to travel to someone, although I don't drive so will be relying on a lift from friends.
Sorry, guilt tripping myself now...
So please let me know, thanks :)

[dandysmom]

That's sad news, Magenta, but under the circumstances I can see that you really have no choice, because of Twitch's heath and wellbeing. Good luck in finding a suitable new home for him, poor fellow. It's obvious he's done well under your care, and hope he'll find a loving home, he's too set in his ways at his age to change them, sounds as if he'd be a candidate for a one cat household.

[angieh]

I am sad reading this story Magenta. Here's me happy because I hopefully am getting a nice little cat and you have to find a home for Sid. I do wish you all the best of luck with that. You do have to do right by Twitch.

[Elaine]

Hi Magenta, I am so sorry to be reading this. Such a shame for all of you. I hope a new home can be found soon. xxx

[Magenta]

Thanks all, I do feel so bad for having to re-home him, but I know it is the best thing to do both for him and Twitch. I agree that his best bet would be a one cat household. I shall keep you all updated! And please spread the word if you think someone might be interested.

[Leesy]

Oh dear what a sad situation for you to be in, but like the previous posts you do have to think about Twitch`s, it is such a shame as he appears to have settled with you and doing well.

[Magenta]

UPDATE
I still have Sid on every waiting list I can get him on to.

I would still love to find him a household where he could be the only cat and rule the roost, as I think this would be the best option for him (and Twitch).

However, quite by accident last night Twitch and Sid came face to face. I have carried Twitch past him when she's wanted to go out, but after the fight that ensued last time I never allow them to meet. But, Sid did nothing, there wasn't even any growling from him. They were barely 4 feet from each other and he just yawned and walked off. I still wouldn't trust leaving them alone together, but I must admit that this is a little positive progress. I've been trying to socialise him with her, just a few times as I don't want to scare Twitch. They also met this morning and although Twitch growled, there was no hissing or fighting. Perhaps there is hope for the warcat, Sid?

[calismum]

I do hope so - perhaps they just needed some time to sort things out?

[Elaine]

Hi again Magenta, I cannt remember what actually went on around the time Sid attacked Twitch but just from your update, it got me thinking....
My Eva is not a very accepting cat and when we took Bernie on, it took us 6 months before she finally relented and accepted him into the house, three and a half years on, Eva still takes exception to him on occasion and they are by no means cuddle buddies, sometimes acceptance is all we can hope for.
The sorts of things we did were, scent swapping, rubbing one cat down with a soft cloth and then using the same cloth to rub the other down. We would crate Bernie at meal times and place Eva's food several feet away but in clear view of Bernie, eventually bringing the food closer and closer to the crate. If Eva was out in the garden we would let Bernie have the run of the house so that he could scent if himself. I dont know if any of that might be useful for you or not but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
We also had alot of advice and support from Wizz, she is a lovely woman and very knowledgable on cat behaviour.
http://www.wizz-catz.co.uk/

[dandysmom]

Magenta, maybe things are looking up a bit, they may learn to tolerate one another. Never be cuddle buddies, but if Sid stops attacking Twitch and she isn't too stressy perhaps you could keep him.....???

[Magenta]

Just to let you all know that Sid has now got a new home! I am sad that he has gone, cos he was a fab cat, but also glad that I have had great updates from the new owner. He appears to be settling in and that's after only 3 days! I have had to stop myself from looking out the back window for him, and I guess those moments hurt the most. I will miss him, but Twitch has already improved around he house, being her usual bubbly self, running up and down the stairs...in celebration perhaps?!?
Thanks to you all for your advice and support.
Magenta

[dandysmom]

Thanks for that update, Magenta. It is sad he had to be rehomed, but he sounds as if he's doing well, and great news that Twitch is happier!

[angieh]

I think that's the best news for you, Twitch and Sid and Sid's new owner. I hope you all get on fine from now on in your respective homes. Thanks for letting us know the good news.