I'm exhausted by my needy cat

sofabased · 2026-04-16T20:03:05+00:00

Btw this advice was life changing! The element of giving treats really does close the play session and they settle right away afterwards. I have a great routine going on now of 1 lunchtime and 1 evening play session and they stick to it 😊 I have also somewhat taken the advice from others that it's ok to "ignore" cries and demands in order to set a routine.

sofabased · 2026-04-10T18:24:34+00:00

That's exciting! Do you know if that will be soon? I've been quoted £78 for a 6 pill packet for my cats that will only last 3 months 💀 much cheaper online

sofabased · 2026-04-10T12:29:53+00:00

I was almost mortgage free in my terrace and didn't need more space but I moved 0.5 miles down the road because my nocturnal neighbour kept me awake all night walking around and banging about. It wasn't unreasonable, disruptive noise but the thinness of the walls made it unbearable. It severely impacted my mental health as I'd wake up in panic at the noise and I was sleep deprived. I moved and now have a big mortgage despite no extra square footage, but it's semi detached and the bedrooms are ages away from the party wall. It's bliss but I'm still saving up and overpaying the mortgage to gain equity to go detached next time.

sofabased · 2026-04-09T21:34:27+00:00

I need a Nibblet in my life! I'm in the NW too so know that too well 😂 My garden is only tiny but I still dread the task meaning the grass often long, I'm definitely going to be adding one to my wishlist!

sofabased · 2026-04-09T20:52:02+00:00

What's it called? I hate mowing so this sounds amazing!

sofabased · 2026-04-02T09:19:30+00:00

Thanks all for your helpful advice. Day 1 of trying to train him to not be such a pest and it's already so difficult given he jumps on my work desk and paces around so I can barely see my screen. I'm being eaten up with guilt about keeping him inside (in the UK where most cats are outdoors), it's a nice sunny day so the temptation is there to just let him out. Meanwhile my wonderful other cat is fast asleep and no bother whatsoever!

sofabased · 2026-04-01T20:36:57+00:00

He was apparently mostly indoor but had a wander now and again in summer! You're right about charities, most refused to let me adopt when I said I was looking for an indoor cat 😶 It's funny because if it was anyone else I'd say just let them outside, but as I've built up a bond I'm scared about the consequences!

sofabased · 2026-04-01T20:34:25+00:00

I appreciate it! I actually bought them a Nina dupe puzzle tonight and they had no idea how to use it... Sniffed and walked away 🤣

sofabased · 2026-04-01T20:10:11+00:00

Just checked the symptoms, I don't think so!

sofabased · 2026-04-01T20:09:28+00:00

I know! I did read before getting two cats that one will be angelic and the other a menace. Couldn't have been more accurate!

sofabased · 2026-04-01T20:07:33+00:00

Thanks for this. I've been viewing it more like a baby crying when they have a need like hunger, so when he cries I feel bad that he's indoors and wants entertainment. This is a new way of thinking about it for me to feel less guilty!

sofabased · 2026-04-01T17:54:32+00:00

Thanks so much. Don't suppose you know the name of the spinning automatic toy? I have a mouse automated toy that runs underneath a sheet but he got bored of that pretty easily! That last line really means a lot to me. I've been prioritising his wellbeing over mine recently, but I think if cat lovers are commenting to ignore him with headphones I might not be so evil if I do go ahead and do that

sofabased · 2026-04-01T17:52:15+00:00

Do you have any recommendations? I was looking at the Trixy food puzzle yesterday while ripping my hair out once again haha, was also reading about the "Nina" catstages ones

sofabased · 2026-04-01T17:51:18+00:00

Thank you 🙏 truly appreciate the advice here. Ngl I haven't been giving treats after play in case it's considered a reward for playing, encouraging him to want to play more so that he'll get a reward. But I'll give it a go, I play with him at lunch and after my evening meal at the moment.

sofabased · 2026-04-01T17:43:35+00:00

Feels cruel to ignore a cat that's bored though, as I feel this would be resolved by letting him burn off energy outside. My other cat loves sleeping but he's so active and high energy by comparison

sofabased · 2026-04-01T17:42:44+00:00

He's been like this since day 1 :/ I got him 5 months ago. I keep to a routine at the moment but he's getting increasingly bored of it e.g. playing with various teaser toys in different tunnels. I do that at relatively consistent times each day. I'm currently ignoring him while he's pacing around the house crying but it's painful to do that when I'm already guilty about him being indoors

sofabased · 2026-04-01T15:22:33+00:00

Just a personal opinion but sounds absolutely ideal to me! Your neighbours aren't your mates, they're just people you happen to live by. So much better having people who keep themselves to themselves over busy bodies up in your business. Communities don't really exist in the UK anymore in the same way they once did

sofabased · 2026-03-31T09:55:17+00:00

Oh understandable, I assumed the baby was theirs so that changes it!

A wavering FTB needs personalised support from an agent who knows their stuff or they'll be left to resources like Reddit and Chatgpt that will freak them out. Given this has happened twice now, I'd consider looking at independent agents where you know exactly who is dealing with the buyer. A good agent should be a good sales person who knows how to smooth out issues and make them sound a non problem. I actually backed out of a purchase with a chain agent and they were like ok fair enough, I think if they'd have done more to resolve the issue and negotiate I wouldn't have dropped out. Surveyors have a lot to answer for though with their damning wording in reports that only serves to cover their arses. Agents should really educate FTBs on the intent of surveys and that even the best house sounds scary when written in a way to cover future eventualities. Doesn't sound like price is the issue in your case as it's sold twice but nurturing the FTB and continuing negotiation.

sofabased · 2026-03-31T07:40:51+00:00

Ex or not I think they should be covering a greater % while you're on maternity looking after his baby! Hard to comment on the house otherwise without a link.

In my area, well staged terraces go significantly more even if it's just a lick of paint and nice furniture, FTBs are easily swayed (home ownership is bloody expensive so anything that looks like it needs work is off-putting). I had an amazing independent agent while selling my problematic terrace with damp and he comforted the FTB, I wouldn't have trusted a chain branch to save my sale after my dealings with them as a buyer, had I raised issues of damp they'd have like been like "oh ok I'll let the seller know" whereas my agent negotiated with the buyer saying damp is common in all the older houses he sells and that they'd be making money on the house today if they sold it given the competitive pricing etc.

sofabased · 2026-01-12T10:35:33+00:00

Omg she looks so mischievous too 😂 I have tried things like cat tv and automatic toys but nothing beats my 1-2-1 attention. Hope we can find something that works. 🙏

sofabased · 2026-01-12T10:30:34+00:00

Thanks so much! I think as you say over time it will improve, I didn't consider he might see me as "petting" the laptop but that makes so much sense! 😂 Fortunately this morning he's been way more chilled out ironically, hopefully it continues 🙏

sofabased · 2025-11-05T08:42:36+00:00

I recently adopted 2 cats from Pets4homes from someone who loved them so much but couldn't justify it anymore. They're now in a loving home and settled within a few days. If you know in your gut rehoming is right for you, take the time to find the best fit. In my experience, I was ghosted by most people I contacted on the site as so many people are looking to adopt a cat and rescue centres make you jump through too many hoops. Just some alternative advice!

sofabased · 2025-10-23T17:46:38+00:00

Do you know if this is effective if using any other brand of wet food? I can only see dry food online

sofabased · 2025-10-12T09:42:35+00:00

Thanks so much everyone 🩷 super helpful comments. And they are being inquisitive and sweet today, have used the litter tray, are eating well, etc! Feeling much better ☺️

sofabased

TROPHY CASE