My grandmother adopted a kitten a couple of months ago. Since then she has fallen 3 times (though only one time was related to the cat when she was cleaning the litter box). After visiting her I noticed the cat is super energized running around randomly. My main problem is the cat is now playing/attacking my grandmother's walker while she is using it. I dont think she would allow us to find another home. Are there some suggestions on how we can adjust the kittens behavior and make my grandmother living alone with her possible?
Thank you!
Iike suggested, have someone look in on Gma to make sure she is caring for the kitten.
If she has any issues cognitively, she may not be able to entertain the kitten, ensure vet care, proper nutrition, training, exercise, etc. My LO had an adult cat and she lost the ability to properly care for the cat. It grew very unhappy and started acting out. She didn't have the focus to play with the cat and she obsessed with it, making it very uncomfortable.
I'd make sure the relationship with her pet is healthy.
Get the kitten a cat post that your grandmother can train the kitten to scratch on while sitting. None of my cats ever destroyed furniture or curtains because I taught them to "rake" their cat posts.
Your grandmother, Ruby, is still young at only 71, and perhaps there's someone at her independent living who also loves cats and will be inclined to assist her with the first 6 months of kittenhood. If the kitten gets good manners now, she will provide your grandmother with lots and lots of joy.
There's also a swell cat whisperer named Jackson Galaxy who has a channel on YouTube. Watch some videos with your grandmother.
And please remind your grandmother that when the kitten is playing with her walker, to stop and be extra cautious.
Also, cats tend to walk between people's legs to rub and get their attention, they "rake" the furniture with their claws and can do lots of damage. Don't get me wrong: I was raised with cats and love them, but this is just the reality of owning them. I think having a pet is fantastic for the elderly, but the timing of adding a new one does matter.