I am at the end of my rope with Dusty. Once again she has pooped on the floor (at least it was on the rug - yesterday it was right on the wood floor!) and peed on a toy. My house is starting to smell like cat pee, despite the multiple air fresheners and scented candles. We've been putting her outside every day and she still finds time to poop in the house. I don't know what else to do. I think she is going to have to go to the shelter. I really REALLY do not want to give her up. She is a timid, friendly cat who hides all day and snuggles all night. She needs human interaction at night, and she won't get that at the shelter. It makes me tear up to even think of just abandoning her, she has been in my life since my college days. But I don't know what else I can do, I have tried everything and I just can't keep this up. I've mentioned several times to the kids that Dusty will probably have to go live with the other cats and we can go visit her there, but it's terribly sad. Every time I decide I've had enough, she starts being incredibly sweet to me, the girls and even to Roxy. Short of putting her outside fulltime, which she would hate, I don't think I can keep her in our house. It's unsanitary, expensive because she is ruining so much stuff, and it's just plain gross. I know it's the right thing to do, but I'm afraid she'll hate it there and we will miss her so much, I'll always think I've done the wrong thing. I know it's a no-kill shelter, but it feels just as final. I love her almost like one of my children, and so do they. I wouldn't give up on them. But I can't get the cat to wear diapers.
I'm still not 100% sure she has to go, more like 99.8%. It's just a matter of when. I can't do it -- but I can't keep cleaning up poop every day either.
Thanks for letting me vent.