How do I get Emma to use a kitty bed?

[KKdaniels]

Hi, I'm Emma's new mom. She has special needs right now, so it's hard for me to tell her no to anything. I know I'm contributing big-time to her rottenness! LOL!!! But I've been thinking about getting her to try to use a bed of her own, at least during the day some. I work at home and am on the computer on the sofa most of the day, and Emma has her little chin resting on my hand or the laptop, because of its warmth I'm guessing, or she's trying to get in my lap, which isn't working to well because the laptop has claimed that spot. She does like her heating pad, which I keep right next to me on the sofa, but that gets old pretty quick it seems, because when the notion strikes, she's easing over onto me like I don't know what she's doing or something. She's so funny.

So before I go and buy one, what are the chances of her liking one, and what can I do for her to entertain the thought that this might be nice, to have a nice, fluffy bed to lay on instead of me and my laptop? She may not be too much for comfort, though, because she likes to lay across my neck at night and sleep. Yes, that is what I said. Tee-hee! She's a trip! And I can't tell her no.

[Keeping August]

In all my time owning cats, as well as fostering and rehabbing cats, either they'll take right to a cat bed - OR, they wont use one at all! LOL!

All of my cats currently use cat beds. They LOVE them. We have all sorts spread through out the house. My oldest Ragdoll, Nadia, has even taken over the dog bed. She will swat and chase the dogs away if they come near it. She rules the roost, what can I say?

Emma sounds sweet. What makes her special needs?

[cat4nat]

One thought is to put an unwashed cloth of yours on top of the bed, so she can smell you.

[KKdaniels]

Originally Posted by Keeping August

In all my time owning cats, as well as fostering and rehabbing cats, either they'll take right to a cat bed - OR, they wont use one at all! LOL!

All of my cats currently use cat beds. They LOVE them. We have all sorts spread through out the house. My oldest Ragdoll, Nadia, has even taken over the dog bed. She will swat and chase the dogs away if they come near it. She rules the roost, what can I say?

Emma sounds sweet. What makes her special needs?

I've only had her for a few weeks. After the first day, I noticed she had a breathing issue. I took her to the vet to find out that she has a diaphragmatic hernia, which the cost for that is around 1,000. So I'm trying to contact different organizations for help with the cost. So far I've had no luck at all. Anyway, she IS an absolute doll, and she's surely stolen my heart.

As she grows, the problems will come re her diaphragm and placement of organs, and he can't tell me how soon. She can't get stressed out and wouldn't survive outside, he says, which I wouldn't let her out anyway. But I am so worried that I might lose her. I just don't know what else to do.

Maybe I'll buy her one and we'll get lucky and she'll love it. If she doesn't, well, I guess I can take it back if it's not used. I wonder if age has anything to do with liking it or not, if I should wait till she's older?

Thank you!

[Keeping August]

Ohh, sweet girl! I wish I could offer to help! I will keep you both in my thoughts.

Just curious, have you heard of Care Credit? They offer no interest, low payment plans for certain time frames, which really helps owners who cannot pay in full. We have a Care Credit card specifically for our animals needs. I would imagine with such a pricy procedure, they would offer no interest for 18 months or more. Maybe call your vet and see if they honor them, and if it is something that would work for your situation?

[Sinatra-Butters]

Neither of my cats will use a bed, they hate it!

[KKdaniels]

Annie, thank you for the kind thoughts. Yes, prayer and positive thoughts are welcome always.

Yes, I've read up on Care Credit. Without going into detail, I just don't know if that will work for me. The economy and me being self-employed, it's hard to commit to another payment that I may falter on. What's the worst of the two evils sometimes??? I'm trying to keep the faith that somehow something positive will happen. I can come up with some of the money, but a grand is a lot when you're already struggling. And I know I'm not the only one.

I'm noticing that she's really getting into that playful stage now. She's so fun to watch. Can't you just eat 'em up when they're this cute and precious!

[KKdaniels]

I like the idea of the unwashed cloth for the scent. I may try that one! Thanks!