Using your old shirt to comfort the cat

I have been trying to get River and Quiet to use a new, softer sleeping spot in the living room instead of the old, hard box they favor. I cut up one of my old t-shirts and stuffed it inside the new spot, hoping the smell of me would make it more inviting. So far, they sniff it, look at me, and then go back to the box.

I know they trust me, but I am not sure how to transfer that trust to a new object. Is the shirt not enough? Should I be sleeping in the new spot myself to add more of my scent, or is that too intense for them? I want to make sure I am not confusing them.

Interesting approach. There is a lot of literature on how scent signals safety to cats, but it is not a simple switch. I would look at scent and feline anxiety to understand how their baseline stress levels might be blocking the new signal.

If Quiet is shy, a new object, even with your scent, might be perceived as a threat first. The scent needs to be consistent and not overwhelming. Have you tried leaving the shirt out for a few days before putting it in the new spot?

Gentle reminder that age matters a lot here. River is 5 and Quiet is 7, so they are still young, but if either has any joint stiffness, the new spot might just be harder to get into than the box.

I dealt with this with my Cleo when she was younger. senior cat sleep and pain has some tips on how to make spots more accessible. If the new spot is higher up or has a different texture, they might just be avoiding discomfort rather than rejecting your scent.

You need more scent. A cut up shirt is weak. I use my worn out t-shirts that I have slept in for a whole day. That is where the real smell is.

I did this for Gus when I moved his bed. It took him two weeks, but the strong smell helped. Check out low cost comfort items for what worked for me. Do not use fresh laundry. That smells like soap to them, not you.

@mikek69 That makes sense. I had been using a shirt I had worn that day, but not one I had slept in. I will try that.

@terri_lewis I do not think they have pain. They are still jumping on the box easily. But I will keep that in mind.

I am worried that if I sleep in the new spot, it will get too messy or they will think I am taking their space. Is that a real risk?

It is a valid concern. Cats are territorial. If you sleep there, you are marking it as your primary spot. They might feel displaced.

Instead, try the method in introducing a new bed. It suggests placing the new spot next to the old one for a week, then moving it. Let the scent do the work without you physically occupying it. The shirt with your strong scent is a good proxy.

Sparrow is right. Do not take their spot. Just add the new one. My Sam is very picky. If I put a new bed in his spot, he hisses. If I put it next to his spot, he ignores it for a week then uses it.

Use the strong shirt. It is the cheapest way to do it. No need for expensive pheromones.