Accepted Answer

Hello,

If the cats are vomiting hairballs and vomiting in general, shredding furniture and urinating inappropriately, these actions could have underlying medical causes and/or behavioral causes, needing modification. Not every multi-cat household needs to experience these conditions. Because your wife is so dedicated to the cats, I'm sure she would not find it difficult to have them evaluated by their vet, to get a diagnosis and treatment for their current symptoms/actions.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/vomiting.html
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/inappro-elim2.html

You can suggest to your wife that at least two of the cats need to be re-homed, due to the financial strain of caring for/feeding all the cats, and suggest some neighbors, friends, relatives, who are cat lovers and currently have no pets. Also, call local cat rescue organizations and ask if they will help you re-home these two cats. Choose two that are either siblings and/or great friends. Re-homing two that are close, will help them adapt to a new home more easily, and you can offer this explanation to your wife.

Also, if you have a young baby, tell her that the cat hair everywhere, plus the smell of urine in the house, is unhealthy for all of you, but most especially for the baby. Allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems may develop if the baby is constantly surrounded by cat hair, kitty litter, and the carpets/walls smelling of cat urine.

I completely understand your frustration with the deterioration of the current situation, but the most important thing is to find a safe, secure and suitable home for at least 2 of the cats.

I hope things improve for your family, soon, and you, your wife, your baby, and all the cats, will remain happy, healthy, and safe.

Cher

Expert:	Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/20/2009

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience