My cat always stays in the basement. Is this normal or neglectful?

It sounds like he's lonely and wants to be closer to people as much as he can. If he can still have access to the basement, try letting him stay upstairs more. The rubbing is a way of marking what is 'his', the cheeks have scent glands that he and other cats can smell.

I would guess that Halle was able to find some water while she was in the basement, or perhaps she wasn't locked down there the entire time. It might be a good idea to have a vet examine her to make sure she isn't significantly dehydrated or showing signs of starvation. If she was in the basement for only a few days she may be just fine, and water and food would be all she needs. While you can certainly feed her a little extra but I wouldn't offer too much food right away - it could trigger some stomach upset.

I would recommend adding another litter box (or 2 since the "correct" number of litter boxes in a house is the number of cats plus one) to the basement first. Make sure it is not in an area near a washer or dryer that may make noise and scare them or near their food or water bowls. Once they are using the boxes in the basement consistently, you can try moving the upstairs box. I would recommend moving it gradually. I know it can be a hassle, but the last thing you want is cats that are not using their litterbox, so it's worth going slowly to be safe. Good luck! I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes, this is perfectly normal - it's fine for Baluu to sleep wherever he is comfortable. Many cats and kittens like to sleep in small, enclosed spaces because it makes them feel safe. He may also like to sleep on the floor sometimes, which is perfectly fine :) It sounds like right now, he feels the most comfortable in your room - this is also fine. If you're ready to start introducing him to the rest of the house, I would recommend simply leaving the door to your room open so that he can venture out when he wants to. He should always be able to run back into your room at any time if he gets anxious or scared. Over the next few weeks, he should start to explore more and more as he gets more confident - don't rush this process, as it will only scare him more if you try to force him.

You are correct that moving the litter box is the likely cause of them not using it any longer. I am wondering if anyone has taken them down to the basement to show them where the litter box is now placed. If they haven't been shown where it is, they would go on the carpet. I would take them down to the litter box in the basement, and show them where the litter box has been moved. You will have to clean the carpet with an enzyme cleaner to get the smell of their urine and feces out of it. You can also consider moving the litter box back upstairs in another room, such as the bathroom.

I think you've handled this difficult situation very well. Some cats take a looonnng time to warm up to new housemates (or never fully warm up) and taking it slow really helps. I would keep the food (as well as her litter, resting spaces, and water) all upstairs so she doesn't have to interact with the dog until she wants to. Let her take her time, even if it's months.

That sounds like normal cat behavior. She is very comfortable with you and loves you. If you can't have her bothering you, like when you are practicing piano, it is best to put her in another room until you are done. I don't think there is anything wrong with her as long as she is eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally.