Strange cat help needed

[SpotSplatterSplash]

Ok, this is kind of a long story.

We have a male neutered 2 year old cat. We took him from a lady looking to re-home him about 6 months ago. He is lovely and very big, has fit into our family and new house perfectly.

About 2 months ago my Mum was over staying with us and fed a manky looking black cat - I think he is from the farm over to the back of us. She fed him some scraps in the back garden.

Since then he has been a nuisance. He jumps through any open windows (we often leave downstairs toilet window open for our cat). He has jumped on DS on the toilet and now DS is afraid to use the toilet. I have found him several times eating our cat's food and the last straw was tonight. There was a god awful racket in the downstairs toilet and he had attacked our cat whilst he was in his bed.

I have never fed the black cat and have done nothing more to encourage him. I'm not keen on closing the downstairs window altogether as it would make our cat's life a lot harsher. I have tried water and loud noises to stop him, but he keeps coming back. Is there anything else I can try?

[TimothyTigerTuppennyTail]

Magnetic catflap and collar for your boy.

[SpotSplatterSplash]

Bugger, I thought there may be a magic feline trick I didn't know about

I suppose I may start convincing DH (I know first words out of his mouth will be bloody cat!)

[1Catherine1]

No magic cure for stray cats that want to move in. Unfortunately it now sees your house as a potential new home. It is either up to your other cat to scare him off or for you to make your house less attractive.

Firstly if it is coming for food you might want to have a feeding schedule instead of leaving food available all day. I have 2 cats and have always fed wet food on a schedule (dry food always available). You need to train your cat to know when it is dinner time. So if you choose to feed your cat 3 times a day then what you need to do is put down the food for your cat and leave it down for 30 minutes only. While it is down have the window shut so your cat can eat in peace, after 30 minutes (or when kitty has finished eating) take it away. When the stray returns he'll find no food. It will take your cat a couple of days to get used to the schedule and he might tell you off a bit to start with but once he understands he'll get used to it and be ready for dinner at dinner time.

Secondly if you just want to keep the other cat out then as previously suggested cat flap with collar - although some cats dislike using cat flaps. My simple girls never worked out how to use one and still wait for their servant to open the door instead.

[SpotSplatterSplash]

Thank you so much for your replies, I think I will have to try the routine route.

Apart from the fact that my cat has managed to get rid of four or five collars (pleased to have a cat, me?) in six months, I don't think DH will be receptive to putting a catflap in our back door

Thanks again.

[luckykitty]

If your cat is chipped then you could do this :)
www.microchipcatflaps.co.uk