Advice needed

[ByTheSea]

I have a beautiful, sweet 4-year-old female long-haired tortoise-shell cat. She is delightful and affectionate and comes and goes through her catflap as she pleases. I wouldn't want to take that away from her.

For the last couple of weeks, I have noticed a male-cat aroma here and there around my house. It was very puzzling. Then, DD1 told me she saw a strange cat in our living room this morning. She is sure it's male. I have also noticed that the cat food is disappearing from the food bowl, and water is going very quickly too.

I fear that this cat is regularly visiting, spraying and taking my cat's food and water. Does anyone have any advice on how I can stop this happening? FWIW, I wouldn't mind the visits and the food, but I can't do with the spraying.

[LetLoveRule]

You need a different cat flap! Sure flap is set up to only be opened by your cat - it recognises your cat's microchip. We have one and it is fantastic - no intruders or magnets on collars to worry about.

[ByTheSea]

Thanks. Hmm, what microchip? My cat doesn't have one. Is there something magnetic as well? I'm trying to sell my house so it really doesn't help to have a cat spraying here.

I think this strange cat might be bringing fleas in as well which isn't great after the fortune I spend treating my cat with Advocate.

[ByTheSea]

I just looked it up. Thanks - I'll look into this.

[jaffababy]

I tried the catflap that works off a sensor in the cat's collar, but it was v unreliable. We now have the microchip one and it's great. Having space invaded is terribly upsetting for the poor cat - worth checking out getting her chipped not just for the catflap. Hope it goes well and your furry friend is pleased.