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Original poster

To think - if I had the money I'd take dd and book a Travelodge so we can get some rest (cat related)

118 replies

catsbabyandchaos · 05/10/2014 18:07

I have 2 cats and live in a second floor flat.

2 weeks ago one cat jumped out of the window (Hmm) and for two nights kept me and probably everyone else in the flats awake yowling to come in. Except when I went out to try and get her back she ran off.

She has now done the same thing.

I was out there at fucking 4 in the morning sorry for language shaking whiskas kibbles to entice her. She knows it's my window as she howls outside it and I mean proper yowling that wakes you up but when I try to get her back just runs off.

I'm crying my eyes out I can't do another night like last night, I'm at work in the morning and have to be up at 6.

What the hell do I do ?

OP posts:
Gileswithachainsaw · 06/10/2014 10:18

Dog fighters

Puppy farmers
Wannabee breeders
Animal testing lab staff
Animal abusers
Cat hoarders

There is a long list of undesirable people who could take an animal off gumtree.

JubJubBirds · 06/10/2014 10:20

I do understand there's a very real danger of your pet falling into the wrong hands, but if you choose to use it sensibly is no different from giving a pet to a shelter. Case in point: we weren't given a home visit or interviewed very much at all when we recued our dog from Battersea.

I really think you've lost the plot if you'd rather put your pet to sleep than rehome them.

differentnameforthis · 06/10/2014 10:21

Throwing water at her is NOT going to help!

I would put food our for her, in her usual bowl & keep moving it towards the entrance she can get in. Once she is happy with that, bring the bowl inside & sit on the step & wait for her to enter the building.

Or get a catcher as others advised.

She is confused & scared & you have probably set her back by throwing water at her.

Gileswithachainsaw · 06/10/2014 10:22

Not rehome them.

Gumtree.

There's a difference.
Shelters are supposed to home check. I'd not use one that didn't

FisherQueen · 06/10/2014 10:24

Animal testing lab staff do not pick up animals from gumtree - they come from specialised breeding facilities. Not much point testing a new drug if you have no idea of the breeding/medical status of the animal you have. In addition to that the legislation and red tape surrounding animals used for testing is very, very strict in the UK (as it should be).

That said please don't advertise/sell animals on internet sites like gumtree or preloved. Not only are there risks to your animal if you sell it, if you buy one you risk contributing to puppy/kitten/rodent mills and all the misery they come with and there is a much higher risk the animal you buy will come with health or behavioural problems.

JubJubBirds · 06/10/2014 10:31

Battersea claim they do home check, we actually followed it up with them twice but after saying they'd be in touch and hearing nothing we left it. Any reputable rehoming shelter could fail to make checks. Also, if you choose to rehome via gumtree you are able to arrange to visit the prospective new home yourself.

That being said I do understand it is obviously only an option you would choose if you were desperate. Still if you use it sensibly of course it's better than having your pet put to sleep!

Gileswithachainsaw · 06/10/2014 10:35

I very much doubt that people in a situation desperate enough to consider gumtree have the time to ensure they are using it properly. You just don't know. And suggesting a site where people pick up animals for all sorts of sinister reasons is irresponsible. An owner willing to pick a pet they know nothing about from an address that maybe a fake (friends/family members a dress for a pick up to hide the less desirable flea ridden/puppy farm of real home) is not the kind of owner you want for your pet!!!

petswinprizes · 06/10/2014 10:36

A bit harsh, but if you can't borrow a trap, could you get a net? We had to catch some farm kittens in one and they were very wild - can you get close to her at all?

JubJubBirds · 06/10/2014 10:42

All good points Giles (although by desperate I meant due the shelters being full) but I still don't think it's better to have your pet put to sleep!

Gileswithachainsaw · 06/10/2014 10:44

Well there we will have to agree to disagree. I have worked with animals and seen enough stuff on TV to know where sone of these animals end up. Or what state they are in when they are lucky enough to find a loving owner.

I think a peaceful end in an owners arms is preferable to a life of neglect

JubJubBirds · 06/10/2014 10:51

Maybe I am more niave Giles but I think it would be unnecessary and cruel.

We'll agree to disagree.

Best of luck with your cat catch and the move OP, keep us posted.

TiffanyAtBreakfast · 06/10/2014 10:56

I know hindsight is a fine thing, but didn't you learn from it the first time it happened?! I had an indoor cat in our flat for four years, and it never got out. We just used to pop her in the bedroom for five minutes while we ventilated the kitchen, then let her back in once the windows were shut... not rocket science

No need to attack the people who are suggesting rehoming - They're just making suggestions because you seem to be bordering on hysteria.

Agree with previous advice re getting a trap, it seems like the only solution really. Hope you manage to get her in, the poor little thing.

whatsbehindthegreendoor · 06/10/2014 11:01

You may be at breaking point, but what about your neighbours? I have an indoor cat and she only goes onto our balcony. Luckily, we've had her in this flat since she was a kitten, so it's never really been an issue.
You may find that it is better to rehome her somewhere where she can be outside. I know what it's like to get very little sleep (through other reasons) and it's horrible.
The alternative might be to buy a large cage (with a small run) that she could sleep in at night (and when you have the windows open) so that you don't have to encounter this every night.
Hope you get it sorted....

Original poster
catsbabyandchaos · 06/10/2014 11:15

I am actually laughing with hysteria here.

how the fuck do I rehome her when I can't get hold of her

is the question.

I can't have her yowling outside all night and I've tried to get her in that many times. There's a steep hill with barbed wire and woodland she runs to and the other way parked cars she goes under. I just can't get her and I'm at the point where I don't even care I just need some sleep.

And yeah hindsight is great isn't it but you know I do err, I am human, I am stupid. Okay?

But STOP going on about rehoming as it's NOT helping.

OP posts:
TiffanyAtBreakfast · 06/10/2014 11:21

You just keep repeating how frustrating it is that she is outside and not actually listening to advice. I know you're upset but your posts are a bit rude.

Obviously people are suggesting rehoming once you get her inside. Not while she's outside. Wink

TiffanyAtBreakfast · 06/10/2014 11:22

Just ring the RSPCA and ask for help to trap the cat.

deakymom · 06/10/2014 11:28

cover yourself with feliway take out her favorite treats and sit there put warm food down so it smells sit still try to stroke first then grab

and get a mesh for your window (i had cats in a flat for years they never jumped thank goodness but this was my plan if they did)

Amateurseamstress · 06/10/2014 11:32

Trouble is, whatever people suggest you reject. I would maybe make up an outside bed for her, somewhere dry and sheltered with her own bedding in, and loudly put out some smelly food for her then retreat. Get her to start trusting somewhere you can see her. Even if you don't catch her tonight, if she has her own bedding and some food she should be happier and quieter.

Actually, ring the rspca and do what they advise. Ring them now.

VeryPunny · 06/10/2014 11:37

I wouldn't be leaving food outside - surely you're just going to attract vermin???

ProfYaffle · 06/10/2014 11:39

There was another thread recently where a poster's kittens were stuck inside a chimney. iirc she rang the Cats Protection League and they offered to help her trap them. Maybe try ringing them and see if they help or suggest anything.

And yy to mesh on the window once she's in.

PinkSquash · 06/10/2014 11:48

Several people have recommended Feliway, why don't you try that? Or take your other cat outside in a basket to see if it helps your escaped cat.

TiffanyAtBreakfast · 06/10/2014 11:53

Not sure there's any point in offering any more advice here...

MokunMokun · 06/10/2014 11:57

It might have been better to post this in the Kitty Litter section of MN.

I agree though, try and find a trap and the Feliway plug ins sound promising.

It seems a common theme in the UK that it is cruel to keep cats indoors but honestly it is fine and much safer for them.

Guitargirl · 06/10/2014 12:01

I know bugger all about cats but I recognise a woman on the edge when I see one. Get advice from the RSPCA today.

JubJubBirds · 06/10/2014 12:04

ProfYaffle I loved that thread! It was Hurr1canes wasnt it? Let's hope this thread has a happy ending too. Any luck with the RSPCA yet OP?

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