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.

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.

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.

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

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.