Help! Can't let my blind cat out alone..

[lop37]

I adopted a blind cat last summer. He has been using a cat litter tray up to now, but I have a tiny house, and really need him to go to the loo outside. I can't let him out alone, as there are other cats in the neighbourhood and he freaks out. I work. I was thinking I could let him out in the morning, after breakfast to go, then after his dinner in the evening, then before bed. Would this be enough or do you think he will need to go more, and end up going in the house? Also, with his food, he tends to graze, should I let him eat then take his dish away until it's time for his evening meal? Would that help with the toileting?

[Catsmamma]

NO!

do you really think a blind cat outside is a good idea?

Really??

[lop37]

He likes to go outside! He hasn't always been blind, only the last year. I never let him out alone. I have a small courtyard garden. Sorry if it sounded like I was going to just let him out unsupervised!! Obviously I would never do that!

[lop37]

No one?

[thisisyesterday]

i think it would be silly not to have a litter tray for him to use as well.

fine to let him out while you're there to supervise, but if he is going to be shut in the house while you're at work then i would have a litter tray just in case

[usualsuspect]

I would let him out at those times but still keep the ltter tray

[Mibby]

Id keep him with the litter tray tbh, a blind cat outside is likely to get hurt/ lost/ into trouble with other cats. Unless you could make a secure, covered run? And cats do graze, theyre bodies prefer lots of small, mouse sized, meals to a big bowlful

[TheSameButDifferent]

What about a cat run?

[lop37]

Thanks! Yes i could leave the litter tray in the house when I'm at work, and during the night.Mibby,the garden is very small and has a high wall and gate. He is not very adventurous and doesn't climb, or run, but he navigates both the house and garden slowly and cautiously with his whiskers and has adapted well to his blindness. A run is a good idea, but if another cat came into the garden whilst he was alone he would be petrified! I know he would like to spend more time outside, he loves sniffing the air and sitting in the sun!

[usualsuspect]

My sister has a blind cat , who manages fine in the garden .I would let him out and just keep an eye on him

[Horsemad]

My elderly cat is blind and deaf, bless her and I let her in the garden to wander but stay with her to keep an eye on her. When we are out, her litter tray is in in case she needs it.

[lop37]

Usualsuspect and Horsemad,thankyou, it's nice to hear of other blind cats who spend time in their gardens! I think to keep him inthe house all the time would be a bit mean, he definately wouldn't like it!

[TheSameButDifferent]

You could have the cat run linking to the house via cat flap. Then if scarey mog comes along, he can run indoors.

[lop37]

Interesting idea thesame! That would be a perfect solution. I will look into it. Thanks.