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The litter tray

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Older Cat and Building Work

5 replies

BuggersMuddle · 23/03/2015 22:04

We have a large male cat (probably 15-16 years old) and he's the neighbourhood Top Cat, totally independent, 6 Dinners Sid when he can and scourge of any upstart moggy. He's a bit grumpy with the building work, so looking for some thoughts.

Our street is currently being dug up for the next 6 months or so for new houses. Mog is used to regular hunting, owning the territory and tbh, is the sort who gets upset when we the suitcase out, despite being a fighter rather than a lapcat.

Lately he mewls constantly and just seems lost because his territory is being turned over. He also got into a fight when usually he just scares the other cats off without attacking.

The area's going to be like this for a few months and obviously his hunting is seriously disturbed as there was previously a derelict building in the street and plenty mice / rants. Has anyone gone through building works with a cat before and give us some tips to get him more comfortable?

He's too old and used to being 'Top Cat' for me to make him a house cat (despite the fact I'm not keen on him being out while they are pouring concrete). Keeping him garden bound was a thought, but unfortunately he has proved he can jump 6' from the ground (actually the building work has increased his jump into our garden, so he's been 'training').

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 24/03/2015 00:43

Ouch.

Are you sure you couldn't keep him in ? Does he have a litter tray inside the house?

AlpacaMyBags · 24/03/2015 01:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BuggersMuddle · 24/03/2015 13:40

cozietozie He doesn't have a litter tray as he's always been an outdoor cat. I doubt we could keep him in as he's so used to having the run of the street.

That said, I could try giving him access litter tray just to see if he's more comfortable as alpaca says because he's not totally comfortable going in and out of the garden during the day when the builders are here. (He doesn't like them and has chased them down the street hissing and mewling!)

He is awesome though, if a bit of a bruiser!

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cozietoesie · 24/03/2015 14:09

I think that that's probably a good idea. I've had more streets up outside a house than I care to remember and they're not easy places for cats who are roaming - deep pits and trenches, various mixtures and strange big machinery - which workers don't particuarly check when they arrive in the morning. (Most people have at least a cursory check of cars before they drive off but from what I've seen, construction workers seem to just roll up and turn them on, anxious to get the job underway.)

Also he's a decidedly older cat and at, say, 16 - bruiser or not - you might be expecting him to slow down a little, maybe because he's getting stiffer and his eyesight isn't so good. (You said he's started getting into fights these days and that can be a sign - younger and more thrusting cats sensing that the old master is failing a little so having a go.)

If he really can't be forced into being an inside cat, I'd be aiming to make the inside just as wonderful as can be for him so that he can think the choice is his. (Litter tray, feliway/catnip as Alpaca mentioned, a cushion in a sunny spot/heated pad for nighttimes etc etc.)

You didn't, I think, mention how he gets in and out. Does he have a cat flap or is there someone at home during the day to let hm in and out? (If he's stuck out there, he might be forced into doing things in his 'tradtional' way when he'd rather be inside snoozing.)

BuggersMuddle · 24/03/2015 14:26

He has a catflap cozie albeit that's a bit of an issue because it's in our walled back garden. Prior to building work there was an easy route up and down, now he has a massive jump (which to be fair he's managing easily, but I'm a wee bit concerned if he couldn't make it when we're not around. I have a overnight away in a couple of weeks, which would usually be no problem, but am a little twitchy).

I am keeping an eye for him slowing down, but other than his 'old man tummy pouch' that hangs down a bit, he's fighting fit. I'm not reading too much into the fight right now (cat I've never seen before, but which I've since seen fighting - and also losing - with other cats), but I will keep an eye in case it becomes more regular.

Not too worried about the site traffic, yes about clambering into trenches though. He is coming in more when the builders are around though so that's a good thing. I think I'll monitor and continue to encourage 'age-appropriate' cushion lounging rather than hunting & brawling Grin

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