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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Building project and cats

11 replies

OllieTheCat · 24/02/2022 20:49

Hi all, looking to see whether anyone has feedback on what they did with their cats during a building project?

Background is that we are a few weeks into building an extension and internal house renovation which is due to take a few months. With work going on inside and outside, vans, diggers and skips coming and going, we decided that we needed our three cats to be safe. Currently they are shut in our bedroom, with toys and a feliway plug during the day with food, water and litter trays in the en-suite. As soon as the builders finish, they can go outside for a few hours before supper. They have always been inside all night and have access to the whole house during the night as usual.

They are getting restless and I do go and sit with them during the day. Is there anything else we could do?? I'm loath to put them in the cattery for weeks on end as I feel they have more space and access outside here, albeit less than they are used to. Any advice or thoughts gratefully received! Thank you,

OP posts:
AwkwardPaws27 · 24/02/2022 21:03

Build a catio in the garden, with attached shed / inside space?

AwkwardPaws27 · 24/02/2022 21:05

Like this cherryacresanimalhousing.co.uk/the-mountfield-cat-kennel

Original poster
OllieTheCat · 24/02/2022 21:45

Thank you....that is something we have considered when the weather gets warmer.

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MyAnacondaMight · 24/02/2022 23:21

Are they energetic, athletic cats? If so they might enjoy a cat wheel: www.petplanet.co.uk/p23415/one_fast_cat_exercise_wheel.aspx You have to train them to use it, and some cats take to it better than others, but you should be able to buy second hand and/or sell it on again later.

My cat watches tv - I put various nature programmes on for him and he enjoys it, especially the birds. Radio 4 is also good background noise.

Feeding some meals in snack a balls or similar (e.g. toy mice that you fill with kibble) would help pass the time better. If you only feed twice a day, split it into 3 or 4 meals - again, will help provide some enrichment.

I don’t like my cat being out after dark, but in those circumstances I think I would let him stay out until bedtime (he comes to call pretty reliably). As the evenings get longer that should be easier.

Nandocushion · 25/02/2022 00:01

We did building works for less time and did the same as you're doing now. I tended to sit in there with them and work on the bed - not sure if that's possible for you? They were a bit bewildered but so much happier than they would be at a cattery. I love the outdoor kennel idea too.

Original poster
OllieTheCat · 25/02/2022 09:52

Thanks for all the feedback...loving the giant hamster wheel! Agree that with the evenings getting lighter, it will allow them longer outside. I am trying to spend more time with them during the day as well. Thanks again.

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violetbunny · 26/02/2022 10:14

We are renovating at the moment, full replacement of our kitchen, resurfacing and resealing wooden flooring throughout the house etc. We had to put them in a cattery for part of it as they would have been guaranteed to walk on the freshly coated wooden floors before they dried so it was for their own safety.

The rest of the time I've managed by working outside in the garden (it's summer here) or else inside but with the back door open. Before we started renovating I got them used to having a water bowl and dry food outside on the deck during the day. So basically they just stay outside in the daytime happy as clams with food and water access, and can avoid the tradespeople inside. I've been able to keep an eye on them which I think has been reassuring for them, and having the doors open means they don't have to climb in the catflap to find a room full of strange people.

Fluffycloudland77 · 26/02/2022 12:23

There’s so many cat tv videos on YouTube now, mine loves the rabbit ones & comes to the room when she hears the soundtrack.

Original poster
OllieTheCat · 26/02/2022 16:53

@violetbunny

We are renovating at the moment, full replacement of our kitchen, resurfacing and resealing wooden flooring throughout the house etc. We had to put them in a cattery for part of it as they would have been guaranteed to walk on the freshly coated wooden floors before they dried so it was for their own safety.

The rest of the time I've managed by working outside in the garden (it's summer here) or else inside but with the back door open. Before we started renovating I got them used to having a water bowl and dry food outside on the deck during the day. So basically they just stay outside in the daytime happy as clams with food and water access, and can avoid the tradespeople inside. I've been able to keep an eye on them which I think has been reassuring for them, and having the doors open means they don't have to climb in the catflap to find a room full of strange people.

I think they would be happy being outside most of the day but it's probably more dangerous because of the digger, truck, drills etc they are using for the foundations. They would have to come quite near them to access the back door. I'm hoping that when it's just people on scaffolding, they can have more freedom outside.

Loving the idea of cat videos!

OP posts:
GladysGeorgina · 26/02/2022 17:02

Our cat gets spooked by change in her home and wees outside her box when stressed. We knew she would be permanently upset by strangers in the house and constant noise etc. she went to our lovely cattery for 10 weeks which is spacious, warm and peaceful. My daughter and I visited every weekend for cuddles. She returned when everything was finished and immediately claimed her spot in the sunshine on our new sofa. No problem settling back in and she’s sitting in this favoured spot right now. Less worry for me too as I knew exactly where she was and that she was ok.

Original poster
OllieTheCat · 26/02/2022 17:10

Thanks! We haven't ruled out the cattery as and when it gets too much for them.

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