need to move house with cat...

booplyboo

Hello
I'm just after a bit of advice really and don't know where to post this.

I have recently split up with fiance and am now in a position where I need to find somewhere to live. Unfortunately, due to this split - I am going to have to pay rent/bills on my own now and therefore trying to find somewhere cheap to live is imperative. The problem I have is that I have a cat and therefore initially thought that I would have to find either a ground floor flat with own front door (not communal) or a house, with garden.

After looking for somewhere for a few weeks now - I have discovered that I can't really afford a house and there are few ground floor flats around in my budget.

I have, however, found a first floor flat/maisonette - with its own front door/entrance - in my price range (the flat is really nice) - but there is no cat flap.

Therefore, I don't know how I am going to cope with the cat not being able to come and go as she pleases - which she currently does. The landlord of the flat is okay with having a cat, but I won't be able to put a cat flap in the door.

Is there anyone out there who might be able to offer some advice on my pet problem?
I was thinking that I could just let her out when I am home from work, but how will I know when she want's to come back in?

I'm hoping someone might be able to offer a solution as I really can't afford to pay more than this particular flat and the pickings are quite slim on my budget.....

Thanks for any help.
Booply x

black-saturn

Could you put a litter tray down for it while your out?

Jay-Jay_4

I've used to have catflaps for my cats years ago but I recently got a middle aged rescue cat and we don't have a catflap.

I just open the door and let her out but I do leave the back door open while she's out and she comes in again after a hour anyway.

When you move you'll have to keep your cat in for a month anyway so get him on the littr tray and after a month you can let him out and he won't stay out for long. Keep to a daytime routine of just an hour or so and get him used to being in at night.

booplyboo

Hi - yes - I can put a litter tray down for her and I know that she will have to be indoors for the first month anyhow.
Yes - I guess once I start a routine with her then it will all be okay. Just feel a bit bad for her because she is used to having her freedom really. She's such a sweet cat and I'm probably being oversensitive about it really. Just want to keep the cat happy!!! (do cats get unhappy?)
Also - not keen on having a litter tray permanently but I guess I will have to get used to it.

Thanks for your advice!

bestyman

You could always toilet train the cat .
http://www.karawynn.net/mishacat/toilet.html

safesound

Cant you ask the LL if you can add a catflap at your own expense, and agree to have it put right if/when you move out?

Craig_A

Don't worry too much about kitty. I looked after a couple of cats for my friend after he got divorced and had to move back in with his folks. Whilst they were here they were allowed to come and go as they pleased and loved it. But when they went back to live with my friend they were forced to stay indoors (landlord said no to cat flap) and I thought it'd drive them mad. But they're more than happy staying indoors. Just make a fuss of her for a bit and see how you go. Good luck!

OMG @ that toilet training link!

Jay-Jay_4

I have to admit that I was always pretty much against keeping cats inside but after keeping mine in for a few months apart from the odd hour every few days, she's just not bothered about going out most of the time. I presume that she was an outdoor cat before I got her


We do think that they need their freedom but they do adapt reall well to staying curled up on your lap.