Cat problem in a flat?

Swanlander

I also like some of the ideas on the IKEA hack site.Incidentally the worst ever positioned litter tray I ever saw was behind the TV in the lounge but in fairness to the cats owner there was literally no where else for it to go.

January20

Swanlander wrote: »

Thanks for all the responses. I DO need to move and it has to be a flat. At the moment the litter tray is in a utility area so quite OK. When I look at photos of flats for sale - say McArthey Stone or similar - the kitchens are so small and I cannot see where the litter tray would go. The bathroom is a good idea though but again they seem so small. The other option would be in the second bedroom which would be my home office.
I do like the option of a closed in litter tray - would the cat adapt to this?
I don't mind keeping him but I have to be practical and I know that due to health reasons a flat is my only option. Where I live now is too large to maintain. I would hate to think the cat would never be rehomed. He was my wifes and after she died I decided to keep him for company and I am glad I did.

I live in a flat. My bathroom is tiny. To give you an idea, it took 2 packs of 12 vinyl tiles only to do the floor and I had some leftover. However, my cat's litter tray is in the bathroom, a very convenient place for it to be for the reasons mentioned by a previous poster. You don't really "live" in your bathroom anyway do you? so what does it matter that there is a litter tray in there as well?

A cat would get used to a hooded tray, but if you are prompt in cleaning any mess and clean the litter regularly, it won't smell. I also have a large mat under the tray to make keeping the whole area clean. http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/litter-mat

I agree with the others too. Average life expectancy of a cat is 15. At 12, it's very likely that your cat is ever going to be re-homed. If it's unlucky enough (no pun intended) to be black or black and white, it will have even less chance. Last time I went to the shelter, when I got my cat, there were young cats who had been there for months.( mind you if they made it a bit easier to adopt animals there wouldn't be so much of a problem, but that's for another thread!)

ETA: Don't just look at photos, go and have a look at places to have a proper idea, if you can.

georgiesmum

HappyMJ wrote: »

I would put it in the bathroom. You can just put any faeces straight into the loo and flush it. Much easier do deal with. The litter itself can't be flushed though.

If you do this make sure it is a litter tha can be flushed away. Cats Best is a goo one.
I have my litter tray in the bathroom. Not a problem. I put it outside when i am haveing a bath.

PennyForThem_2

It won't smell if you feed an only animal protein cat food. Not even when the poo is warm!

Swanlander

Georgiesmum - where do you put it if you are having visitors? Just wondered?

Murphybear

I lived a 2 bedroomed flat with a housemate and 3 cats. As long as the litter is changed regularly it should not be a problem.

January20

Swanlander wrote: »

Georgiesmum - where do you put it if you are having visitors? Just wondered?

As I have my cat's litter tray in the bathroom too, I'll give you my take on it: I keep the litter as clean as possible and all my visitors know I have a cat, therefore if they don't like it in the bathroom, tough! the cat and I live here, they don't!

If the litter tray offend them, they can always take me out for coffee :rotfl:

jaylee3

Swanlander wrote: »

Thanks for all the responses. I DO need to move and it has to be a flat. At the moment the litter tray is in a utility area so quite OK. I do like the option of a closed in litter tray - would the cat adapt to this?
I don't mind keeping him but I have to be practical and I know that due to health reasons a flat is my only option. Where I live now is too large to maintain. I would hate to think the cat would never be rehomed. He was my wifes and after she died I decided to keep him for company and I am glad I did.

You don't mind keeping him?

I'm not sure what to make of this. It does sound like you're actually not that bothered. Whenever we have moved; one of the dealbreakers about any future property, is that it MUST be safe for our cats (eg: not on a busy road, and not near fields where there may be foxes etc.) I would not live somewhere rent-free, if it wasn't suitable for our cats, and yet you sound quite flippant about your cat.

Do you not want to keep him? Especially as you call him your wife's cat? (I am very sorry to hear she died by the way.) I'm not judging you BTW, but you have to be sure you do, otherwise you will just resent him being there.

And this:

Swanlander wrote: »

I also like some of the ideas on the IKEA hack site.Incidentally the worst ever positioned litter tray I ever saw was behind the TV in the lounge but in fairness to the cats owner there was literally no where else for it to go.

Seriously? :huh: So the place they were living had no kitchen, or bathroom, or hallway? Was it just a lounge?

Swanlander

He was my wifes cat and but she died 6 years ago and I kept him for company, which he has been. As I said I do have to move to somewhere smaller and I simply wondered how you cope with a housecat in a smallish flat.

Errata

Stick the litter tray in the bathroom, empty it far more frequently than the manufacturers recommend, make sure the cat can't leg it out of an open window, and enjoy its company.