Cat problem in a flat?

kerri_gt

We had two cats in our previous flat (well one that just moved in with us as an abandoned stay, didn't plan to have two but couldn't see her on the street and she's turned into a lovely adult cat) we had our tray in the bathroom by the loo. Although both could go out they did use the tray. I got a hooded one but it wasn't really big enough for our big moggie so I took the top off. It was good as the tray itself was deeper than most at the back so he couldn't kick litter all over the floor.

Just get a good odour absorbing litter, empty it when soiled and enjoy your moggie.

mummyyum

Really can't see the problem here and am amazed that you would consider just abandoning your cat for such a triviality.
I live in a very small two bedroom flat, with the second being an office as you describe wanting...and this is where the cat litter lives. Its never been a problem and doesn't smell at all if cleaned regularly. My partner who works from home spends all day next to it and it has never been an issue.

likelyfran

PennyForThem wrote: »

I do understand the downsizing problem. cat litters are an essential but can smell/ be messy.

I make sure my cats are fed a high protein/no veg cat food. I buy bozita from zooplus and I buy pure meat from a supplier in abergavenny. I also buy classic cat food from s'bury/waitrose/tesco/morrisons. All of these are pure meat/protein from meat and no veg or bulk out cereal.

Why?? Because when the cats poo there is no stink. The poo is hard, formed and does not smell. Even when just deposited!

The problem I can forsee and what I am contemplating when I too downsize is how to wash out the litter tray......

Please don't let go your cat at 12 - unlikely will get homed. I have my litter tray in hall under telephone table - nobody comments on it - it does not smell. The cats use it even though outside cats - and they do poo in it. An older cat (yours) should actually welcome the change as they are probably less active.

Penny, sorry, what is the catfood that you buy from the supermarkets? I've never found a supermarket food that is 'pure protein'? (Have 2 beloved pusses).

likelyfran

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.

Please don't 're-home' him. See him as a family member, and you wouldn't 're-home' a family member, would you? Such a big change would be traumatic for him, and he's old.

PasturesNew

jaylee3 wrote: »

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

A lot of places are... a bedsitting room with "kitchenette" area - and a miniscule shower room. Not everybody's lucky enough to live in a house, or a home with a separate bedroom or separate kitchen. Homes are getting smaller and smaller.

likelyfran

Swanlander wrote: »

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.

I think you might simply be coming from a place of inexperience. We live in a medium sized flat, 2 of us, 2 cats.
We did have two litter trays, 1 either side of the toilet (small bathroom), but now just one as one broke and they seem ok with just the one now.
Not ideal, but hey, it does smell a bit sometimes if they've just done a poo or litter has been sitting for a day or two (poo picked of course!) but that's life, I'm not a maniac about abolishing every molecule of a 'natural' smell with chemicals, just ensure litter does not become completely mingin because that's unpleasant for the cats to 'go' in too.
I'd be more worried about keeping the cat entertained/happy if he can't go outside.
I read somewhere that with a cat that never goes out, you should try to play with it maybe ten mins of every hour.
I'm not quite that on the ball with that, and ours do go outside to an area that they can't get out of (no catflap, we have to let them out and in to a walled garden), but do try to play 'strings' with them maybe once or twice a day (I'm usually at home) and they have a big cat tree, scratching things, a tunnel, houses etc.
Good luck to you and your mog, hope you are happy in your new abode.

ibizafan_2

Youngest son brought my Ozzy home 12 years ago as a tiny kitten. I was not best pleased at the time, having not been consulted, although I love animals. By the next morning he was the best cat in the world! I hate all the neglect of animals all over the world, and give to charities every month, but feel as if I am doing my own bit by giving him the best life possible, and will do right till the end. Giving him away will never happen, despite any change of circumstance. When I met my OH a few years ago, I made it clear that Ozzy and me come as a package. Despite not being an animal lover, he accepted my terms, and I often hear him talking to him when he doesn't know I'm listening! Where there's a will, there's a way.

Swanlander

Again thanks for all the answers - I will put the litter tray in the second bedroom which will be my computer room and this looks a perfect litter tray - http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=776&pf_id=1479

chesky

Being a cynical old being, I think I'd take the 'self cleaning' schtick with a pinch of salt. Be prepared to do a bit of cleaning!

50Twuncle

shegha wrote: »

I've trained my cat to use a human toilet using a 'litter kwitter'
it's great only need to flush the loo, saved loads on cat litter

We spent a whole hour trying to train our cats to use the toilet, which they both do with no problem - but the older one simply refuses to flush - despite being told to repeatedly !!