Evening all, I have a quick question. I've been making my tomcat sleep outside for about 2 weeks now. Even though winter is approaching, it's still quite mild out, but I was wondering if it's a good idea to get him used to sleeping outdoors?
Every evening it breaks my heart to put him out, but he used to sleep in my bathroom which is very big. Unfortunately, I've recently had an infestation of fleas; I've treated everything, including my cat, and I'm being careful that he doesn't bring any more back, so for now I'm not letting him sleep in the bathroom where I keep my clothes. I live in a studio flat, so the bedroom is in the same room as the kitchen and I just can't sleep with the cat in there... I'm a light sleeper :/
Plus, when he slept in the flat, he'd be pestering to go out at 4am – I felt like I had a newborn baby to look after! ^^
He still comes in during the day, but the night-time is really problematic. He doesn't really have anywhere to sleep outside except under my car, I think :/
I should mention that I live in the countryside.
Thanks for your help! :)
Translated from French
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Living in a block of flats, the neighbour opposite (in the building across from mine, on the same floor) leaves her cat outside to sleep and he meows all night long. I’m woken up at 5:00 am every morning (after having already struggled to get to sleep because of the cat’s meowing). It’s constant and so grating to listen to, especially since she keeps him out on the balcony while she does her housework after getting up.
What can I do?? What options do I have to make sure this animal isn't suffering anymore, and so I can finally get to sleep and wake up in peace? I’ve been at my wits' end for three years now.
You should probably start your own thread to get more replies, but I'll answer you anyway:
To start with, go and see your neighbour to explain that you can't cope with the noise any longer and that it’s upsetting to see her pet in distress (you might want to find a more tactful way to word that bit). If she refuses to listen, tell her you’ll be reporting her to the RSPCA, and then actually do it... You could also try contacting the police or the local council's noise nuisance team?
Living in a block of flats, the neighbour opposite (in the building across from me, on the same floor) keeps leaving her cat outside to sleep. He meows all night long – I’m being woken up at 5am every morning after already struggling to get to sleep because of the noise. It’s constant and so frustrating to listen to, especially as she keeps him out on the balcony while she’s doing her housework as well.
What can I do?? What are my options to stop this poor animal from suffering and so I can finally get some sleep and wake up in peace? I’ve been at my wits' end for 3 years now.
I completely agree with Mistigri. You shouldn't be leaving your cat outside on purpose, especially every night. Mind you, if he's shut in one room all night, no matter how big it is, that's not good either!
A cat is definitely more independent than a dog (in the sense that they're litter trained), but they need to give and receive just as much affection, and like everyone else, they need to feel at home.
So, on top of the risks of disease, accidents, and everything else you're exposing your cat to by leaving him out at night, you're also giving him the chance to go and find another home. The day he's happier at your neighbours' than he is at your place, you'll look pretty foolish...
When it comes to fleas, you have to treat the cat AND their environment. That means treating your entire flat. If he keeps going outside in the meantime, he'll just keep bringing fleas back, they'll keep laying eggs in your bathroom, and you'll still have fleas even if you don't have a cat anymore.
Personally, I’ve got a cat flap so my cat can come in whenever he likes. He spends the odd night outdoors sometimes, but if it starts raining or whatever, he comes back inside.
To be honest, the idea of putting him out for the night... especially as the nights are starting to get a bit nippy!
My cats sleep outside all the time, but I do wonder where they get to, like if they find a shed. We haven't got a litter tray yet to keep them indoors, because otherwise they just pee and poo everywhere. I see them again in the morning and they’re in top form, but in my opinion, it’s probably best not to.
Based on your arguments, there’s only one solution: give your cat to the RSPCA or a good home, and get a cuddly toy cat instead—it won't have fleas and won't meow to go out.
Personally, my cats go out during the day, but they’ve never spent the night outdoors. It’s risky enough during the day (depending on your neighbourhood), but the night is when it's really dangerous for our kitties.
but you've got to get him neutered before he picks up those tom cat habits, otherwise you won't be able to do anything about it; he's the right age! Now's the time!
*Castrated, since he's a male.
You could always put in a cat flap, they're really handy!
If he’s been going out at night for a while now, you’re definitely going to have a hard time getting him used to sleeping indoors again! If you’re patient you’ll get there, but that’s a whole different kettle of fish, isn’t it? My cat is over a year old and he’s got into the habit of going out day and night! Nothing works, he just can’t stand being shut inside the house. He goes absolutely mental trying to get out, meowing his head off! You’d think we were hurting him! Cats love the nightlife—he just wants to go out hunting! You’ve got to stop letting him out straight away. Mine has a few different places to sleep where he’s sheltered; he’s got a cat flap into the boiler room! I even get up in the night to call him and he comes back; we live out in the country too. But you really must get him neutered before he picks up those typical "tomcat" habits, otherwise you won’t be able to do a thing with him. He’s the right age now—it’s the perfect time!
