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Expert: - 10/31/2007


Question
Hi Karen,
I have a 9 mo old female outdoor cat and quite a love/Calico. She has been to the vet and am getting ready to have her fixed. She loves coming in the house but we put her out at bedtime. I have no litter box in the house and I understand after her surgery she will have a buster collar on. I have no where to confine her indoors. I'm not sure how to care for her as I've always been a dog person and know nothing about cats. She was a stray in the neighborhood and no one owned her so we took her in about 3 months ago. Do you have any suggestions on how to provide the aftercare she'll need in my situation.  Also I am allergic to cats but she's so loving, I deal with it.. Clariton works wonders.. Oh I also have a small dog and they are best friends. The dog is inside and the cat outside unless I'm around to keep an eye on them both.. They love to play and get pretty rowdy at times. Can I cage her indoors while I'm away and how do I little box train her? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you

Answer
Hi Debbie,

Good for you doing this. You'll find that she will be no trouble to take care of. Cats are naturally clean animals. Set up a litter box; use a scooping type of litter, (soft on the paws). After she eats put her in the box. She should take to it with out any coaxing. You can also use this product, http://www.thecatconnection.com/page/TCC/PROD/LTR/LTR-7551

This stuff works great training outdoor cats to use a litter box.

Rather than cage her while you are gone, just set her up in the bathroom with litter box, food, water and a bed. This will give her more room and usually the bathroom is nice and warm which is what cats love.

You will find that she will adapt real well to being inside. And I have found that people who are allergic to cats will develop the antigens for the cats themselves after some time. Good luck and write back with any other questions.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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