Fund animal – what to do ? Caution: Who owns found animals? Carriage can be theft! CASE A: Pets (e.g. cats) Walked in? Again she was there, the dark cat with the emerald green eyes lay once again in the garden of Mr. Peter. May Mr. Peter keep the Fundkatze? The little cat […]
And after us the kitten flood….
80 million kittens in 10 years! Sounds crazy, but is statistical reality. If you assume that a cat and a male cat have kittens twice a year and three of these each survive, this makes over 400 kittens after only three years!
In order not to get lost in a cat flood, the solution is therefore: castration. Because even a single pair of cats has an almost unimaginably large number of offspring when they give birth to two to three litters a year with two or three kittens who themselves have offspring again.
80 million after only ten years!
The reproduction pyramid described here is intended to make it clear that a single pair of cats is sufficient to set off a real avalanche.
This is incredibly important, because there are still cat owners who don’t want to have their pets neutered, but rather accept a cat flood. Or which is little better, the castration after the first litter to do want. It prevails in general the opinion that in the circle of acquaintances surely enough buyers for one of the cute animals will find themselves. But in the end some young cats will end up in the shelter or on the street and those who really want a new pet could make a cat from the shelter happy instead.
Many animals in Germany live under poor conditions and are lovingly cared for in the animal shelter. Please also donate for an animal home: To the donation call A second cat enters the house Why get a second cat? Although often claimed, it is not true: cats are not loners, contrary to popular belief. Domestication […]
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What cat breed with little urge to move is there?
All cat breeds actually need exercise. However, there are certain breeds that are particularly athletic and those that are more calm and balanced. The rather calm cat breeds are: American, British, Exotic and European Shorthair, Burmese, Carthusian, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Tonkinese, Turkish Angora, Russian Blue and Ragdoll.
It should be noted here that the American Shorthair feels much more comfortable with regular exercise and it contributes to its balance. Also the European Shorthair likes to have a free run. The Turkish Angora is a lively breed that likes to play. The British Shorthair is one of the cats that has little need for movement, but likes to satisfy its cat-like curiosity on small walks through the garden. The character of the Carthusians is very deliberate and calm, therefore she needs only little movement, but likes to play.
The Maine Coone is a quiet cat, but still has a lot of fun with activities and should therefore have enough free time. Also rain weather doesn’t bother her when going out.
The Norwegian Forest Cat also belongs to the somewhat quieter cats, but is still not a house-cat, because she loves her freedom when outdoors.
Which cat breed is suitable for housing?
There are several cat breeds that are perfect for housing*. Here is a list:
The British Shorthair* is perfect for keeping flats.
To the exotic short hair: The perfect apartment cat, which gets along also very well with children. Particularly for cat owners who have to work all day, the exotic shorthair is ideal because it can easily stay at home alone.
The Bengal cat* can be kept in the flat if the flat is not too small. If you have a pet or are looking for a second cat, the Bengal is a good choice, as it is very sociable with other cats.
Burma can also be kept very well in the apartment.
A further good housing cat is the Kartäuser*, because she has no big movement urge.
Let’s come to the Korat: For this breed, some cat associations actually want to keep their cats indoors, so that the breed remains as a pure breed. With the Korat it is to be considered that she does not feel well with children and in the family everyday life coined by hecticness. If you buy a Korat, you should show a lot of affection for it, because this breed tends to have a deep connection to humans.
Which cat breed as a free-ganger with great joy in movement and exercise?
The first thing that comes to mind is the very sporty Abyssinian who is known as a true climbing friend. The Abyssinian will perceive every tree as a welcome climbing opportunity and is very quick to get enthusiastic about cat games. This cat breed absolutely needs free climbing possibilities. If the Abyssinian is kept in the apartment, the apartment should be nicely large and it should be daily at least three times 10 minutes (better even more) with the cat, by e.g. cat play equipment, be occupied.
Also the Burmilla and the Bombay are free-range cat breeds, which inspire by their liveliness. The Burma is an active cat, which has a certain demand on the owner. She would like to be kept busy – the owner can satisfy the Burmese adventurous spirit by constantly rethinking catch-and-hunt games and offer her a nice opportunity to get away.
What cat breed is suitable for children and is child-friendly?
The Abyssinian cats belong to the very playful cat breeds. They love to be occupied by children. Another breed that gets along very well with children is the exotic shorthair.
Which cat breed can be well alone?
Cat breeds that are suitable for working people and can be left alone in the home:
Burma* doesn’t need much care and doesn’t have to be kept busy by its owner. However, her hair should be combed once a day because she loses a lot of hair.
Another breed that has no problem at all with being left alone is the exotic shorthair*.
If you are looking for a good overview of the available cat litter trays, you can read more here.
There are many different types of toilets that I will describe here in this blog article. We will have a look at the shapes and structures, as they are crucial for the use and location of the box.
Certain cat toilets are suitable for small flats, other toilets are more suitable for free walkers, who also make their pee out on the meadow.
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Open litter box
This is the type of litter tray* that occurs most often and in all sizes. This toilet has no high walls and therefore offers no privacy for your pussy. Some models have hoods, lids, removable edges or ramps to attach.
Self-cleaning cat tois
This type of cat litter is self-cleaning, so you never have to clean the toilet again and save a lot of money on cat litter. There are many different models, but not all of them work perfectly. The model where I could really confirm the self-cleaning effect so far is the Litter Robot 3. For this model I have already written a detailed report: https://katze-nothilfe.de/litter-robot-3-erfahrungen/
Closed litter box with hood
The closed cat toilets* look almost like a cat transport box. The entrance to the toilet is only on one side. The door opening or depending upon model also swinging door prevents that the litter is dragged along when going out. The closed cat-tois with hood offer much more privacy for the cat and the unpleasant excrement smell is held back. This is how it smells at the place where the litter box does not smell too much like a toilet. There are different price ranges, which then have other functions, such as special cat litter mats and activated carbon filters.
cat litter tray entry top
For more adventurous cats these models* with „top entry“ are very suitable. They offer sufficient privacy similar to the above described canopy toilets. The smells remain in the toilets and this model is the only one, by the way, where no litter is dragged out at all.
When the tenant is finished with her business, she climbs comfortably back outside.
Cat toilet with high rim:
In principle the ones with a high edge* are similar to a normal Katzentoi, but have very high walls. The entrance is only possible from the side. The high edges are for cats who like to dig and throw out the litter when digging. Another advantage of the high walls is the privacy the walls offer. Often a roof or cover is sold to the high-walled model.
Cat toilets for room corners:
For flats with less space the square cat lavatories* are super suitable. The corners of the room are well used. The high walls are of advantage, so that the digging cat does not throw dirty litter on the surrounding carpet. There are the angular toilets without essay, with essay, ladder, ramp or special doors. Here in the picture is a model with top and flap door.
Disposable cat litter box:
Disposable cat litter boxes* are basically intended for throwing away after they have been used. They are usually made of hardened cardboard and some are supplied with pre-packaged cat litter. There are models that are made from recycled material and are disposed of directly after the cat shop.
Depending on the model and frequency of use, the toilet can also be used for one to two weeks.
travel cat litter
This is a foldable cat toilet* that is perfect for travelling with a cat. It can easily be taken anywhere, so the toilet is always there when you need it.
Cat uses human toilet
It’s not as hard as you might think to teach your cat to go to the human toilet . I have written a detailed article about how it works to teach the cat „toilet“.
Change cat litter tray – Tips and tricks
Now a few tips what you have to consider if you want to buy a new litter tray or change the old one.
How big should a litter tray be?
The toilet should be big enough and especially if you have several cats, you should buy several toilets and put them in different places in the house.
Do you have a dog? Dogs like to sniff around in the litter box – in this case it is best to buy a closed litter box where the dog can’t go.
If you want to exchange your old litter box for a new one, keep it for now, because it can take a while until your litter box gets used to the new litter box.
You can leave the old toilet box at its place for 7 to 14 days and the new toilet model will be moved to a completely new place.
Give your coat nose enough time to get used to the new litter tray. Don’t put any pressure on it, this causes the opposite of what you want to achieve with fur noses. The tenant first needs a little time to „take“ the new toilet box for himself.
Cat Toilet Experience Report and Cat Toilets Test
The most comfortable are of course the self-cleaning cat toilets, but not everyone wants to buy such a model. Below you will find a comparison table with all the differences between the models.
The rating was carried out according to the following criteria:
- Differences between the brands
- Depending on model and construction it may be suitable for certain cats and less suitable for other cats.
- Usability
- Compare costs and benefits
- Technical problems due to tree structure or mechanics.
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Cat and litter box Cabinet – what is it?
For a better understanding of what a cat litter box is, you need to know what your cat wants from a litter box. Cats are very clean and pay attention to many little things that we like to overlook.
The following things are important for your cat in the litter tray:
- the smell of cat litter must not attract other cats.
- choose the location so that no one has to walk past it.
- The litter box must fit the size of the cat.
- Good accessibility from all sides is important.
- It must be well away from food and water.
- Good ventilation avoids standing smells.
- dirty toilets do not use cats.
- the distance between the individual cat toilets must be greater than two meters.
- every cat prefers his own litter box. If you have two cats, the rule says three cat litter boxes.
- you may not be sparing with litter. A litter box with a rim height of about twenty centimetres and a litter of about ten centimetres provides the cat with enough litter to dig.
- the litter box must not be draughty.
- it may not stand completely isolated and far away from the preferred places of your cat.
These facts alone make it difficult to choose the right toilet for your cat. Now there are the demands you place on the new litter box, which may collide with those of your cat. Let’s take a closer look at them:
- It must match the apartment.
- The cat litter box must not be in the middle of the room or rooms.
- The litter box must not be too big.
- You and your friends don’t want to see it all the time.
- It must not stink all the time.
- You don’t want to fall over it.
- The litter box must catch the litter to be removed from the paws.
- It must be easy to clean and disinfect.
Commercially available cat toilets only meet your cat’s and your cat’s needs with many big compromises. Your cat can’t do otherwise. With a cat closet all your demands can be brought with much smaller compromises under one, famous hat.
What is a cat litter box?
The cat closet is far more than a litter box in a closet and more than the compromise of your two demands. The cat litter box adapts to your interior, it makes sure that Your cat can do your business in peace. It is available in different sizes, colours and can be combined with other cat furniture. It hides the litter box from your eyes and the eyes of your friends without denying your cat access to your toilet. With a damp cloth it can be cleaned easily and disinfected if necessary.
The cat toilet in its interior can have an edge of 20 and more centimeters in height without appearing monstrous. The filling of the cat litter is easy and can, depending on the height of the edge, be more than ten centimetres high. Depending on the design of the cat litter box no litter falls in front of it and the necessary cleaning accessories can also be accommodated well in it.
Any room is suitable as a location, because it is available in many versions. Whether you prefer a small one for under the sink in the bathroom, or a larger one, is up to you.
With one or more cat lavatories your cat and you will quickly feel much better. The use of the cat closet learns your cat fast and uses the more protected toilet gladly.
How does this cabinet work?
Like a very simple litter box, but when your cat rubs the paws at the door opening, the litter falls into the cupboard rather than outwards. In this way much less litter gets onto your carpet or the laminate. In the long run you save for all other advantages litter and in the long run money .Since the litter tray is easy to pull out of the cupboard, you save your energy when cleaning. Some cabinets offer a storage area on which you can place the litter tray while filling or removing litter. The protects your back. After emptying the litter you clean the litter tray as before with water and a mild detergent . Fill it with fresh cat litter and you can put it back in the cupboard. Put away accessories and your apartment will be tidy again in no time.
What are the advantages of a litter box for you in a nutshell?
- You do not see the litter box all the time.
- You have less litter on the floor, in the carpet and on the laminate.
- The litter is no longer distributed all over the apartment.
- Your friends don’t see the litter box any more at first sight.
- Your cat prefers to visit the litter box.
- You save money in the long run and litter.
- The litter box is easy to clean and doesn’t stink all the time.
- The cat litter box fits into your living design.
- Cat litter box does not stand in the way .
- It is easy to clean and disinfect.
- The accessories such as bedding, spreading vane and hand brush can be hidden in the cupboard (depending on cupboard design).
- You protect your back (depending on the cabinet version) and your strength when cleaning the litter box (depending on the cabinet version).
- You can customize a cat litter box self-construction the cat litter box completely to your and the needs of your cat.
What are the advantages of a litter box for your cat?
– The location of the litter box is quieter.
– The cat litter box can be better adapted to the size of your cat (cabinet depth and/or width).
– It can have a higher edge and the cat litter can be bedded in higher.
– The toilet is not immediately sniffable by the other cats.
– Food and water are not in direct proximity.
– Further cat lavatories are not in direct proximity.
– The Mietzenklo is not too far away from your favourite place.
– It corresponds to the size of your cat.
– The litter can be easily removed from the paws at the door.
– The cat can run your business with less attention and is not under pressure because of the other cats.
– The better ventilation of the litter box prevents odours from settling.
Where is a good place for the toilet?
The best location for the litter box shows you your cat. You only have to coordinate your ideas with yours and have found the right place for both of you. This could be the bathroom, maybe as a vanity unit. The living room, in a corner or next to the couch where you and your friends don’t walk by much.
The back corner in the hallway, when there are no doors left.
It is important that you choose the location that is okay for both of you.
What is the difference between the different litter trays?
Their dimensions, their equipment and whether they can be used as pure cat litter boxes. Play, scratch, lying and living landscapes with integrated cat litter boxes are available as well as elaborately designed and concept-developed cat litter boxes.
The differences are as manifold as your or your cat’s wishes. There are cat litter boxes with one and cat litter boxes with several integrated cat toilets. They are available with containers for used litter, storage space for the litter tray when cleaning, special compartments for accessories such as food reserves and much more.
The price, as well as the equipment vary strongly and do not facilitate you the purchase of a certain one. Furthermore you have the possibility to build or have a litter box built for you and to design it according to your ideas.
The cat closet in the picture below is also available in black – just click on the picture!
Where can I buy a litter box?
Many Zoo shops and internet shops for zoo supplies now sell cat litter trays and they are also available on Ebay. Amazon*, Fressnapf and Zooplus offer different variants.
Where you buy yours is up to you. With Price comparisons you can save a lot of money, if you don’t want to build a cat litter box yourself.
What does a finished cat cabinet cost?
The most inexpensive cat toilet cupboards are about 50 Euro* and there are no upper limits.
What do I have to pay attention to when buying a cattoic cabinet?
– The material must be water repellent and the surface smooth to prevent mould and odours from settling.
– It must be easy to clean and disinfect to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
– Must contain ventilation holes or slots to avoid the accumulation of ammonia smells, excrement smells and the like. Your cat should not suffocate in the litter box.
– The litter must remain in the cupboard and must not fall out of the door opening.
– It has to be stable and withstand the onslaught of your cats.
– The cat litter box must fit into the cat cupboard according to the size of your cat, also in height.
– The door opening must correspond to the size of your cat and must not restrict it.
– The removal of the litter box must be easy and support you in cleaning it. This means that an additional tray for placing the litter tray at a comfortable height is to be welcomed. There are rails in which the litter tray is placed to help you take it out. With the rails the cat litter box can be pushed out and pushed in easily completely, without effort.
– The flap door must have a hook or other firmly lockable mechanism so that your cat can never get trapped.
– The edge of the bedding basin must be lower than the edge of the entrance opening. Only then will the bedding remain in the cupboard.
– Permanently pre-installed gratings for the litter box are practical, but the cat must not be able to move or remove them. At large grating openings the cat can injure itself and get stuck with the paw in the openings. Gratings facilitate many works, damage the animals however usually more than they use.
– The cabinet must not have any sharp edges or burrs . Pay attention to sunk screw heads and nuts with a rubber buffer, so that your cat is not injured.
In addition to the basic features mentioned above, which a cat toilet cabinet must meet, there are the optional ones, which depend on your cat and you.
Size in general, color, height, in which room he gets his location and similar.
In addition to the basic requirements and the personal ones, there is also the question of additional comfort. How and what additional features do you want from the cat cupboard? All these questions determine its price and as always these additional wishes have their high price.
The cat closet toilet construction
If you are skilled, you can build a cat cabinet completely by yourself . It is easier to build your own cabinet with the help of a cube, a shelf divided into several sections and the like.
The biggest question you have to ask yourself is how big you want your cat cupboard to be. The simplest variant is the cat litter box in simple form and without special requirements.
For the construction you need:
– Two wood blanks (unless you are a skilled craftsman and can saw them yourself).
Depending on the desired size, you can get these wood cuts at a DIY store. The employees will cut the desired wooden boards to your measurements. Tell them what you want and for what you need these boards.
Plastic-coated wood is suitable well for a cat small cupboard, because it can be cleaned easily and smells do not settle. By the smooth surface the cat litter box can be pushed completely easily in and out.
These two woodcuts serve as ground and cover (roof). For their size take the length and the width of the existing or the new cat litter box and add about three centimeters per side. These respective three centimetres provide more space in the cupboard and serve the better stripping of the paws. In this way, the litter falls well into the interior of the cupboard and not outwards.
– Two wood blanks for the sidewalls. At their height you have to add the thickness of top and bottom, then you can screw the two side parts comfortably on top and bottom. The length of both must correspond to the length of the top and bottom.
– Two wooden blanks for the rear panel and the door. The back wall has the width of the bottom (or lid) plus the thickness of the left and plus the thickness of the right side wall. The length of the back wall is also calculated plus the thickness of the bottom and plus the thickness of the lid. Do the same with the door. You can screw on the rear wall directly, there is more work to be done for the door.
– The door needs an opening through which your cat can enter and exit. Take a so-called pot drill and put it on your drill. Drill a hole in the door with it. For this it is recommended to set the opening a little higher. Place the lower edge of the pot drill at least five centimetres above the thickness of the floor. Depending on the height of the cat cupboard door also more centimetres are possible. The diameter of the pot drill must be larger than the head of your cat. It is better to measure the diameter larger than too small, otherwise the cat will not use the toilet. After drilling the hole you have a cat door opening. The sharp edges should be carefully sanded with sandpaper and sharp burrs removed.
Now we come to fixing the door.
There are different hinges on the market and so-called piano tape. You can have the piano hinge cut to a certain length. Simple top hinges are useful for your cat wardrobe and can be fixed well in the wood with two to three screws each. You attach these hinges to the side wall of your choice. Please remember to attach the hinge side to be screwed on so that it protrudes with the thickness of your door. The other hinge side must be attached to the door and must open and close properly. This means that the hinge joint must protrude slightly at the end of the door.
On the other side wall you can attach a hook system to close the door. These are available in different variants, as with everything. Depending on the variant, you decide which of the two parts you want to attach to the side wall and which you want to attach to the door.
For ventilation, you can drill several holes in the rear and side walls with a simple wood drill. Different sizes of the holes can be achieved with different drills.
Thus your simple cat cupboard is finished, now still the cat litter box with bedding fill, into the cat cupboard place, the door close and finished.
Place the cupboard in the desired location and wait for your cat. Take your time, it can take several days until your cat decides to accept the cat closet and use the toilet there.
As a delicacy for your cat you can put carpet or cushion on the lid, which you attach to the roof with Velcro. In this way the pillow or the carpet is removable and you can wash the pillow. The carpet can be cleaned and easily replaced by attaching it with Velcro.
How do I save a lot of work building a cat „loo“ cabinet?
Ikea shelves and some shelves from DIY stores are excellent for rebuilding. The price of these shelves is in many cases lower than the coated wood. They are coated with plastic and are well suited for building a cat cupboard.
Large projects like a living landscape with integrated cat toilet do not prove to be witchcraft according to this principle and are completely adaptable to your needs.
Cube systems offer a lot of room for a cat cupboard in small apartments. You can combine the individual cubes of the cube systems wonderfully. You can put them together again and again according to your wishes and create other living landscapes and/or cat closets .
The cubes with scratch carpet or sisal look particularly chic. You can choose the colors. These cubes animate your cat not only to the toilet course, but satisfy also several needs of your cat.
There are no limits to your ideas and what could be more interesting than flexibility and creativity?
Suggestions to build a cat cupboard from shelves and cubes
1.
An open bookcase or folder shelf offers plenty of room for ideas. A narrow cat litter box fits in well, a door in front of the lower compartment and the cat litter box compartment is ready. Add another door to the next level. Put in the cleaning accessories and the second level is ready. The third compartment from below is perfect for Storing the cat litter when cleaning.But there’s even more to it, because you can line this compartment with carpet and attach sisal to the sides. You can equip the back wall with one or two ribbons and offer it a small playground at the same time. The outer sides of the shelf can be used as a climbing wall. Put a carpet or a sisal board on it and your cat can climb.
Good places are Carpet Remainder. Buy a piece that is as long as twice the side height plus the length of the shelf lid. You can now attach the carpet from the bottom left to the bottom right in one piece along the outside of the shelf and the shelf roof. This offers your cat a scratching and climbing wall in one.
For better ventilation of the litter tray you can cut slots in the side walls or saw the back wall. Two or three slits on each side with a length of about five to ten centimeters and a height of 0.5 centimeters are sufficient. Make the slots at different heights for all-round ventilation.
2.
The shelf with dice, large compartments and a width of about two meters gives you the possibility to insert two cat litter boxes. Either integrate them both at the same height, i.e. below, or place one in the next higher row. As usual and explained, a door in front of it with access hatch, ventilation holes or slots in the side walls and the toilet cupboard is ready.
Ideas
Most shelves are made of plastic coated laminated wood which is easy to clean and carries your cat.
With such a large wall, the scope of what you can create from it is immeasurable for your cat or cats.
Playground, with different toys, hung on ribbons, which you can make.
Sleeping places, which are equipped with soft cushions and on one side with sisal for sleeping and stretching.
Scratch corners, which you equip with old hand brushes and root brushes so that the cat can scratch itself and take care of its fur additionally.
You can provide different side walls with additional openings (similar to the cat toilet door in the lower compartment) and thus connect several near to each other compartments . Door openings in the ceiling or floor connect superimposed compartments with each other.
Doors before different compartments with entrance, if behind it no compartment is, which already possesses a hole opening, increase the play pleasure. Individual hole openings are covered with cotton cloth and cover the opening. Fix the cloth with Velcro and your cats have a new toy that you can change and expand at any time.
3.
Shelves with deep, wide compartments are suitable for larger cat lavatories. You can equip the side walls of the cat litter tray with sisal and make small drill holes or slots between the sisal for ventilation. In this way you animate your cat directly to rub his paws and scratch them.
On the other side of the Cat Toilet you can screw on a large root brush. The deeper the shelf, the further the litter tray can be pushed in and the less litter falls outside.
For another compartment there is a cardboard box which your cat can only explore with his paw. Hide a soft mouse, treats or other things in it. Secure the box with double-sided tape or Velcro so it won’t fall out and give your cat long fun.
Fasten carpets, scratch mats and pillows with Velcro, saving you the hassle of ordinary scratching trees. You can remove the cushions for washing and treat them with flea products, without damaging the cat closet. Scratching boards, which you fasten with a screw, can be changed fast and easily, like the carpets.
Worn hand or root brushes can be attached with a screw if they have a wooden handle. They are super easy to replace and the entire cat cupboard can be cleaned, disinfected and refitted in just a few simple steps.
Your cats can hardly be tamed if you fasten new toys with catnip in the cat cupboard or put them in.
With imagination and skill you can build your cats and yourself a cat closet that is bursting with play possibilities. Going to the toilet will be a pleasure for your cat. It doesn’t have to run far for the small or big business and the game can start anew right away.
With your creativity and your craftsmanship you turn your cats into happy cats. It can be so easy to give your pet movement, cleanliness, play and fun.
Cats don’t ask what a litter box costs and they don’t ask why. They accept what you offer them and are grateful for any kind of attention you give them.
Building a cat closet is not difficult, but it gives you much more back through your cats than you spend time and effort on.
How do I get my cat used to the new toilet way?
Assemble the cupboard and wait. Some cats take it immediately, others prefer the usual litter tray at first. An easy and good method is to put some of the used litter into the new toilet.
Your cat immediately recognizes its own smell and gets to the bottom of the matter. In this way, it combines its smell in the new litter tray with the familiar litter and this with the fact that it is allowed to do its business there.
This gentle habituation prevents your cat from doing her business in undesirable places.
You may not take away the old cat litter tray in the first weeks. Gradually reduce the litter in it until there is nothing left in the toilet. Clean it and disinfect it, but leave it standing without litter. Your cat will get used to the fact that there is nothing left in it and will change its user behaviour.
If your cat has been using the new one for a few days, you can safely remove the old one. Your cat no longer misses it.
My cat is afraid of the passage, what can I do?
Doesn’t your cat use the new toilet because she is afraid of the passage? Then it is often too small. Enlarge it and rub it with cat mint oil or valerian oil. Both love cats and the fear disappears. The size of the entrance is decisive for success.
Sand sharp burrs and edges of the entrance well and check with your finger whether everything is smooth. Smallest burrs feel cats at their soft soles as extremely unpleasant and refuse to use an entrance already on this occasion. We humans often don’t see this until the cat has an injury or doesn’t like to go into the cat closet, the litter tray or the like.
Since we have the cat closet our cat is unclean, what can I do?
– Check the location of the cat closet, is it in a place she doesn’t like?
– The favourite place of your cat and the cat cupboard, are you too far away from each other?
– There is too much restlessness around the cat closet, it stands so that everyone has to walk past it?
– Does the cat closet not have ventilation?
– Have you changed the bedding or littered too low?
– Are the tray and the cat litter tray too small for your cat?
– Is the entrance narrowing for your cat and does it feel crowded when going in?
– Does the entrance to the litter box have fine burrs or a sharp edge?
– Where did the litter box used to be? Is the cat cupboard too far away from the ancestral place?
– Does she have no free access to the cat cupboard and to the litter box?
– Does the height of the litter tray fit your cat? Can’t she do her business sitting upright?
Clarify the above questions. You are sure to find one or the other that applies to Your cat. If so, change the condition and your cat will gratefully accept the cat closet. Cats are clean, in corners they do their business reluctantly and show with it an abomination and their dissatisfaction .
To these bad states count not only conditions mentioned above, but for example also:
– a new roommate
This could be a new cat, another, new animal, your baby, your new partner or the new cat closet. She doesn’t like the new one.
– A new smell
Your new perfume, bath oil, the new carpet that smells funny to her, the new bedding, everything new, unknown to her. Cats react, especially in old age often with displeasure new things and smells. Help her to process her displeasure and to accept the new. Essential oils , like valerian, catnip or lemon balm are good for her.
– Clarify their health condition . Bad cleanliness is often due to bladder problems, consult a veterinarian with her and clarify this.
Your cat shows you when she feels dissatisfied or even unhappy. Do not react with anger or rage, but help her. Find out exactly what she doesn’t like and whether she is really healthy. Then find a solution to be happy together again.
Which cat litter is necessary for the cat cupboard?
If you have had a cat for a long time, then maintain the usual cat litter in any case, unless you are dissatisfied with it.
Are you in the situation to get your first cat? Then it depends on how much money you want to spend each month on cat litter. The price differences and the respective yield vary strongly. The differences in quality depend on the type of cat litter. There is cat litter on silicate basis, Betonit, clay granulate and fiber litter, only to call the most well-known kinds.
– Clumping cat litter is one of the most popular types of litter. The urine clumps together and you can easily remove it with the spreading vane. The unused urine remains in the litter tray. Fibre litter, Betonite and clay granules are available as lump litter types. Its absorbency is high and so is its yield. Odour retention has improved considerably in recent years and has a positive effect on the olfactory nerves. Normal household waste is used to dispose of the bedding if it consists of bentonite. Clay granulate and fibre litter can be disposed of via compost.
– Silicate litter, it consists of sand. Through a special process it changes its shape into crystals. It does not clump, but absorbs a lot of liquid with each individual crystal. Its special properties lead to a very high yield, as the urine no longer calls for disposal on a daily basis.
The smell development is extremely small and the excrement can be removed easily with the spreading vane. Diarrhoea has a chance because the crystals extract all the liquid from it and leave only hard chunks behind.
It is extremely productive and a bag of about three litres is enough for about four weeks. A very large litter box containing five litres of silicate litter will last four weeks for three cats and not all crystals are wet.
A compost heap is sufficient to dispose of the litter. The wet bedding decomposes into its original state and becomes sand again.
– Non-clumping litter can also consist of fibres, bentonite, clay granulate and silicate. Fibres, clay granulate and silicate are among the most fertile in this type of bedding. Depending on its quality, bentonite absorbs liquids differently well and in many cases the development of odours after a short time is already considerable. Fibres, clay granulate and silicate absorb liquids more strongly, prevent premature formation of odours and are very productive. Except for Betonit, disposal takes place via compost.
For cat litter boxes every cat litter is suitable and the environmental compatibility is given with all kinds, even if not every kind can be disposed over the compost.
The highest yield proves to be deceptive, because every cat owner swears by a other type of cat litter. We prefer silicate litter, because we have a large compost in the garden and it convinces us with its high fluid intake. A smell development does not occur in the first weeks over the urine seen at all. Faeces, smells when weaning, dried faeces hardly smells.
If you keep more than one cat in your apartment, try different varieties. Your cats will show you their preference for one or the other litter. You judge yourself by your cats and both parties are doing well.
Der cat litter box and the behavior of your cat(s)
Whether you buy a cat cupboard , build it or have it built is irrelevant and up to you. It is important that it pleases your cats and you in every respect. It should support you when cleaning the cat litter and provide storage space for the utensils for cleaning . He has to offer your cats one or more toilets and please them.
One of his advantages unmentioned so far is that the cat closet improves the energy between your cats and you . Satisfied cats use their cat litter box on their own and the undisturbed business is to the satisfaction of your cats.
Surfaces above the litter tray or compartments in the cupboard, which are located at the height of your hip, tempt you to caress , your cat lying there. This small but short gesture gives your cat affection, warmth and closeness. Many cats jump directly into these compartments or onto the litter box, just so that you touch them briefly when you pass them. They seek contact with you and make contact with you on their own initiative. With cat toilets with hood or open this does not work.
Cats are very emotional beings…
…they need the proximity of their owners and other cats. Cats hunt alone, but they are not loners. To the real loners belong golden hamsters, which chase away every other hamster outside the rutting season and kill if necessary.
Cats do not belong to the herd or herd animals, because these live constantly together and hunt together.
Cats belong, so seen, to an own group of animals. They are single hunters and, if possible, raise their young together. They care for and teach everything that belongs to a independent life. No matter whether mother, father, or only an older cat with in the household lives. The boys learn from all adult and the adult females supply the adolescents with. Cats learn quickly and a lot from each other, but they act independently.
They like to return to the family after a lonely walk. Cats are social beings who greet each other. On the basis of their smell they determine whether they belong to the family or not. Strangers don’t take them in immediately and he has a hard time ahead of him for the time being. He has to prove himself worthy for this family.
Cats live in a kind of hierarchy, which is rigid only in the uppermost floors. All ranks under it distribute themselves relatively evenly on many. The lowest ranks are occupied by the youngest kittens. In the family, the females support each other mutually. Puppy protection is a myth, because the little ones learn to assert themselves early.
What a cat can do, all others learn by copying also. This way of living has secured their survival.
The using the cat cupboard and the toilet in it must only control one of your cats. Your other cats will join it after a short time and use the toilet in the cat closet as well.
All cats love to be stroked, one prefers it rougher, the other prefers it more tenderly. The cat litter box supports living together and improves the overall energy of the family.
After the first excitement and the learning process, calm returns. The cats go to their favourite places and with large cat litter boxes new possibilities arise for the animals to play, cuddle and scratch.
The original variant of the cat litter box is quickly forgotten and your cats enjoy the new cat cupboard to the full.
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From 7 lives…
Unfortunately I have already seen some pictures of injured cats on the internet – some of them got stuck in the space between the windows. Others fell out of the window or from the balcony and unfortunately landed so down that they were injured. But even flats where the windows are only tilted can lead to serious injuries and it is strongly recommended to secure these tilting windows (more about this below).
It is warned again and again that heights can be dangerous for cats, but nevertheless it comes regularly to bad accidents. The reason for these terrible accidents is that people always believe in the „7 cat lives“. They think that cats can fall down from high above without any damage. Of course, sometimes nothing happens and the cats survive – but not always!
In the winter the windows are mostly closed anyway and it is in principle hardly an issue to make the windows or balcony openings safe for cats. But as soon as it gets a little warmer, one leaves the windows and the balcony door open nevertheless gladly times longer.
And just in these seasons the accidents of the poor animals accumulate.
It’s a prejudice to think that you don’t have to secure windows and balconies just because the cats are so smart. Cats are still small predators and have animal instincts that make them do unexpected things.
Cat should not be on the balcony?
If this is your reason why you don’t want to secure your balcony, then you are taking a high risk! Better play it safe and secure your balcony with professional balcony cat safety.
Use cat grids for balconies
Safety nets are a good way to give your cat some freedom and keep her safe at the same time. I think that’s the best way because it allows the cat to let off steam, use the balcony and still be safe.
These safety nets are very popular and there are many good safety nets to buy. Another advantage of cat nets is that they protect the apartment from insects in summer. Especially in such hot summers, where there are wasp plagues or beetle plagues, an insect protection net is worthwhile. Who decides for such a dense net, should pay attention to the fact that still enough sunbeams come through, otherwise the balcony is rather shady with this net.
Is a cat net allowed on the balcony?
Yes, this is allowed without the landlord’s permission, as long as the net is transparent in colour. Since most nets are transparent, it does not represent a problem to procure such a net.
What does a cat net for the balcony cost?
Of course there are also very cheap networks here, but at this point it is not worth saving! It is better to buy a cat net with high quality that is really safe.
cat net balcony which colour?
Cat nets are best if they are transparent so that the sun can shine through and the landlord cannot complain.
Which cat net for balcony?
After a long search I decided to use this cat net from „Good to have „*:
It was important to me that it had the perfect size for my balcony. With its 8 by 3 meters the size was perfect. The net can also be cut to any size if a smaller size is needed. It should also be easy to attach. The advantage of this cat net is that it comes with all the important fixing material, so you don’t have to buy anything extra.
I was always a little worried that my cat might bite or scratch the net. This is impossible with this material – it is absolutely stable and cannot be destroyed by cats.
How do I attach a cat net to the balcony?
Practical is the extra fastening rope. It is 25 meters long and extra reinforced. The instructions for setting it up are included and are very easy to understand. I think even my aunt could use it to attach the net herself.
Cat proof balcony without drilling?
If you are one of those who are not allowed to drill around on their balcony, you can still buy the net, because you can also fix it with poles and cable ties.
The point that completely convinced me is the money back guarantee from Good to Have Cat Net* I could be sure before the purchase that I can simply send it back without hesitation if I don’t like it. The money will be returned in any case, if the net is not the right one.
Who can make my balcony cat-safe?
Actually, it’s not that hard to do it yourself. If you are not able to do it, you should ask your relatives around or advertise small ads on Ebay.
Which plants on balcony with cats?
Pansy, blue lily, Chinese reed, date palm, Cyprus grass, fuchsia, daisies, millworm, beautiful upholstery, horn violet, houseleek, lemon tree, succulent, roses, marigold, sackflower
Cat proof balcony without mains?
There are of course other possibilities to make a balcony cat-proof. For example by Plexiglas (if the landlord permits it) or in which one leaves the beloved rent only on the leash on the balcony. More about that here:
Cat only on the leash on the balcony let
The easiest way to keep your cat safe on the balcony is to use a leash. If you’ve never used a leash for your cat, you need to practice it with your cat first. Depending on the cat, it may take a few weeks for your cat to accept the leash and actually walk around voluntarily with a belt. The „running on the leash“ should not be practiced on the balcony, but in the apartment. The first time you walk on the leash, your dear cat will most likely become quite wild and try to get rid of the leash somehow.
When to leave your cat on the balcony?
When your cat is running safely on the leash at some point, you can take it with you to the balcony to enjoy the pleasant sunrays. You can also attach the leash firmly to as immovable an object as possible. It is important that it does not reach the end of the balcony. Please do not leave your cat alone on the balcony and always keep an eye on it.
- What other area you should make sure to secure in your apartment:
As already described balconies – you can either call a professional to fix a net or buy and fix a good cat net yourself. - window – here there are many possibilities, e.g. networks.
- half-open windows – there are different window grids and blocks that you can put in the windows.
True story: Cat has fallen from balcony
The best example is my aunt’s cat, who loved birds above all else.
My aunt lived on the ninth floor and has had a cat called Trixie for about 6 years. Why do cats jump from the balcony? The cat Trixie loves birds above all – a normal hunting instinct of cats. Unfortunately, my aunt was convinced that Trixie was a very intelligent animal and so she didn’t put a fuse on it. My aunt came from the shift and suddenly Trixie was no longer there!
Trixies hunting instinct had taken over and she had tried to „fly after“ the bird.
I wouldn’t believe it myself if I hadn’t seen it at first hand. It’s an incredible story because Trixie survived this „flight“ from a height of 30 meters.
And although Trixie never would have been away from home, because she is a typical apartment cat, she found home again. Another tenant might not have survived the fall or would have run away disoriented and become a stray. My aunt was just very lucky – but that doesn’t mean that every cat owner has so much luck.
What consequences can a fall from the balcony or from the window have?
Why secure balcony for cats?
It can have horrible consequences if the cat falls from the balcony. If this is too much for you, skip this paragraph. The consequences can be:
A crushed skull, broken jaw, fallen teeth, bleeding (internal as well as external), broken limbs, injury to the spine or internal organs and many other serious injuries are possible. Nobody would ever wish their cat had these terrible injuries.
Cat fallen from balcony what do?
You need to keep your cat as still as possible so that the injury is not made worse by movement. It is best to wrap them in a blanket and transport them to the nearest vet as soon as possible.
Result
Of course, in addition to the solutions listed here, there is always the possibility of simply not letting the cat walk on the balcony at all. But I would first consider the above mentioned solutions, because why shouldn’t the cat enjoy the freedom of the balcony if she can? The cat protection on the balcony is not so complicated to attach and is also not expensive and gives your cat new possibilities to have great fun and at the same time prevent boredom. In addition, every pussy has a great urge to move, which can also be satisfied on the balcony.
I hope that these ideas will help you to make your balcony a safe place for your cat!
Great danger for cats: Tilt window
If the cat gets caught in a tilting window, the internal organs are crushed and the spinal cord can be injured. Most of the time the poor pussies die because they are totally exhausted and the pain does its part too. Unfortunately, the attempt of rescue can lead to further injuries.
How to get your cat out of the tilt window
You should not hesitate and immediately start to take the cat away. It’s best to do it in pairs – but you know how! You carefully move your hand until you are below the cat’s chest basket. The free hand moves under the cat’s belly. Now you can lift your darling slightly. The second person can now lift the pussy to the larger window opening. Now the cat is taken out.
Next comes the first aid: So that the little animal doesn’t move too much and thereby worsens the internal bleeding or injuries, she has to be wrapped in a blanket. Then get in the car with you and immediately and as fast as possible to the next best veterinarian.
Cat tilting window protection
It is better to take precautions here and to save the window!
Here is a picture of a cat tilting window protection*:
The tilted window is completely covered by the white plastic grid, as shown in the picture, and the cat has no possibility to squeeze through the tilted window at all.
Also very good are the tilting window protection blocks
For example there are on Amazon blocks as tilting window protection* for cats:
These woods are also clamped into the tilted window, so that the cat loses the desire to squeeze through. If it is a very skilful cat, which manages to get on top of the woods, it will be able to jump off from there thanks to the wooden condition and is not trapped in the tilting window.
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How do I transport my cat on an airplane?
Best in a cat plane transport bag or box. e.g. the Petshoney bag*.
Here you have to read the conditions of your airline and buy a transport box or bag suitable for airplane*.
Buy the cat transport box in time, so that your cat can get used to the cat box. During the flight you should put a absorbent pad* into the box.
If you take a cat with you on the plane, you should make the following preparations:
Please make a weight test how much the cat weighs including the transport box. Often the weight is an important factor, whether the cat is allowed in the box or not. With some airlines the cat box must fit under the aircraft seat and the tenant should still be able to rotate well in it and sit upright.
Cat Aircraft Give sedative or not?
Such a flight is of course very stressful for a cat. You can ask the steward staff that you can often lift your cat up to stroke it. That calms your pussy down a lot. It is better not to use sedatives, because they can have a dangerous effect under the pressure of the cabin so high up. It is better to give the cat Bachblüten against fear of flying* or Feliway (developed by veterinarians)*.
This calms the cat down and still it is not in danger of medication.
When landing and taking off the airplane strong pressure is exerted on the cat’s ears. Therefore it is important that the cat swallows in between, so that the pussy can compensate the pressure in the cat ears.
You can take malt paste with you on the plane and offer your cat the malt paste*, because then it will swallow and swallow regularly in between.
Which airline allows cats in the plane?
Every airline has different regulations as to whether a cat can be taken along or not. That’s why it’s so important that you get information as early as possible about whether your airline is taking cats with you. To travel with a cat, the cat must usually be registered in advance using a form. In the next paragraph all airlines are listed.
What does it cost to take a cat on a plane?
The costs vary – here are some examples of airlines where cat transport is allowed:
Iberia, KLM, SunExpress from 25 Dollar
Air France from 30,- Dollar
TUIfly from 40,- Dollar
Austrian Airlines, Condor, Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines from 50,- Dollar
Eurowings from 55,- Dollar
Germania, Thaiairways, Turkish Airlines from 60,- Dollar
United Airlines from 125,- Dollar
Emirates from 500 Dollar
Is entry with cat allowed?
Of course, it is important that you are sufficiently informed about the regulations for entering the country with a cat. Often the tenant must have certain vaccinations or an international vaccination certificate and also a veterinary or even official veterinary health certificate. The best thing to do is to ask the embassy which entry regulations there are for cats.
The travel agencies are partly not completely informed here, it is better to research all information yourself. There are also countries where the entry regulations consist of a quarantine for several months. These countries are not suitable as holiday destinations.
Health hazards when travelling with a cat
In addition, there are a number of health risks for cats – depending on the destination country the cat should travel to.
There are cat diseases that are transmitted by insects. This is especially the case in the Mediterranean countries and the United States.
Sand flies and mosquitoes transmit heart worm disease to cats. Ticks transmit ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. Dirofilariosis can be transmitted by a simple mosquito bite.
Since infectious diseases such as distemper are becoming more widespread again, sufficient vaccination protection is necessary.
Against the heart worms one can give both before and after the journey prophylactically medicines.
There should be protection against tick bites and insect bites. Here the veterinarian can give tips.
In general, the veterinarian should be asked one month before the trip starts what precautions have to be taken to ensure that the cat is optimally cared for on holiday.
After the trip, the vet should check the cat’s blood to see if any diseases were brought along from the holiday.
Only by the blood examination it can be recognized in time whether the cat is bad and it can be done also as fast as possible something against the illness. If you brought a cat with you from your holiday, then the examination by the vet is a MUST anyway.
Cats are at risk of infection in the following holiday countries:
Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, Turkey: Ehrlichiose, Babesiose, Leishmaniose, Dirofilariose
Hungary: Babesiose/ Haemobartonellose, Dirofilaria repens
USA: Ehrlichiose, Babesiose, Leishmaniose, Dirofilariose
source: Information sheet Vet Med Labor, Ludwigsburg
http://www.vetmedlabor.de
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