It's Caturday- Post some cats (vol 3)
Discussion
Gretchen, did you design and build this yourself? I only ask because I an trying to do the same thing but we have a really awkward space to do it in. Any hints and tips would be super helpful, especially on how you connected it to the house and put doors in.
A build thread in Homes and Gardens forum perhaps?
A build thread in Homes and Gardens forum perhaps?
Ace-T said:
Gretchen, did you design and build this yourself? I only ask because I an trying to do the same thing but we have a really awkward space to do it in. Any hints and tips would be super helpful, especially on how you connected it to the house and put doors in.
A build thread in Homes and Gardens forum perhaps?
I’m probably not much help as the panels were from someone in the next village over who inherited them with one of his other properties. They were all new just in storage for a while. A build thread in Homes and Gardens forum perhaps?
I’d been drawing up plans for a while, sketching out ideas for placement and just had my eyes and ears out for something that would suit and I could work with. This came up and the chap even brought it over to me.
I’ve configured it so it’s 9’ high for first 3’ off the doors so they can be opened. Then it drops to 6’ which is comfortable. The door and hatch panels were already as is so I played around with placement. Used panels for the roof too. I may extend the run at some point and look into a different roofing.
It’s not permanently attached to the house yet to be honest. I think I’m going to use a combination of wooden batons and brackets. I’m on the lookout for these.
I’d just keep a note book with measurements and sketch out a few ideas of shapes and other things you want. Then keep a look out on eBay, Gumtree, Facebook for old sheds, kennels, aviaries etc.
You can buy pre-made panels too. I just didn’t have a budget so bided my time until something turned up.
The artificial turf has cost me £50. But they love it and they’re worth it.
Now on the look out for a 6’x4’ shed, playbouse, Summerhouse to add to the side for sleep quarters, rainy days, shade etc. And then an off cut of carpet and some shelving, probably run some lighting out there too.
I might move in with them.
Gretchen said:
Ace-T said:
Gretchen, did you design and build this yourself? I only ask because I an trying to do the same thing but we have a really awkward space to do it in. Any hints and tips would be super helpful, especially on how you connected it to the house and put doors in.
A build thread in Homes and Gardens forum perhaps?
I’m probably not much help as the panels were from someone in the next village over who inherited them with one of his other properties. They were all new just in storage for a while. A build thread in Homes and Gardens forum perhaps?
I’d been drawing up plans for a while, sketching out ideas for placement and just had my eyes and ears out for something that would suit and I could work with. This came up and the chap even brought it over to me.
I’ve configured it so it’s 9’ high for first 3’ off the doors so they can be opened. Then it drops to 6’ which is comfortable. The door and hatch panels were already as is so I played around with placement. Used panels for the roof too. I may extend the run at some point and look into a different roofing.
It’s not permanently attached to the house yet to be honest. I think I’m going to use a combination of wooden batons and brackets. I’m on the lookout for these.
I’d just keep a note book with measurements and sketch out a few ideas of shapes and other things you want. Then keep a look out on eBay, Gumtree, Facebook for old sheds, kennels, aviaries etc.
You can buy pre-made panels too. I just didn’t have a budget so bided my time until something turned up.
The artificial turf has cost me £50. But they love it and they’re worth it.
Now on the look out for a 6’x4’ shed, playbouse, Summerhouse to add to the side for sleep quarters, rainy days, shade etc. And then an off cut of carpet and some shelving, probably run some lighting out there too.
I might move in with them.
The space is looking great and they all clearly enjoy it
Well,
Re: my previous post i went along to the adoption day and having chatted to the woman who runs it (who has over 50 cats!) decided a bengal isn’t for me. A couple of visits later i have now been adopted by a russian blue.
He’s got several tons of personality. Very boisterous, vocal, curious and intelligent. He is FIV+ so has to be the only cat and isn’t allowed to roam outside but was found as a stray so is currently proving rather a handful. I haven’t had a proper night’s sleep since he arrived as my place is all open plan and he comes to the bed deck to meow at me at 3am every night..... currently summoning all the patience i have and his foster mum is coming at the weekend to try and help me work out if anything is wrong.
Plus points are the bags of personality as i didn’t want a boring cat and he was lead trained by foster mum so we have had a few exploratory ventures when its quiet (and cool) after midnight.
He gets scared easily though...
Here he is dominating the stairs
The living room
And the bedroom
Lastly, a rare shot of him actually asleep. If only i can transpose this to the hours of darkness.....
Re: my previous post i went along to the adoption day and having chatted to the woman who runs it (who has over 50 cats!) decided a bengal isn’t for me. A couple of visits later i have now been adopted by a russian blue.
He’s got several tons of personality. Very boisterous, vocal, curious and intelligent. He is FIV+ so has to be the only cat and isn’t allowed to roam outside but was found as a stray so is currently proving rather a handful. I haven’t had a proper night’s sleep since he arrived as my place is all open plan and he comes to the bed deck to meow at me at 3am every night..... currently summoning all the patience i have and his foster mum is coming at the weekend to try and help me work out if anything is wrong.
Plus points are the bags of personality as i didn’t want a boring cat and he was lead trained by foster mum so we have had a few exploratory ventures when its quiet (and cool) after midnight.
He gets scared easily though...
Here he is dominating the stairs
The living room
And the bedroom
Lastly, a rare shot of him actually asleep. If only i can transpose this to the hours of darkness.....
These two are regular visitors, hoping to scrounge a couple of dreamies...
Domino lives a few doors away, but spends a lot of time snoozing on our patio. We think he likes the peace and quiet (he's sixteen, and his owners have five more cats and kittens).
Tibs was born on a farm, and is very much an outdoor cat. His owners used to live in the house opposite, but when they moved away, he decided to stay. Judging by his size and weight, he must have lots of people feeding him.
Domino lives a few doors away, but spends a lot of time snoozing on our patio. We think he likes the peace and quiet (he's sixteen, and his owners have five more cats and kittens).
Tibs was born on a farm, and is very much an outdoor cat. His owners used to live in the house opposite, but when they moved away, he decided to stay. Judging by his size and weight, he must have lots of people feeding him.
shirt said:
He came with the name tzar but i’m not keeping it. Waiting until he stops being a 
at 4am to see what he’s like before he gets a new one.
Going to take him to the vet, i have never known a cat meow as much as this.
Is that not one of their characteristics? My Bengal LOVES to talk and loudly! Most intelligent conversation I have most days. at 4am to see what he’s like before he gets a new one. Going to take him to the vet, i have never known a cat meow as much as this.
Is he neutered? Maybe just loving his new home and the attention. Fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious other than what you already know.
I sympathise with you, but some cats are just noisy.
My old boy (RIP), used to howl repeatedly as loudly as he could... when he came in (to announce his arrival), when he wanted food, when he wanted fuss, when he he woke up, in the middle of the night... he drew some of his howls out for several seconds... sounded like he was in excruciating pain half the time.
My 'favorite' was when he'd stand on my chest, at 3am in the morning, and howl in my face until I woke up and gave him some fuss.
Got worse as he got older... he went blind later in life, and I'm sure he used to use his howl as some sort of sonar
My old boy (RIP), used to howl repeatedly as loudly as he could... when he came in (to announce his arrival), when he wanted food, when he wanted fuss, when he he woke up, in the middle of the night... he drew some of his howls out for several seconds... sounded like he was in excruciating pain half the time.
My 'favorite' was when he'd stand on my chest, at 3am in the morning, and howl in my face until I woke up and gave him some fuss.
Got worse as he got older... he went blind later in life, and I'm sure he used to use his howl as some sort of sonar
Chris Stott said:
I sympathise with you, but some cats are just noisy.
My old boy (RIP), used to howl repeatedly as loudly as he could... when he came in (to announce his arrival), when he wanted food, when he wanted fuss, when he he woke up, in the middle of the night... he drew some of his howls out for several seconds... sounded like he was in excruciating pain half the time.
My 'favorite' was when he'd stand on my chest, at 3am in the morning, and howl in my face until I woke up and gave him some fuss.
Got worse as he got older... he went blind later in life, and I'm sure he used to use his howl as some sort of sonar
^^^ They all do that sir My old boy (RIP), used to howl repeatedly as loudly as he could... when he came in (to announce his arrival), when he wanted food, when he wanted fuss, when he he woke up, in the middle of the night... he drew some of his howls out for several seconds... sounded like he was in excruciating pain half the time.
My 'favorite' was when he'd stand on my chest, at 3am in the morning, and howl in my face until I woke up and gave him some fuss.
Got worse as he got older... he went blind later in life, and I'm sure he used to use his howl as some sort of sonar
That would be bearable. He will talk to me when i get home, or when he wants something (attention, food, for me to open the cellar door) which is fine that’s just him giving me orders. When he meows for attention i can call him to me wherever i am in the house and he will come.
But outside that he will sit and cry for 5-10mins at a time, wont come when called and if i go to him he ignores me. This will repeat often between 3am and whenever i get up. Other than the bathroom.my house is open plan with a mezzanine bedroom overlooking the living area, so i can’t escape. I will be honest and say that it frustrates the hell out of me, its far from cute. He can scream death metal as far as i’m concerned as long as its not whilst i am sleeping!
The lead was an idea to tire him out before bed. I feed him late so he will sleep as well. Nothing works and i am told he was not like this previously despite being an admittedly vocal cat. He was found in the street and lived with 4 other cats when beig fostered.
His foster mum is coming to collect her cat carrier tonight so will play her the recordings and trade notes.
But outside that he will sit and cry for 5-10mins at a time, wont come when called and if i go to him he ignores me. This will repeat often between 3am and whenever i get up. Other than the bathroom.my house is open plan with a mezzanine bedroom overlooking the living area, so i can’t escape. I will be honest and say that it frustrates the hell out of me, its far from cute. He can scream death metal as far as i’m concerned as long as its not whilst i am sleeping!
The lead was an idea to tire him out before bed. I feed him late so he will sleep as well. Nothing works and i am told he was not like this previously despite being an admittedly vocal cat. He was found in the street and lived with 4 other cats when beig fostered.
His foster mum is coming to collect her cat carrier tonight so will play her the recordings and trade notes.
Hey Shirt,
Cute Kitteh, I have 2 Arabian Mau's who are really rather vocal as well.
First came Captain aka Big Dude, he has 1 eye and is FIV+, he was a nightmare in the first few months, attacking me, trying to play all the time, shouting, separation issues, he all but destroyed my place and once even put me in A&E on Halloween, he didn't mean to attack but he was wound up from all the stupid children screaming in the hallway and I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Fast forward a few months and along came Pinot aka Kitteh, who is also FIV+ and deaf (white cat with different coloured eyes) so no problems with them play-fighting as they are both FIV+, took them a few weeks of settling in/hissing/shouting but now they are inseparable.
Captain is no longer clingy or as vocal and will play with Kitteh till they both fall asleep exhausted.
I suspect that your dude is bored, especially if he came from a place with fellow cats to play and socialise with.
I would seriously consider getting another, it will take the pressure off you both and provide company for when you are not there.
Claire
Cute Kitteh, I have 2 Arabian Mau's who are really rather vocal as well.
First came Captain aka Big Dude, he has 1 eye and is FIV+, he was a nightmare in the first few months, attacking me, trying to play all the time, shouting, separation issues, he all but destroyed my place and once even put me in A&E on Halloween, he didn't mean to attack but he was wound up from all the stupid children screaming in the hallway and I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Fast forward a few months and along came Pinot aka Kitteh, who is also FIV+ and deaf (white cat with different coloured eyes) so no problems with them play-fighting as they are both FIV+, took them a few weeks of settling in/hissing/shouting but now they are inseparable.
Captain is no longer clingy or as vocal and will play with Kitteh till they both fall asleep exhausted.
I suspect that your dude is bored, especially if he came from a place with fellow cats to play and socialise with.
I would seriously consider getting another, it will take the pressure off you both and provide company for when you are not there.
Claire
Hey claire, long time...
Last 3 posters : dubai cat club!
The lady who fostered him has just left. She said he’s always been vocal but not to the extent i describe. I have audio and video clips which she is sending to an animal behaviourist. She thinks maybe because he is still young (thinks around a year or so) he just hasn’t lived anywhere long enough to properly settle. She did say he seemed very comfortable around me, that he is an odd but cool cat and i seem like the right kind of human for him (cheers luv!).
We did talk about the option of another cat to keep him company. Apparently male cats change for the better with a young kitten. However I’m going to give him a bit longer to settle in. She reckons once he properly bonds with me and i keep the lead training up i’ll be able to go camping with him etc. and a mix of being settled in the home and active with me should stop the night time antics. I also think knowing my (admittedly chaotic) routine will help him settle.
One thing to note, its ridiculous how many stray pure breeds there are here. She says 90%+ of the cats they rehome are pure bred fancy cats (chartreux, siamese, scottish fold, angora etc.). I can only summise most of them are unwanted gifts
Last 3 posters : dubai cat club!
The lady who fostered him has just left. She said he’s always been vocal but not to the extent i describe. I have audio and video clips which she is sending to an animal behaviourist. She thinks maybe because he is still young (thinks around a year or so) he just hasn’t lived anywhere long enough to properly settle. She did say he seemed very comfortable around me, that he is an odd but cool cat and i seem like the right kind of human for him (cheers luv!).
We did talk about the option of another cat to keep him company. Apparently male cats change for the better with a young kitten. However I’m going to give him a bit longer to settle in. She reckons once he properly bonds with me and i keep the lead training up i’ll be able to go camping with him etc. and a mix of being settled in the home and active with me should stop the night time antics. I also think knowing my (admittedly chaotic) routine will help him settle.
One thing to note, its ridiculous how many stray pure breeds there are here. She says 90%+ of the cats they rehome are pure bred fancy cats (chartreux, siamese, scottish fold, angora etc.). I can only summise most of them are unwanted gifts
shirt said:
Hey claire, long time...
Last 3 posters : dubai cat club!
The lady who fostered him has just left. She said he’s always been vocal but not to the extent i describe. I have audio and video clips which she is sending to an animal behaviourist. She thinks maybe because he is still young (thinks around a year or so) he just hasn’t lived anywhere long enough to properly settle. She did say he seemed very comfortable around me, that he is an odd but cool cat and i seem like the right kind of human for him (cheers luv!).
We did talk about the option of another cat to keep him company. Apparently male cats change for the better with a young kitten. However I’m going to give him a bit longer to settle in. She reckons once he properly bonds with me and i keep the lead training up i’ll be able to go camping with him etc. and a mix of being settled in the home and active with me should stop the night time antics. I also think knowing my (admittedly chaotic) routine will help him settle.
One thing to note, its ridiculous how many stray pure breeds there are here. She says 90%+ of the cats they rehome are pure bred fancy cats (chartreux, siamese, scottish fold, angora etc.). I can only summise most of them are unwanted gifts
Arabian Mau/Dubai street cat here. Scooped up out of the gutter when she was only a couple of weeks old and now a pampered princess almost 10 years later (no way we’d buy a pure breed whilst there are so many others in need of a home). As Claire comments Arabian Maus are quite noisy however ours truly discovered her voice when we moved house when she was still fairly young. The blood curdelling scream she created when she was initially let out of the cat carrier really shocked us ... and the cat quickly discovered that the more noise she made the more attention she got, it became a vicious circle and she’s now more vocal than ever. Changes in routine/circumstance definitely result in more “talking”.Last 3 posters : dubai cat club!
The lady who fostered him has just left. She said he’s always been vocal but not to the extent i describe. I have audio and video clips which she is sending to an animal behaviourist. She thinks maybe because he is still young (thinks around a year or so) he just hasn’t lived anywhere long enough to properly settle. She did say he seemed very comfortable around me, that he is an odd but cool cat and i seem like the right kind of human for him (cheers luv!).
We did talk about the option of another cat to keep him company. Apparently male cats change for the better with a young kitten. However I’m going to give him a bit longer to settle in. She reckons once he properly bonds with me and i keep the lead training up i’ll be able to go camping with him etc. and a mix of being settled in the home and active with me should stop the night time antics. I also think knowing my (admittedly chaotic) routine will help him settle.
One thing to note, its ridiculous how many stray pure breeds there are here. She says 90%+ of the cats they rehome are pure bred fancy cats (chartreux, siamese, scottish fold, angora etc.). I can only summise most of them are unwanted gifts
You have my sympathy for the 3am wake up call, we went through the same for months and maybe even years. We keep her out of the bedroom at night (we have to lock the door as she very quickly learned she could open it by jumping up and hanging off the handle) but she would sit outside the door howling and howling. We’d ignore this so she’d progress to jumping onto the door handle and it became so frantic that we’d worry she would hurt herself and hence we’d open the door ... that viscous circle again. I’d like to say she has grown out of it (and hope yours will) but we had a 2am wake up call just this morning (we get maybe one per month now, more if we have changed routine for some reason).
I’d be interested to hear how your camping plans develop ... there is absolutely no way I’d want to spend a night in a tent with our monster and I’d also worry about taking her into the desert due to the risk of her getting spooked, running off to hide somewhere and getting lost ... good luck.
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