It’s been so long since Vince and I were gone at the same time. I guess the last time is when we went to Addie’s kindergarten program in May, 2019 and then, my friend came over and played with Boots and fed both cats. Boots sees her often and loves her . . sometimes I think he gets more excited about seeing her than he does me.
When we were gone this time, we hired a pet sitter to come out every three days and play with him, feed Boots and Cat (though she never saw Cat but she said someone was eating the food). We’ve used this pet sitter before but I doubt Boots remembered her. In fact, she worked at the vet’s office where we first took Speck when we moved here and I got to know her there.
With Addie having been here and she spent so much time with Boots, I think he was ready for her to be gone, now another stranger comes in for 2-1/2 weeks and we’re nowhere around, he probably thought we’d abandoned him.
The last day she came out, she texted me and said she thought Boots was missing me. When we got back, I sat with him for the longest time and he just couldn’t get close enough. He was so sweet and he isn’t always so sweet. Vince said Boots was even loving on him today when he was in the sewing room with him.
I’m really excited about having Boots in the house in Missouri. I’m also a little nervous about it, mainly because I do not want him on the kitchen counters and I’m just not sure how that’s going to go.
For you cat folks . . can I keep a litter box in the basement, which is where we’ll mostly hang out? If we’re on the main level and he’s up visiting with us, will he go back down for using the litter box? Tell me I don’t have to keep two litter boxes.
Also, someone had mentioned some fancy kind of litter box that kinda cleans itself. That was a while back and I looked at it and I remember thinking if I was a cat, it might look scary to me but . . I’m not a cat. We’ve been using just a tub . . a Rubbermaid type low tub. Boots seems to make a huge mess with litter going everywhere but maybe that’s just what cats do. With him in the house, I’d like to keep it kinda tidy and not have my house smell like a cat. So, I’d love recommendations for a good, clean, non-stinky litter box and I guess, a good effective litter. I use one in a yellow container (how’s that for not having a clue!) and I’m happy with it as far as clumping and odor control but there could be something better.
Also, since cats are a bit nocturnal (right?), is he going to wander into our bedroom at night if we leave the door open? Is he going to get upset if we close the door and keep him out of the bedroom? I wouldn’t care if he slept at the foot of our bed if he’s still and doesn’t get up and down all night.
I may be wrong but I think he’s going to prefer being in the sewing room because the windows in there have those deep windowsills that he’s used to. He likes his privacy and gets a bit frustrated when we spend too much time in the sewing room. I have a feeling he’ll visit with us, get some loving and petting but he’s never going to be one of those 24/7 lap cats.
Carolyn Sullivan says
I know aluminum foil placed on the counter top will keep a cat off of the counter. But I don’t have cats…. can’t help u w the rest
Dottie Newkirk says
We had cats for about 50 years and the one thing I can say is they’re definitely not all the same, LOL. They did get used to the cat box in new location(s) from house to house so that wasn’t a problem for us.
Most of the cats slept on our bed with us, but, they also slept on sofas, dog beds, floors, boxes, etc. We didn’t have problems with them getting on the table or counters because they were either squirted with water bottles or we clapped our hands and they learned that was not a place for them to be.
When clumping cat litters came out, that was what we used – didn’t use the fragrance ones because the one time we used it the cats wanted to avoid it.
One thing about cats, they’re pretty unique and they’re definitely not all the same.
vivoaks says
I’ve seen the litter box you mentioned on TV, but I couldn’t tell you the name of it. If I had a cat I’d probably remember it, but I don’t. Yes, you can have just one litter box in the house. Just make sure Boots knows where it is before he needs it the first time and all should be well. We never had a problem with our cats getting up on the counter in the kitchen when I was growing up. They learned very quickly where they were and were not allowed to be. (except our most recent cats who we got as 8-week-olds. They’d jump on the wood stove all summer, but when we started using the wood stove to heat the house, it only took them twice to remember!!)
Cathy W. says
I agree with Dottie who said every cat is different. You won’t know the answers to your questions until Boots is in the house. The good news is, I’ve had quite a few cats and only had one who ever got on the counters. Discipline him like he was your child and he will most likely obey you – eventually. Litter boxes have always been easy. Show them where it is and they will use it. I’ve trained kittens and they’ve all trained fairly easy. Most of my cats like peace and quite. I think they would be afraid of a litter box that cleans itself.
Cindi says
We modified a large clear 64 quart tote into a litter box. Cut a 7″ hole in one side and the end. The bottom edge of the hole is about 6″ off the floor. Leave the lid on. The clear sides make it light inside and the hole is far enough up that the cats don’t kick the litter out. Gets scooped daily. We have a 2 story house with basement. We have a litter box on the main floor and one in the basement. Our 2 cats use both of them, so I think Boots should be okay with one in the basement. You might want to confine him to the basement and slowly introduce the rest of the house while he learns his way around. Our cats sleep in the basement with the door closed. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure they would be sleeping on our heads in the bed. When they were kittens, we used the spray bottle if they got on kitchen table. They learn what is allowed and what isn’t. Good luck!
Donna says
Judy buy a covered litter box and less litter will get kicked out of the box. They cost less than 20.00. I have only had one litter box on a two and three level house so you should be fine with one box. I have had cats all my life and have taught them not to get on the counters. Use a spray bottle or clap your hands loudly like someone above suggested. All cats are different though. My cat sleeps with us part of the night so I always leave the door open. If I close the door she will cry and want in! Good luck!
Claudia Duke says
My daughter has one of the self cleaning (motorized) litter boxes. In fact, she has had two since one broke. She had two cats at the time. I have had to clean it and refill it several times because she travels for work and I help out with the cat. My personal opinion is, I would not get one for one cat. It is very bulky and hard to move if you need to if it needs to have the top part clean really well. There is a tray at the bottom to pull out and dump which is easy enough, but sometimes the upper part still needs attention. The cats had no problem with it and it does work well to empty itself into the tray when the cat gets out. I just feel like it’s one of those really expensive things that doesn’t really make life easier or more convenient. Just my two cents. Have no idea what cat litter she uses. Hope this helps. By the way, she likes it.
Liz says
A quick check on the net shows that cats dislike some essential oils such as peppermint, citrus, lavender. You can see it a spray with essential oils will stop Boots on certain areas. And since some oils are antibacterial, spraying on your countertops will also help!
Peppermint oil is supposed to repel spiders, so it can do double duty. Check the web for “recipes”.
Cheryl M. says
Be careful with certain oils. Some the cats don’t like the smell and some oils can cause harm to them.
Andrea in MO says
Have the litter box already set up, and release Boots near it. Once he knows where it is he’ll be able to find his way back. Some cats don’t like enclosed boxes because odors are stronger inside, but others don’t seem to mind. We never had a problem with cats on the counter; we could leave food out with no problem. We kept a squirt bottle nearby, and it got to the point that when they heard the first two pumps (always just air in the one we were using) they knew what was coming next and would stop whatever it was we wanted to correct. A mother cat will correct with a gentle tap on top of the nose, so doing that also helps get the point across. Boots may or may not sleep with you. I think that will depend on how he gets along with Rita. Good luck!
Diann says
Two litter boxes
Bett says
I have a 2 pieced domed litter box. It has a ramp to go in with the litter around the corner. I have tried other ones, but this is my favorite. Little to no mess outside. The litter box is in the utility room in the basement. If the cats need it during the night, they have no problems going from the second floor bedroom to the basement.
I use Arm & Hammer Slide litter and even though it is more costly, I will not switch. You would never know I have 2 cats. If you decide to change litter, start out mixing the 2 litters so he gets used to the smell of the new litter. I have the litter auto shipped from Chewy. With 2 cats a 38 lb box lasts 6 weeks. Oh and with Slide you don’t have to use liners.
wanda jordan says
No problem with George our cat getting on counter. Got up on top cabinets one time and i hollared at him he got down and never did again.Litter they make a new kind ships in a box you open it up use fro a month it say and they throw away whole thing. It is like 20 bucks. You pick put kind of litter you want. They have 3 different kinds. I think one downstairs is the best idea cause that is where you all will be most of the time . Why not take him there this time when you got back. Just give him some bendryal before you leave so he will sleep.
Judy Laquidara says
No way would I take him. He is not a good car rider. There’s no need to do it before we have to. It’s a 10 hour drive and that’s more stress for both of us than we need right now.
Anne Greene says
I have 2 cats and 3 boxes. I’ve always been told one more box than cats. I use whatever little that I find on sale, the Costco littler is great! My cat’s don’t mind scented litter at all. We clean the litter boxes every other day and that works fine. I have one of those mats under my boxes and never have trouble with litter on the carpet or around the box. We shake that mat out once a week. 🙂 Sounds like Boots won’t have a problem. Just show him where the boxes are and he’ll be able to find them when he needs them. 🙂
Pat in Nebraska says
We’ve always managed with one litter box per cat. The box we like best has the lid on top with the hole into the box in the lid. This prevents litter from being flung out while scratching. There’s also a sort of layered mesh and foam pad we put in front of the box that helps snag litter from paws when the cat gets down.
To discipline a cat use it’s own language. When it’s doing something you don’t want it to do, hsst at it and move it away from counters or the like. Firmer discipline if needed, a spray bottle. Hsst and spritz when they’re kinda out of reach or determined to do wrong. Of course, consistency is paramount.
One set of cats we had awhile back were sent to the basement for the night and let to run the house during the day. They’d head downstairs when told at bedtime and it prevented them from demanding breakfast before we were ready to get up..
Shari says
Like others have said, all cats are different. I have two torties and they are both very sweet. I only have one litter box in a two story house and I’ve never had any issues with them not finding it. Squirt bottles work great to keep a cat off the counter, but it takes consistency. I’m still not sure what they do when I’m not around, so I find myself giving the counters a quick wipe down before cooking. If you can close him up in his own room at night, I’m guessing you will sleep better. Good luck!
Nelle Coursey says
Just show Boots where the box is and he will go there. Get one of the boxes with a top to it and a charcoal filter in it. There are also those that have a “rake” inside that filter the litter between uses. Do not put it near his food because animals are like people and they don’t want to poop where they eat
Rosalie says
I’ve had indoor cats for 50+ years. None of them got on the kitchen counters- I’m sure I taught them not to if they tried but don’t recall any problems with that. I recommend that you take Boots’ litter box with you and put fresh litter in the old box and set it up before you let him out of the carrier (which should be nearby!) Walmart sells a litter mat to put under the litter box which helps control the mess.
I have never given a cat Benadryl and would check with the vet about that.
When I was young I travelled with my cat and had his litter box on the floor of the backseat and took him out for walks on a leash.
It will be an adjustment for everyone but if he’s not used to sleeping with you he probably won’t start that in Missouri.
Judy H says
My cat knows she’s not allowed on the counters or the table. She is good about it. You do have to train them, though. I don’t let her sleep with us, and sometimes she tries to sneak into the bedroom. I used to let my cats sleep with us, but when we moved into a new house we decided to keep them out. She is used to it now.
Judy Laquidara says
I don’t want to be sleeping with any animal and from what I remember about cats, they go to bed but get up and wander. I don’t want the interruption nor do I want cat hair in my bed.