EVERYTHING CATS!!

[Former-Member]

OK all you cat lovers. I am allergic to cats (hay fever, asthma...) and live in a tiny 2BR unit, BUT, this year I've agreed to let my son bring his beloved ginger boy with him for Christmas 😳 UGG! What am I gonna do!?
Some cats are downright mischievous, or desperate, I'm reeeely worried about my lovely lace curtains and landlords venetian blinds.
I knew he might demolish the Christmas tree, but these images on the net with shredded curtains and cats trying to climb blinds... 🤪 yikes! what have I done?
ANY TIPS?❓
@Adge, @Rebel , @Former-Member , @Bow , @Former-Member , @Anastasia , @Emelia8  @Rebel
, @Faith-and-Hope , @Zoe7 , @Shaz51 ... any other cat person 🐱🐈🦁🐈

[Emelia8]

Ohhh @Former-Member ... that is a big undertaking!  Does your son's ginger boy get along okay with your Georgia dog?

Like you EOR, I'm allergic to cats ... not major, but significant.  I sneeze and get very itchy eyes.  Used to be much worse, but grew out of the worst of my allergy when I was a kid.  Unfortunately I am not able to offer any tips.  I do like cats, but havent really had a lot to do with them due to my lifelong allergy to them.  Therefore I have no tips to help. 

Perhaps you could restrict him to one room where he cannot do so much damage?  How long will he be staying?

Emelia 💞

[Faith-and-Hope]

@Former-Member my cat had not touched our Christmas tree, nor blinds or curtains at all.  The only thing she does do is sharpen her claws on the carpet, but it's the sort of carpet where that doesn't leave any damage either.

Maybe ask your son about any furniture or furnishings you might need to protect ?  You might be able to tie up lace curtains if you're worried, and raise the Venetian blinds ?  Your son might respond as I have and tell you that his cat doesn't damage furniture or furnishings.

[Former-Member]

Thanks @Emelia8 - doubt it will be long, but more than 48hrs as that's the limit before my boy has had to go home for the cat.
When I spent the 15monts in my parents house, there was a cat there, mostly a neighbourhood (outside) cat that took to mum. Once mum died I stopped him coming inside. He liked my pillow (replaced 3 times) so it had to be. He survived. Thing is,bit was only if I touched him or something he'd been on without forgot to wash my hands. I'm thinking I'll do the following:
- pull up all the Venetians
- put easy to maneuver curtains in loungeroom window so he can pitch there and look out.
- confine him to living areas (lino), and keep BR doors shut.
- clear shelves
- cover couch
You think that'll do it?

[Emelia8]

Sounds like some sensible precautions @Former-Member 👍

Although perhaps, as @Faith-and-Hope suggested ... your sons cat is well behaved and doesnt do any damage.  Hope thats the case.  I would keep your bedroom door closed though, just to keep the cat fur out of there.  Especially as he may take a particular liking to you.  I think cats know when you're allergic to them, I really do.  Cats seem to love me, and are usually all over me. 😱 I have a stray black tomcat who visits here most days, I call him Quinn. Nobody seems to know where he belongs and nobody has claimed him.  Lovely big fellow, and he likes to rub himself all over me.  Never inside though, only outside on the deck where he likes to bask in the sun.  I try not to breath in any fur.

Really pleased to hear that your son will be spending a day or two with you over Christmas.  Thats worth any concern over the cat doing any damage.

Emelia 🌺

[Former-Member]

Thanks @Faith-and-Hope S1 has told me the car gets board, and nervous, and pushes everything off benches, knocked down his fishy lava light... on the other hand, he's 3yrsbold now (acrescued ferrell from friends farm), and desexed, abd settling down a bit S1 says, and he'll have company her.
S1 is stressed out about his dad's surgery so i guess I know what to do. Good suggestion re carpet, I'll make sure I leave the mats 🐈😊💕

[Adge]

Hi @Former-Member Since the Cat will be new to your place (not familiar).

I don't think that it will start climbing your Curtains - They usually do that when it's their own place, & they are "exploring the territory".

Mostly as kittens - Adult Cats seem more settled, & less inclined to climb curtains.

You may be able to confine it to one room - Although my Jelly Cat would not put up with that.

She would start scratching the....out of the door - She shredded the ply wood off the Toilet Door, when she was younger.

Confining the Cat to one room - Would be more to limit/ reduce your allergic reactions to it.

Because the less it wanders around (& spreads fur etc) - the less your allergy may be triggered.

A Bitter-Tasting Deterrent spay (from Pet stores) can be sprayed on things, if it looks like the Cat may scratch or damage them.

The spray should not damage furniture etc.

When Cats get that bitter stuff on their paws, after trying to scratch something (they lick their paws) - They go "Yuk, this tastes awful" & hopefully won't do it again.

Adge

[Zoe7]

Older cats don't tend to wreck things like kittens @Former-Member The cat will most likely want to hide more than jump all over things as he is in an environment he doesn't know. That depends on the closeness to your S1 though too. Putting away things that are valuable or he can't knock off would be a good idea though just in case he gets adventureous. 

[Former-Member]

@Emelia - your black tommy Quinn sounds awesome. Mum had a stray too, works well outside if we don't touch them. I get what you mean though with them rubbing up against us... Said have to go wash it off with soap pretty quick. Yes, it is good he plans to stay longer.
@Adge, forgot you had Jelly cat. I won't lock him alone, he'll be able to go living areas inc bathroom & laundry that come off Lounge / dinning & kitchen open plan.
Hope you're right about unfamiliarity & curtains 🤔
@Zoe7 think you're right that Ginger will hide for a while. He did last Christmas, when we spent a week with friends,. Funny with my girl, when they walk past each other they do it with a really wide berth 🤣 kinda funny the dog being scared of the cat 💕

[Zoe7]

Tobes and Cat often do the same @Former-Member Cat lets him know who is boss when he gets too close and he quickly backs off. He does then follow her until she is in her room - which is super cute - but Cat certainly rules the house. I can imagine your little girl giving ginger cat a wide berth - they are funny little critters