I’m in the process of having some remodelling projects done on my house.Although we’re looking forward to the new look, remodelling can be stressful for us and our cats. A stressed cat can be a cat with behavior problems, but with some advance planning, you can keep your cat safe and pretty stress free. Check out these tips from the September 2021 issue of Catnip Magazine:
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Create A Safe Room for your Cat
Put your cat in a “safe room” as far away from the work zone as possible. Be sure the room has all the essentials: food, water, litterbox, toys, bedding and relaxing music to ease your cat’s anxiety and mask the construction noise as much as possible. Put a sign on the door instructing those in the house that a cat is in the room and to keep the door closed.
Check Construction Area At End of Each Workday
Each evening after workers have finished for the day, check the construction area for any hazardous materials your cat may get into, or escape routes like holes in the wall or open windows.
Pick up any small objects like nails, staples or tacks that your cat might swallow.
Put Up Plastic Sheeting or BlanketsTo Limit Debris
Putting up plastic sheeting or blankets can limit the amount of debris that may circulate throughout the rest of the house. The sheeting and/or blankets can also limit your cat’s access to the work area. Cats are naturally curious and want to go what’s going on “behind the curtain.” My cat Marty was very interested in the painting area we recently had completed.
Check for Poisonous Substances
Paint or paint thinner may be intriguing to your cat and he may get it on his fur. Cats groom frequently and if these substances are on his fur, he will ingest the substance and possibly become very ill.
Spend as much time petting or playing with your cat. This will help ease stress for both of you and strengthen your bond.
Conclusion
Even though you take as many precautions as possible, remodeling projects are one of the 10 most common reasons cats begin marking around the house. Cats are very territorial, and the presence of strangers in their domain may lead to urine marking so the cat can show the house is his.
If your cat does being urine marking during or after a remodeling project is completed, it’s important to take steps right away to solve the problem. Start by purchasing a black light online or from a hardware store. Turn off lights and shine the black light in all areas of your house to find spots your cat is urine marking. Once you find those spots, apply an odor remover so your cat won’t keep marking in that same spot.
For cats that are stubborn and continue marking after taking these steps, using an anti-anxiety medication may be necessary to ease your cat’s stress.
Written by Karen
