Several weeks ago, after I got the Felv diagnosis, I had to stop letting MeMe go out. She was miserable and I was sure that the stress of screaming at the
door handle was going to do the both of us in.

I asked the list for help with enclosures and got a lot of great suggestions and photographs. Nina sent me a link for "cat jackets" and I thought that while I figured out what type of enclosure would be best, I'd try the jacket. Bingo !!!! It has been just fabulous. Now, rather than scream at the door handle, she screams at the jacket
which is hanging on a hook next to dog leashes.

Long story short, I put the jacket on and attach a retractable dog leash with a 10' line and large plastic handle. I lock the line open and put the handle in the middle of the yard. The yard is partially enclosed with a stockade fence which she had been able to crawl under or climb over. Now she has realized that crawling under or climbing over is a drag with the handle getting caught. She has tried many escape routes, but she has finally realized that it is impossible and that being confined to the yard is still better than being indoors all day. She now spends hours sitting near the bird feeder, or under a shrub. She comes to the back door to come inside to use the
litter box, and then goes back out.

If anyone is interested in it I have photos that I'd be happy to send. I had misplaced the link, but Googled "cat jackets" and there is only one company that makes them. My only complaint is the color choices. I ordered red and MeMe is humiliated by it and is sure the birds are laughing at her.
As everyone knows, Nina is brilliant!

Jane


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