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