Need some ideas

ondine

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So Schofield has been in his enclosure for about a week.  He never tries to run out, even if I leave the inner door open.

He received a clean bill of health from the vet, other than round worms.  He got Revolution and medication for the worms and his Distemper booster.  He slept for most of the first few days, only coming out to greet me when I brought his dinner.

He is obviously annoyed at something now and has swatted at me a few times when I've tried petting him.  He's always loves being petted but on his terms but has never actively smacked me until now.  His tail twitches all the time.

I've put all sorts of toys in there for him and have observed him playing with them.  Bells, balls, catnip mice, etc. I can't put the shelves up for a few more weeks, although I plan a trip to find a picnic table or some other sort or "high" place, just so he'll have an observation point.

I spend about an hour with him total during the day, just visiting, feeding, scooping, etc.  I know it isn't much but it's all I have right now.

If I had any idea about his "other" life, I would have more info.  I don't know if he visited human or feline friends, although I do not think anyone else was actively feeding him.  He's too thin.

So my question is - can anyone think of ideas for stimulation for him?  Maybe I just worry too much but I don't want him to be unhappy.

Thanks everyone!

ps  Cardboard boards are out as there's no place to keep them out of the rain.
 

shadowsrescue

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How about a scratching post.  You could get some astroturf like carpet that is made for outdoor use.  If there is enough room for him to move around easily, my ferals enjoy chasing a laser light.  It doesn't work during bright sun, but fine in the early morning or dusk.  One of my ferals loves to climb.  He had a favorite tree that was just perfect for him.  He was up in it several times a day.  Unfortunately the tree got an awful disease and died very quickly.  We had to have it taken down.  I was so sad for Shadow.  All of the other trees around us don't have sturdy lower branches for him to hang out on.  I think the shelves will also really help once you get them up.  It will give him a place to perch and view his surroundings.  My guys also like any long feather toy or Da Bird. 
 
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ondine

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Good idea about the astroturf!  I planned to stagger the shelves along the outside walls of the enclosure, sort of like a ladder.  I found a pre-built tree made of cedar that I may get instead.  I really want the shelves to last and don't really want to use treated wood.

I played with him this evening with a wand toy.  He went crazy; loved it.  We played for about ten minutes, then I sat down and he let me pet him.  He's still a rough and tumble boy but I think he's beginning to understand he can't swat me.  When I left, he was stretched out on the ground, just chilling.

I also left him a round-d-round that he's figuring out.  He's only about a year old, so he's got a lot of energy.

Thanks for the suggestions.  Tomorrow, I am going to go look for a laser pointer I can leave outside to use just with him.
 

catsallaround

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Let him always want more when you leave.  He may be getting overstimulated by you some times. It is a huge change from freely roaming the city to this.  I know you say to wild to come in but is having this enclosure attached to a window an opton so he can get used to your house?
 
 
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ondine

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Thanks everyone!  I was a little hesitant to use treated wood for the shelving, so I went looking to see if I could find a suitable tree.  I found this

http://www.ticknthistle.com/cat_furniture/outdoor-cat-tower.htm

and am thinking about getting one.  I can attach it to the joists on the "roof" of the enclosure, so it doesn't fall or blow over.

I put one of those round-d-round toys out there and he loves it, plus I found some treat balls that he's been playing with, too.  Today he's been grumpy, though, as it rained last night and the ground is wet.  He won't ome out to play!

I still have some work to do on the enclosure but he's safe, not hungry and I think happy.
 
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ondine

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I ordered the tree and cannot wait to get it. We also put a small brick patio down for the tree to stand on and to give Schofield a cool spot. He lays flat on his belly on it. I swear I feel guilty because he's out there alone. I am treating him like a spoiled only child! :)

I also planted some mint out there and put a brick border around the edges. Partly for decoration and partly to make sure the wire fencing stays put. I will post a picture when the tree is in place.
 

tick-n-thistle

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Schofield is a lucky kitty!


Can't wait to see the photo - may we post it on Tick-n-Thistle?
 
 
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