Part cat, part parenting problem...
By foxyfire33
@foxyfire33 (10005)
United States
March 8, 2007 3:17am CST
My sort of step son (lives with the grandparents) has two cats. One is mean but the other is a really sweet fluffy white cat. The problem is they had to make him keep them outside because he was refusing to clean up after them. Now they both have fleas despite wearing collars. He keeps letting them in the house and then we all get bit up while we're there visiting. Is there any way to keep the fleas off even when they're outside? Because of opposite work schedules, someone is always home so a flea bomb in the house isn't an option. Any suggestions on how to get him to clean up after the cats so they can be inside and any on how to get rid of the fleas besides collars would be appreciated. Thanks!
1 person likes this
6 responses
@SplitZip (1488)
• Portugal
8 Mar 07
Advantage for cats:
http://www.nofleas.com/
Ask your vet first. But it's generally very safe.
Do the cats know how to use the litter box? Two litter boxes might be better than one, some cats don't like to share their box and it can get very messy with more than one cat with just one box. As for cleaning it up, just scoop at least twice a day. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to clean it up, I'm sure your step son can do it. If not, tell him he can't keep the cats and that you'll find new homes for them.
1 person likes this
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
9 Mar 07
They were using the litter box fairly consistently at first. The problem was he hated to clean it out and cats don't like going in them when they get too messy. Then he was supposed to keep the box in his room but after a week without cleaning it, it would smell and instead of cleaning it, he would put it out in the kitchen thinking his grandmother would take care of it. After he did this a few times, she took care of it b putting the box and the cats outside. If I remember right they're both female (which will cause one more problem this summer I'm sure if they're still outside) so I don't think they're very territorial.
1 person likes this
@SplitZip (1488)
• Portugal
10 Mar 07
Are the cats spayed? If they're free to roam, you might end up with unwanted kittens :(
How old is your step son? If he wants to keep the cats, he should at least help out? Maybe you can work something out by sharing the task of scooping the litter. But it is a good idea to have 1 litter box per cat, some people actually get more than one box for just one cat (some cats don't like to urinate on the same box they defecate). I wouldn't like to share my litter box either! (LOL)
1 person likes this
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
10 Mar 07
No that aren't spayed so that will be another problem to deal with soon :(
He's 16. Sharing the responsibility (besides being unnecessary because of his age and the fact they are HIS) wasn't possible while he kept the box in his room. Typical teenager "stay out" syndrome. There's no other suitable place in the house either. The only options would be: in the bathroom-the door must be kept closed to keep little brother out, living room-besides being very small, who wants that kind of thing sitting out in the common room like that, or kitchen-again small, only available wall space is under the table, not a nice spot for a litter box.
@retardedrugrat (4791)
• Canada
8 Mar 07
You need to make your son understand that if he refuses to clean up after the cats, then they must stay outside.
Also, while they're outside, there isn't really all that much you can do to keep the fleas off them. The only thing that would work at this stage I believe, is the intervention of the vet.
It's not fair that the cats should have to suffer, along with everyone else, just because your son won't clean up after them.
1 person likes this
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
9 Mar 07
I know, it isn't fair or right at all and even though I don't live there I'm tired of it. He had one cat before these to but did the same thing. She got hit in the road. He was told no more cats because he wouldn't be responsible. He snuck the first one home claiming he "found" it and the second was "found" a few weeks later. He was good for a couple weeks but then just got sick of it I guess. I'm tempted to take them both to a new home but honestly don't want them in my vehicle with my baby right now either.
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
8 Mar 07
Collars are not that effective. You need to get a rx from the vet, and it is drop that is put on the back of the neck of the cats. Do not use Hartz or other brands, they are very poisoness for the cats. Flees cause tape worms. So, see the vet and get it under control. If you could keep them in the house all the time, it would be better all the way around for you, and the cats.
1 person likes this
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
9 Mar 07
The one cat, I could honestly do without. If it was my house, that one would have to go. She's very mean and scatches and tears into things. I know cats will be cats but with little ones around you have to be careful. The other one was always incredibly sweet and cuddly. If I was allowed to have pets here she would have already come home with me.
@cheetah311 (343)
• United States
8 Mar 07
I agree with the other poster about the flea medication from the vet. You should ask the vet about problems with touching the cat. I would think it would absorb into the skin and it shouldn't be a problem but ask the vet.
As for the fleas in the house, my girlfriend had a problem with fleas in her house from her dog. She had the dog treated and washed and got rid of the fleas on the dog. Unfortunately 2 weeks later they came back even though the dog didn't have them anymore. What happens is they lay their eggs in the carpet and on furniture and other things and within 2 weeks they will usually hatch and it starts all over. The only way she was able to get rid of them was to bomb her house. Unfortunately, the grandparents might have to do that to get rid of the fleas in the house.
As for your step son, other than explaining to him that he needs to take responsibility for these cats since he wants them, I have no idea how to make a teenager do anything.
1 person likes this
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
9 Mar 07
I agree about bombing the house. I was just hoping there might be some other solution that could be used even while people are there. Getting him to clean up after the pets is the least of the problems we all have with him. I'm beginning to understand why parents wish they could send their teens away for other people to deal with LOL.
@uu4h708 (638)
• Philippines
9 Mar 07
i have six cats living outside (inside their cathouse),,.. they dont have fleas (i think, havent seen one so far)... and they clean themselves or each other after eating, before eating, before and after sleeping and before and after playing.. we used to bathe them (yes we do) when they were young... at first we got scratches but they got used to it anyway.. and also we use SHELLGARD POWDER.. just dont know if it is still available there... then again.. you should also seek the advise of a vet... =)
http://lyannzeroei8ht.blogs.friendster.com/photos/petz/tsunade_sasuke_orochimaru.html
@xfallenxlostx (2074)
• United States
9 Mar 07
How old is the child? If he is underage, you can MAKE him clean up after them and ground him when he doesn't. Avon makes a product called Skin SO Soft that works great for repelling fleas.
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
9 Mar 07
If he lived with me that is what I'd do but he doesn't and I have no control over his discipline. My little ones can't use products like skin so soft unfortunately.
