Adopting Our “Ditch Kitty”
Several years ago, we adopted a scruffy little kitten from Warrick Humane Society. I had promised my daughter a kitten, so we started the day there, where she met this crusty little guy who instantly snuggled into her arms. Wanting to make sure she picked the perfect cat, we visited several shelters and adoption events that day, but she ended up choosing the very first kitten we saw. I mean, he was pretty cute albeit being crusty.
We brought him home and named him Peyton Meownning, though he quickly became known as “the Ditch Kitty.” He grew up into what we lovingly call a spaghetti cat, basically a 10-pound noodle who flops around the house.
Peyton the Indoor/Outdoor Cat
From the start, Peyton made it clear he was an indoor/outdoor cat. He loves roaming outside but also wants the comforts of his life inside. If I work from home, I have to stay in my bedroom because otherwise, he will loudly demand to go in and out nonstop.
The Nighttime Struggle
The real problem comes after dark. Once the sun sets, Peyton completely loses it if we do not let him outside. He meows loudly and, if ignored, will pee on the dining room floor out of spite.
Before the keyboard vets jump in, yes, he has been fully checked by the vet, he is on urinary health supplements, and he uses his litter box during the day. I even bought a fancy furniture-style litter box and placed it right where he likes to go. Works all day, but after 9 pm? Nope. Middle finger. Or should I say claw?
At first, I blamed the dog (who got an earful) until I realized Bru was locked in our room when the pee appeared. When we started kenneling the cat at night, the problem stopped, but Peyton quickly decided he was not okay with being locked up either.
The Dangers of Letting a Cat Out at Night
Of course, letting a cat roam at night is not ideal. We live in the woods with coyotes and other critters. But Peyton is no stranger to scuffles. He once launched himself at my sister’s full-size Doberman and sent it running. He is a scrapper and knows how to climb trees, hop on top of my SUV, and hold his ground…