Just sent you a message hun

Hello, for the past year I have been feeding a stray cat who now has taken up residence on our terrace. We have named him Bertie. We also have a 16 year old cat called Ben. Bertie was neutered several months ago and the vet estimated his age to be 3 years. Other than getting fat, he seems to be at his full size.  He is fed outside on the terrace and as yet I have not let him stay indoors although he is allowed to sneak inside to pinch Ben's kibble. He loves Ben and tried his best to be his BFF but Ben tries to avoid him. Bertie is quite boisterous which probably annoys Ben. The issue is that last night, Bertie came inside and I heard him scratching on the carpet in the hall for ages so I went to investigate and found that he had peed on the rug.  It has been my hope that Bertie could be taught some manners especially using the litter box so that I could let him come indoors properly if he wants.  I have not had any experience of teaching a cat what to do. My past cats seemed to have just known what to do.  Bertie is still very leery of  people. I can pet him if I am careful but I had to trap him to get him to the vet for his castration so I have avoided even trying to pick him up.

I assumed that last night's peeing was an attempt to mark his territory? Obviously I need to either get him trained or he will have to stay an outdoor cat. We live in southern France so the weather isn't terrible even in winter and if necessary we could get a shelter for him. He seems comfortable outdoors but I suspect he wouldn't say no to being allowed indoors.
Does anyone have any advice for me please?  Thank you.

Hi,  If Storm only likes pate I can recomend Smilla Fine Menu from zooplus  https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/canned_cat_food_pouches/smilla/smilla_fine_menu/885645?activeVariant=885645.5

Smilla Fine Menu is a complete wet cat food:

    Grain and gluten-free: Your cat's digestive system is not designed to process large amounts of grain so this grain and gluten-free pâté recipe will not overload its digestive system.
    With vitamins and minerals: Minerals and vitamins are an important factor in your cat's nutrition. Vitamin D helps to regulate calcium which is important for bone formation. Vitamin A and E supports good vision and healthy skin and fur.
    Taurine: Taurine is vital for cats, but unfortunately they cannot produce sufficient quantities. It supports your cat's cardiac health and eyesight.
    No added sugar, flavour enhancers or preservatives: No sugar, taste enhancers, preservatives are added to Smilla Fine Menu wet cat food.

Choose from the following delicious flavours:

    Poultry & Chicken Liver
    Salmon & Shrimps
    Poultry & Veal
    Turkey & Rabbit
    Turkey & Lamb
    Mixed Pack 8 x 100g:
    -   Poultry & Chicken Liver x 2
    -   Poultry & Veal x 2
    -   Turkey & Rabbit x 2
    -   Turkey & Lamb x 2


if she does like it then they also sell 24 and 48 packs .. search "Smilla saver" to find.

Since my last post, Storm has completely dismissed Felix in either format and has shown a liking to Gormet Gold pate! Just the pate, mind. :resigned face:


However she's also shown a liking to Tesco's own pate as well (not the jelly or the gravy!), so I've got enough of the square platers of the Tesco platers for a week. Unfortunately Tesco doesn't sell the pate in box form so it's going to be hit and miss as to what is on the shelf when I go in. That being said, it does mean that I should be able to return the untouched platers.

As to the pong, I've come to the conclusion that she's a natural pongy cat. It has reduced but thanks to an Airwick non-aerosol spray I'm not as overwhelmed by it, mind you I do know when she has passed wind or is needing to empty her bowels!!

Hi Helena,

Hopefully you have managed to find a less smelly food for Storm Sorry for not responding sooner.

How's Storm settling in?

Hi Sam,

After this Storm started leaving the jelly so I tried her on the Felix in gravy only to find that she was licking the gravy and leaving the protein, so I went back to the jelly to find she wouldn't eat ANY of it. I'd been in contact with the Cats Protection because she was going stir crazy to the nth degree, and told them about her eating habits and they said that as she was eating the Purina Pro Plan dry food to just give her that. so far that's working......

As for settling in, she is so laid back that even after a couple of jaunts (allowed) today she isn't really fussing to get out which is good  as it's been a performance every time anyone went outside or came in.

That is as of this afternoon.. My experience with Bubz taught me never to assume and Storm is carrying on the teaching!