Cat Lady In Squalid Conditions.

[Jennykenny]

I have just started volunteering to deliver library books to housebound people.
One elderly lady lives in a flat with her cat, where although there is an attempt at a litter tray, seems to use the living room indiscriminately. The rug in the middle of the room seemed to squelch underfoot.
The smell is horrendous, beyond belief. I couldn't actually breath at times, my eyes were streaming and I wanted to gag. She seems totally oblivious to it. I like cats and have had them for many years but never come across anything like this.
I have emailed the library supervisor, to no effect so far. No sure what to do next, but I know I can't ever go back into that place.
The lady mentioned at some point that she has a home help.
I understand the cat is company for her, but there is obviously health problems for both her and her animal.

[woofgang]

so what's the question?

[Jennykenny]

What should I do??

[lankeela]

Whatever you do will probably result in her losing the cat if you report it, unless you are willing to offer to help by cleaning the litter tray and perhaps replacing the mat (cheap one from charity shop) then maybe doing nothing is the best answer. If the cat is fed and seems healthy then there's not a welfare problem as such, even if its not the way you would keep yours. R£PCA would want to take it, and the council might want to evict her so think carefully before doing anything.

[viv38]

I wonder if it would be possible to go back Jenny and have a word with her and ask her if she wants some help. Maybe she is too infirm to clean up herself. Or a call to Social Services maybe? It's not fair on her or the cat to live like this, poor soul.

[viv38]

divebuddy, you have almost repeated what I suggested !!

[ganesh]

Well she's hardly a 'cat lady' if there is only one cat. She doesn't sound like the usual ' cat hoarder' type, but if you think the cat is suffering, is unfed and not looked after then it is your duty to report it. Equally if you think the old lady is having problems, then you should inform someone. Just because it's messy and you don't like the smell isn't enough reason, but if there is cat poo all over the living room then that is really a serious health issue and something should be done. Social services?

[ganesh]

Sorry, our posts crossed, but I agree with divebuddy.

[patsyann]

Surely there is also a hygiene issue with the library books that are being handled and the passed on to the next person.

[ganesh]

ew..hadn't thought of that!

[Prudie]

Personally I'd only worry about the cat, did you see it and did it appear healthy? As others have said, once services start getting involved they're likely to take the cat away? The home help would have alerted someone wouldn't they if she herself was suffering?

[Jeza]

Well the home help can't be much good can she, what is she doing on her visits.
You should remember we are all different. If the cat wasn't happy he/she would be long gone.

[ganesh]

Dunno, might be a house cat. Also cats don't care about the health issues as long as they are getting some food, and even on these RSPCA programmes you get these cat hoarders that have got loads of unhealthy starving cats around. As for my cats, I'm sure they'd be off if I didn't feed them!!!

[Jennykenny]

Thanks for all your responses but am no further on.

[Jennykenny]

Ps cat can't leave. All windows and doors kept shut, but it is not being starved or anything. Seemed fairly happy sitting on window ledge. But surely no-one should be living in these conditions in this day and age??

[Daffy6543]

It isn't good (healthwise) for a person (especially elderly) to be living in a flat that is covered in urine and faeces, the cat can't be enjoying it either. Once the weather heats up flies will be attracted in and they carry all sorts of bugs, if they land on food or food preparation surfaces there could easily be some nasty food poisoning incidents.
If it were me who had witnessed this I would first offer help and advice, if that is refused then there is no option other than to contact social serviceS.

[ganesh]

Well you ARE further on, more than one person has suggested social services, give them a ring. What more do you want us to suggest?