Our dogs have a lovely pen, that we do use. They go in it when the weather is nice, when we aren’t home. It does have a nice platform with a doghouse on top in case the weather changes before one of us can get home to them. It’s about 30 X 20, with a 6 foot high fence, and their house is 2 feet off of the ground- platform about 5X9 and the house on it about 3X9. (And if they want to be out when we are home but not outside with them during hunting season, we put them in there for safety.) If it is bad weather, they stay inside with me, or in our finished basement if I am working. I’m fortunate that I do not work full time and my mother also now lives with us, and can assist in caring for the boys on days that I do work. All told, the dogs are probably on their own about 3 or 4 hours each day Monday thru Friday. We make sure to follow our routine no matter the weather or how we feel. Morning walk, breakfast, afternoon walk, play, evening walk dinner. This is followed even if they have been outside playing with the kids all day- walks in my opinion are crucial. Anyway, what I guess I am saying is, a pen or kennel, in my opinion, is a good PART of your dog’s life, but should not be their entire life. They are part of your family/pack, and should be cared for accordingly. Good and proper training will make your dog a fantastic family member that will respect your home and your family. Please try to pursuade your husband to reconsider his thoughts on keeping the dog outside all of the time while you are at work…especially during bad weather. It doesn’t sound like a life where it would be part of your family, and pets should be.
First and foremost, I would make a vet appointment. Just to make sure there is nothing really wrong internally with your cat. I understand there is a cost, but it is important. If you really feel strongly that it is the shed remnants causing it, perhaps finding a better place to store them would help? Also, if you could try to keep her litter box area clean and free from other debris (I know my garage is full of all kinds of tools, bikes, and who knows what else gets stored in there) as well as making sure to change her litter regularly and keep her box cleaned, this may help out. Our routine is to go into the basement each morning where the litter box is and empty it out first thing. It has gotten so that now after time, our cat routinely goes in the morning around 6:30 and we clean it out shortly after. Every Sunday we change the litter and clean out the box. In all fairness, cleaning the litter box out each day is the least that should be done. Honestly, would you want to use a toilet that hasn’t been flushed? Me either. Good luck!
I agree – get her to the vet. Indoor/outdoor cats NEED more veterinary attention than indoor-only cats due to their exposure to the environment.
Do keep in mind, ignoring her care IS neglect, and is a crime in most states. Don’t neglect your cat’s health because it’s inconvenient.