If I move, am I responsible for the stray cat even though he won't even let me pat him? I've tried, but he runs away::(
2006-06-07 11:39:25 · 7 answers · asked by kattsmeeoow2 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I personally think you are responsible for it because you are looking after its well being, but that does not mean I think you should take it with you. After all you already have three which much be more than a handful and it may not be use to contact with humans anyway (it sounds as if it has been a stray most of its life).
If you move I think it would be best to take it to the RSPCA or a cat shelter, or at least alert them that there is a stray in your area, so that he or she can get their vaccinations and be looked after.
2006-06-07 11:52:14 · answer #1 · answered by DancinBubble 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not true. a street life for a feral cat is a miserable life. these are usually abandoned cats that possible where born from other abandoned cats. it is advised that when you start to feed a colony of stray cats or even one you cannot stop. he does rely on you for the food you have been giving him. you maybe the only reason he is still alive. cats live maybe only months to a couple of years on the streets. a home kept cat can live for 18-20 years. i have trapped a couple or ferals that now live with me as i moved and couldn't just abandon them. they are fine although they still dont like o be touch much or if at all. it would be like someone caring for you for two years and then saying okay the hand outs stop now, take care of yourself, knowing full well you do not have the skills to take care of yourself properly. most ferals are painfully skinny because of the lack of food. they usually have to go further afield to find anything edible which can then put their lives in more danger. it is a very sad, painful and uncertain life of a stray/feral
cat. they go hungry more often than not. i feed a small colony of cats near my work and i know i will have to come back each day after my company moves so i can continue to feed them. you are doing a very nice thing by feeding him, but to stop and leave him to defend for himself after 2 years is sad. i know you must wonder what else you can do. try going to your local shelter they may rent you a have a heart trap and you can put food in there and catch him and take him to the vet and get him fixed and innoculated and when you are sure of his health bring him home. i did. they eventually settle down. it may take years and he may always be skittish and only respond to you, but that is better than abandoning an animal you took the care and concern over for two years. (dont mean this to sound harsh, but you took on the responsiblity and to withdraw it now would be cruel) many people are under the misconception that cats and even dogs instinctively know how to take care of themselve. this is just not so and they end up living very short lives that are filled with pain and starvation. i know what i'm talking about. you have made this cat one of yours in the two years you have know him and now he looks to you for his life. you dont have 3 cats you have 4. do not take a stray/feral to the shelter/pound or even the aspca as they WILL put them down. i have been told this by both oraganizations very matter of factly.
2006-06-07 19:08:35 · answer #2 · answered by kaylamay64 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's a good question-have you considered another cat for indoors? that's what i did when i had 2 already, except she would let me hold her, then i decided to bring her in and even got another cat after her less than 6 months later. (but then again, i'm a sucker for a cute face!)
i think in a way you are responsible for it (if you've been feeding it for 2 years, you basically have another cat, except it's an outdoor cat)
good luck
2006-06-07 21:14:04 · answer #3 · answered by ?.?:*??*:??"Lindsey?.?:*??* 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you can find another neighbor to feed him. Start them off with a bag of food and maybe by the time that bag is gone, they will have grown attached to him and keep feeding him.
2006-06-07 18:48:18 · answer #4 · answered by TMF 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the state. In NY you feed it and it is yours and if you move and leave it and someone reports you, you can be fined.
Really, if you have been caring for it for 2 years, it is yours!!!!!
2006-06-07 19:14:46 · answer #5 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not worry about the stray, he can take care of himself I am sure. But it has been kind of you to care for him.
2006-06-07 18:45:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are wild animals a healthy adult cat can fend for itself.
2006-06-07 18:45:13 · answer #7 · answered by marytormeye 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋