We were visiting my parents over the weekend and all of a sudden, a cat they'd never seen before started showing up on their porch. This was the most friendly cat I'd ever seen - loved to be picked up and cuddled, came when you called and would climb into your lap, and acted like it wanted to come inside with us. We gave it some cat food and it acted very hungry and it looked skinny, but not starved. My kids fell in love with it (as did I) and I seriously considered bringing it home with us, but wasn't sure if it was a stray because it was so friendly. It may have been someone's pet, an outdoor cat who just happened to make us part of its rounds (they live in a rural area, so this is not uncommon). Bottom line, we didn't bring it home but I can't stop thinking about it - we live 400 miles away, so it's not like we can go back and get it. What would you have done?
2006-08-18 04:09:51 · 20 answers · asked by Celticlassie 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Sure understand your quandry, but you did the right thing. This cat enjoys human company, which means it has learned that humans are good. Oh, and those wonderful treats you give him too!
This cat is probably somebody's dearly loved pet, and they would be distraught to have him disappear, wondering if he'd been attacked & died, run over, lost, or anything else you could imagine if he was yours.
Sure wish they'd keep him home, though, where he's safe and sound. If he comes round to your parents again, they could be prepared to put a break-away collar on him with a little note to call your parents. Then they could ask if the family would part with this kitty (for you and your family); or suggest they keep him inside and safe.
Anyway - you did the right thing!
2006-08-18 04:21:00 · answer #1 · answered by Ragdoll Kitty 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A cat that is that social has had an owner in its lifetime. Of course, many cats are "dumped" in rural areas such as you describe.
I think you did the right thing--giving the cat a chance to return to its home. I assume you are a warm-hearted and caring person and that your parents are too. Maybe they can continue to feed it and look after it a little. If they care and protect it it will proably be there the next time you go back for a visit.
There are so many loving, beautiful cats waiting for homes in shelters all over the country. Why don't you go with your children to pick one out for your home?
2006-08-18 04:22:49 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just ask your parents to go door to door and see if someone owns it. Or if the cat keeps coming back. Maybe your parents can just make sure its fed when it comes around. I bet its just a neighborhood cat looking for food. In my opinion, someone cant put much claim to a cat, if its outside at all times. Its probably a stray and if its still there when you visit again, you could take it home if you so choose :)
2006-08-18 06:20:59 · answer #3 · answered by The Kings 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tough one...Sometimes I swear there is an invisible sign outside my house that says "SUCKERS LIVE HERE" because everything with fur and four legs tends to flock to my house...and of course we feed 'em.....
I think you did the right thing, the cat may very well be a neighborhood cat just making rounds, but that is what he/she is used to. This way everyone in the neighborhood gets a chance to enjoy in the love that this animal brings to them. I have been around cats my entire life, and firmly believe that if it looks like an outside cat that has grown up in the neighborhood...it is a happy cat that loves being free in that neighborhood... Better to let him be happy, and let the other neighbors be happy to see him/her.
2006-08-18 04:21:08 · answer #4 · answered by HoodRat 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would have done exactly what you did it sounds to me the cat has a home and it is well trained have your mom check this out for you for your next trip back and make sure the cat has a home if not put add in the paper to see who the cat belongs to
thank you
2006-08-18 04:19:50 · answer #5 · answered by cooks delight 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Exactly the same. Its some body's cat. Cats are very friendly and often visit other people for attention or food. But usually, they do have owners who would be very upset if their cat didn't come home.
2006-08-18 04:16:32 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would call your parents, and let them look into it to see if the cat still comes by. Get them to ask around. If they can't find an owner...go back and get the cat. If you feel that strongly about it, then it's worth the trip. This way, you can find out about the cat before you take it away. (I would have taken the cat...but then I'm sneaky)
2006-08-18 04:16:18 · answer #7 · answered by PrisChris!!! 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Done exactly what you have done...left it there...unless it was in need of some medical attention, you did the right thing. Our neighbor's cat spends all it's time going from house to house and people farther down the street have all thought he was a stray, but if they had taken him, his little girl's heart would be broken.
2006-08-18 04:16:14 · answer #8 · answered by rattgrrrl 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What is done cannot be undone.....if i had been in ur place i'd have brought it home & to get rid of it's being a stray cat to cause some disease,i'd have got it vaccinated.the qualities u told about tht cat r adorable.i love cats & esp the kind u mentioned.
2006-08-18 04:20:20 · answer #9 · answered by sadia_r2 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well...I don't like cats. Did it have a collar? I guess I would have put up flyers saying we found a cat, and made some effort to find the owner, and if I never found the owner than adopt the cat.
2006-08-18 04:15:49 · answer #10 · answered by toyo_uke 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋