Helping a Stray?

Question

Iv already got 2 cats of my own but Iv been feeding a lovely stray, but now the winter is coming in im wondering if there is anything i could do to get it rehomed, it is so friendly and keeps trying to get into my house but my 2 wouldnt have any of it. Does anyone know of anywhere in the paisley/glasgow area i could contact who would take it and give it a good home, its so loving its really breaking my heart to see it out in this weather

Answer 1

It's a wonderful thing you are doing. I fed several strays myself when I used to live in a ground-floor apartment. I'm currently feeding a stray now and once a week I visit this cat shelter (no-kill shelter) that I became the webmaster for:

http://www.rapsociety.com

Anyways, looked up info and here is what I found on cat shelters in your area:

Glasgow(GW) , Central and East,etc areas:-
CP (Largest Scottish Cat (Cardike) Rescue Shelter at Kirkintilloch(Glasgow):- 0141-779-3341,

Cat Flap(South side):- 0141-423-3246,

CP:(all of GW):- 07050 171 008, Yvonne:- (Springburn based) 0141 557 2031,

C.A.T’77(E.K only.):- 01355-228855

Western areas:- CP:East Renfrew:- 07050 247 697. Johnstone Cat Rescue Tel: [phone]

Paisley Cat rescue 0141 581 7593, Inverclyde Cat Rescue Tel: [phone]

Find out whether these are no-kill shelters or not.

I did not include any SSPCA cat shelters because did you know that they euthanize (ie. kill cats) within a week if they aren't adopted? Anyways, they do that here and also elsewhere. I think it is common practice at all their branches.

Answer 2

I took in a stray and my two cats hated him for a few weeks. I did not care- he needed a home, so I told the other two they had to deal. Well, since they don't speak english it wasn't that easy, but here it is three years later and everyone is a big happy family- I think they would be very sad now if something happened to Hobbes. Don't worry it did not take three years. They fought for about a week. Were cautiously skeptical for another 2 or 3 and ignored each other for another 2 or 3. All said and done they were friends within 2 months. Those 2 months seemed long, but I know I did the right thing. Give the poor lovey a nice home- your cats will learn to deal and might make a new friend.

Answer 3

We had 2 adult cats, and were able to bring a kitten into the household. You may be able to do the same if you want. It takes time and patience, but after a month, the 3 were eating and using litter boxes together.

Another option is to put notices up in any public area that you can. I am in the US, where I can often find a bulletin board in a grocery store. A veterinarian's office or clinic will often allow "free pets" flyers to be posted. Perhaps you can put some at school, or at your place of employment.

Local newspapers often allow classified ads to be run free for lost or found animals. Your last option would be a local animal shelter. I don't know about your area, but here in the states, these go under the name "Humane Society". The people there may have other contacts that you can try, too. Good luck!

Answer 4

your cats don't want anything to do with the stray because it's not a part of your home. just like dogs, it would take a few days for them to establish the hierarchy of your household, and decide where the stray will fit into it. if you decide to keep this kitty, expect squabbles, but don't interfere. they'll figure it out. and i think that you would have an outstanding pet if you were to keep it. i had a stray come to my door 2 years ago, battered, worn, skin and bones, gash in his neck, oh god it was terrible. i took him in, got him neutered, and i gotta tell ya. he's the BEST cat i have ever had. i have three now, and tend to take in strays until i can find them a home. the cats have a lot better chance if they can spend some time with people, and you can see what kind of personality it has, then find it an appropriate home. there's a reason he's a stray, and it was probably someone who just let the poor thing out.

Answer 5

If you can afford to take on a third cat, there's no reason for you not to try. Your cats will get used to the situation with time and, at the very least, tolerate the newcomer.

If you want to keep the stray, just make sure to get it to the vet before letting it have ANY contact with your cats. It could have feline leukemia, FIV, worms, fleas....any number of things it could transmit to your healthy cats. Better safe than sorry.

If you don't think you can keep him, take him to a local no-kill shelter. They'll be able to fix him up medically and adopt him out to a good home (they do background checks on people, and sometimes follow-up calls).

Answer 6

I was in exactly this situation a few years ago. My two cats eventually learned to 'tolerate' the stray, but never fully accepted her. The house was like a war zone! In the end my two old ladies died when they were 18, and now I have only the stray one left. She is gorgeous and ultra loving. I love her to bits. I would like another cat, but will wait until the stray one has died. We've called her Inky as she is jet black, and even had her microchipped in case she goes walkabout again, but I don't think that is going to happen as she knows she is onto a cushy existence here lol

In a nutshell, I'd say, persevere. At the worst, you might have to leave them shut in different places when you are out shopping, at work etc.

Answer 7

Have you try & ask your neighbours whether they'd like to take him as a pet? Or you can also ask your friends whom you think would wanna pet or who is capable of taking care of the cat...

Or maybe you can try mixing & introducing the stray cat again with your 2 other cats... I hope they can be friends & mix well so that you can keep him with you...

If you still can't managed to get him rehomed b4 the winter, please try keeping him warm, will you? Poor cat... Oh... How I wish you can find some1 who will really loves & take care of the stray cat soon... I wish you & him all the best of finding a new owner... Good luck...

Answer 8

hey there.

you could try integrating it with your other cats...you may very well find that after a while they'll start to get along.

you could take it to the vet to see if has been chipped.

you could put a collar on with a message in it explaining that you think he's a stray...just in case he's not! if he goes home and the owner reads that...they'd probably get in touch!

you could search the Cats Protection Lost & Found: If you e-mail your full address and postcode to Cats Protection HQ Helpline - [e-mail] they can search for any Lost & Found contacts for Cats Protection branches in your area.

if you definitely feel that you cannot keep it, then try the milton animal home just outside dumbarton. here is the info:
SSPCA - MILTON ANIMAL WELFARE CENTRE
Milton, Dumbarton, G82 2UA
Tel: [phone]
Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm, (closed Sunday)
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web site: www.scottishspca.org

good luck whatever happens...you're a good wee soul to care :o)

Answer 9

This cat sounds as if it may already have a home of its own or have just lost one.
If you like it so much why let the other two cats dictate terms? Keep it and eventually the three of them will work it out between them (says she who is owned by her ex stray!)

Answer 10

You have a caring personality about animals, as do I. You must realize that no matter how much we want to, we can't save every stray in the world. Take it to the animal shelter before you become any more attached and pray for the best.