There is this stray cat that has been wondering out, outside for the past few months. He is homeless, and all the time outside in this cold weather. He is now starting to come by me, and everytime he does, I really feel bad for the cat and want to take him in. But I already have 2 big dogs and a female cat who is by the way fixed.
What should I do? Should I maybe take him in and maybe take him up to the vet and if he is chipped they can tell me whether or not he has or had owners? Or should I just ignore the cat and leave him be? What would you do in this situation? I really feel bad for him having to be out in this very cold weather with no where to go for shelter or to be warm? Please help me? What should I do?
2007-01-16 11:20:37 · 20 answers · asked by Katherine S 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
To be honest with all of you, I do want to take him in, but I dont want my other animals that I have to spook or scare him off. The cat is a male cat. I know that he is homeless because he is always outside and doesnt even have a collar. I feel so bad for the kitty. I also work 5 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm. So I dont know when I would be able to take him to a vet. And I live on a military base, and the vet clinic that is on the base is not open on the weekends. Should I just take him in and take him to the vet as soon as I can?
2007-01-16 12:27:06 · update #1
You should take him in.
Here's what you do:
1) Wash him throughly
2) Make it clear to your dogs and cat that they are not to harm this cat, there's a chance they won't
3) Feed him
4) Take him to the Vet
5) If your pets get into fights, then seperate them and train them not to or keep them away from each other
Good luck!
2007-01-16 11:24:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. What a kind heart u have! A friend of mine let a stray cat move into and out of his garage. He fed it; took it to the vet; refused to let it get into the house; now it lives in the house with his two cats; two kids and one wife...
Plz call or e-mail thepetshow.com for more help. It is possible to take the cat in (God bless u for that.), but it will take patience. There are ways to do this. Do u have a garage by any chance? Could u get some type of outside shelter for this cat? Could u buy or build something? How 'bout changing a dog house into a cat house? (Don't forget to get him neutered...) Take care.
2007-01-20 09:36:32 · answer #2 · answered by karaokecatlady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you decide to keep it:
You don't know this animal. It may be ill, not current on vaccinations, and/or not good with children or other animals. Therefore, be careful when handling the animal. If the animal is friendly, try to secure it at your home to keep it safe while you take the following actions.
Notify the local animal shelters, someone may actually own the animal and is actually looking for it.
If you are going to keep the animal, make sure you keep is spearated from the rest of your animals until a vet has been able to exam it fully and has deemed it healthy.
2007-01-16 12:16:51 · answer #3 · answered by faithy_q_t_poo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I would at least bring him into a warmer place away from your animals for right now. Then you could take him to the vet and get him scanned for a microchip and see if he was/is owned. I understand that if you have other animals another animal is a financial draw, so maybe you could foster him and try to find him a new home. At least that way he will have a safe place to be for a bit. Make sure to keep him separate from your other cat until he can be tested for FIV and Feluk. Your vet might know another client that is looking for a new cat :)
2007-01-16 11:26:52 · answer #4 · answered by bassetmom 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would take him in for the night and put em' in a closed room that's warm and in the morning take him to the ASPCA or anywhere that will do the chip check also adoptions just in case no owners are found and you can't keep him. just take a towel or blanket outside with you, grab em' and make sure his eyes and claws are covered whiled wrapped (just in case the other pets spook em'....he might have something you don't wanna catch) and put him in a bedroom or somewhere warm in the house where he cant be bothered by the other pets and wait till morning and call around to see what places are open to adoptions etc. Good luck and I hope you make the right decision :)
2007-01-16 11:35:36 · answer #5 · answered by ixamxthexwalrusx 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats should not be left out in cold weather. Take him in long enough to get him vaccinated and fixed, if that hasn't already been done. If owners can't be found take him to a local 'no kill' rescue organization which will find him a home. You may be able to write off your expenses as a charitable donation.
2007-01-16 11:25:38 · answer #6 · answered by dukefenton 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bless you for thinking and caring about this poor stray.
Is there any way you could let him in a spare room maybe, or a garage...?
Taking him in to have him checked for a chip is a good idea.
I know I would be tempted to keep him if any way possible, or at least try to find him a good home.
I really hope you can figure something out.
2007-01-16 11:25:54 · answer #7 · answered by thatswhattheytoldmelastnight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are sucha wonderful kind person. You should take the kitty in, but make sure you take it to the vet, as it could have worms, fleas etc. that could spread.
He may not be happy at first being an indoor cat, but give him love and warmth and he will come around
2007-01-16 11:24:30 · answer #8 · answered by allyalexmch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would but then again I'm a sucker for strays, animals and people both. Give it a try, the main point would be how your other animals an him get along, it might be hard for all of them at first. If it doesn't work out take him to the ASPCA, just get him out of the cold.
2007-01-16 14:46:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go ahead, take him inside and clean him up. See if the other cat & dog like him. If not, put him in a safe place away from them. Find out it's gender & place an add in the paper w/ picture of him/her. If no reply in aprox. a week to a week 1/2, go ahead and keep him.
God Luck!!!
2007-01-16 11:28:21 · answer #10 · answered by Zoe96 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋