I go walking everyday on this trail by my house. There is a little stray cat living in a rocky ditch, and i have seen him since Sunday. Yesterday, I started bringing him a can of food to eat: he was really skinny. He seems very sweet, nudging us to pet him and even purring when he's done eating. He doesnt mind being held for a short period of time (under 2 minutes). My husband and i have named him, and look forward to seeing him every day... we thought to bring him home to stay around our house, but arent sure if he will stick around? Anyone know if strays can successfully be relocated from one outdoor area to another? (we would have him neutered as well - dont want kittens running around the neighborhood)
2007-03-14 15:28:04 · 11 answers · asked by Trying 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have 2 inside dogs right now, and I would be afraid that the dogs might gang up on the kitty if we brought him inside.
2007-03-14 15:35:10 · update #1
Well we feed him by the ditch right now, so i guess if we kept feeding him there, he would stick around to keep getting his food there. Maybe the next time we feed him, we will bring him home first, and feed him when we get to my house...?
2007-03-14 15:37:05 · update #2
it's possible, but some cats just don't take to it. But chances are, if he likes you, and you continue to feed him, he'll stick around.
And thanks for getting him neutered also!
Would you consider just keeping the cat, and trying to switch him to an indoor house cat? Would be a lot safer than living outdoors.
2007-03-14 15:31:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have the rare opportunity that you have gained the trust of a stray kitty, you should bring him to a no-kill shelter. You may give him the opportunity to live a long, safe, warm happy life. Don't be afraid to take him in somewhere. He will have safety, food and warmth even if it is just from the shelter. People look to adopt from shelters every day. I adopted 6 cats from those places, and my sister has adopted 4. Why don't you try him in your house? Put him in a safe room, and let his smell get on a blanket, and introduce him to your dogs by smell alone. See how they react to his smell, and you might get an idea of how they would be towards him. I think it's wonderful that you feed and visit him, and give him the only love he knows, but please, for the little guys sake, give him shelter too. You are a good person, and thank you for that!
2007-03-14 16:59:30 · answer #2 · answered by Mrs. T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My experience with strays is that they will always go to where the food is... I think if you bring it home and show it where the food is going to be, it will most likely return or even stay in or around your yard the majority of the time....But don't feed the cat if you arent sure you want it to stay....9out of 10 times the cat will stay because you supply the food and comfort in needs... Good luck!
2007-03-14 15:40:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
well i brought many cats home that were strays. try getting him to follow you home if that doesn't work build a special outdoor area for him in your backyard with a shelter and warm blankets inside and keep a food and water source nearby so he can eat and drink when he pleases. then go back and try to coax him into a travelling case so you can take him home and show him the wonderful outdoor shelter you built for him. and after he gets used to his new surroundings try slowly introducing him to the indoors. this worked with one stray cat i found and had him follow me home he stayed around for 3 wks the only reason i couldnt bring him in was because of my parents but i found him a new home with some neighbours
2007-03-14 15:36:50 · answer #4 · answered by Ambegurl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have alot of strays in my backyard, and they were all up about 2 blocks from where I live. I saw that one of the cats had kittens, so I started leaving wet and dry cat food in my backyard. And sure enough I look out the window and there's the kittens and the mom. But once you feed them they ain't going nowhere.
2007-03-14 15:34:09 · answer #5 · answered by gr33n 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He sounds friendly enough. I would definitely have him vet checked and neutered. Maybe you could bring him to your house and confine him to an outside building? Garage, shed? Let him get used to you, but no dog introduction just yet. Give him shelter and food and he should stick around. Good luck and well done!
2007-03-14 19:30:26 · answer #6 · answered by lalala_mimimi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats stick where the food is.
Bring a cat carrier and get him. Leave him in the carrier for a few days, feed him and he will learn that you all are pretty great.
Cheers.
2007-03-14 15:44:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you are falling in love with this critter. Please consider adopting him. Your already taking on responsibility by having him neutered, why not take the final step and bring him indoors?
Most cats are very nice, but not all. This sounds like a keeper.
Remember, indoor cats have a drastically longer lifespan than outdoor cats.
2007-03-14 15:37:44 · answer #8 · answered by Charlie S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course they can, all of my cats but one are strays. If you are prepared to put in the effort the cat will stay, even with your dogs, the cat will soon have them in their places. Good on both of you. Big smiles for you two.
2007-03-14 16:13:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would adopt him if I where you, especially since he is so friendly. The dogs? Not sure about this one, what have they done in the past (besides chase them) If they know you are truely concerned about the kitty they might be jealous. I would protect him carefully. Good luck.
2007-03-14 17:40:41 · answer #10 · answered by msprissysmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋