What do I do with this cat?

Question

I like cats just fine, but have never had one and know nothing about them. An apparently stray cat has decided my yard is now his, and shows up every few days for an indeterminate amount of time. He has no tags, does not seem to be agressive, and does not appear to be starving (he's average to slighlty overweight), making me assume he was either recently a housecat, is being fed by others, or is a decent hunter. I have not touched him, fed him or chased him off. Yesterday, he rolled onto his back behind my car, keeping me from backing out of my driveway. I'm starting to feel responsible for this animal, but what do I do with him? Do I trap him and take him to a shelter, feed him, chase him off, take his picture and try to contact his family (if he has one) or do something else?

He is VERY furry, (though surprsingly well-groomed) and I kept my distance, so I couldn't tell for sure if he was neutered, or even male. My neighbors claim to have seen him, but at MY house. No one knows where he's from....

Answer 1

You really did not mentioned if this big boy is neutered or not, and that is relevant. Because if he is well-fed, he has a home or someone is keeping him as a free-roaming, outdoor cat, but their cat. And they are not responsible owners, because they have left him at risk.

Still, though he has no collar, he may be microchipped and belong to someone, so you should put a few fliers up around the neighborhood (don't be too diligent about this; just make the effort), and when there is no response, either take him in yourself or get him in the hands of a group that will get him to a good home.

You should go online and google "no-kill shelters" and your community name, or "cat rescue groups" and your community name. You can also call local Petco's, Pet Smart's or other large chain pet supply stores, as they often have local groups that rescue cats, get them fixed and innoculated, and adopt them out through these stores. You can also call local veterinarians, as vet's offices, particularly the staff, will often rescue cats and board them at the vet's office until they can adopt them out. You need to connect with a group or individual who can get this guy into the pipeline to a good home.

Once you have found somebody to whom you can take him, ask them if they can trap him; or if they have have-a-heart traps so you can trap him; or how they operate. Here in NYC there are tons of groups, and there is one group that will come to your home and just trap the animal(s), then turn them over to you to get them into a shelter. I would have no way of knowing what resources are available to you in your area.

I will tell you this, though, just from what you have told me about this guy, he is not neutered, and he is a character and a clown. And whoever gets him, provided he doesn't spray after he is neutered, is getting a funny, wonderful guy. And he likes you -- maybe he was dumped, and you remind him of his owner, but he likes you.

Please help him out, because his life expectancy is bleak if he is left to roam. There are STD's among cats (none of which is transmissable to humans) that are deadly and epidemic, including feline AIDS and leukemia, and that is only the beginning of the dangers this overconfident little egotist is in.

Good luck.

Answer 2

He is a previous housecat, not a feral. Many people move and abandon their animals. I never knew that until I moved where I am now and have seen it happen on several occassions. The best you can do is get the cat fixed. The humane society or Alley Cat Allies can help you with low cost/no cost spay/neuter certificates and basic vaccinations. I have done this with several stray cats in my area. It is no good to feed them unless you also fix them because cats are prolific breeders and you don't want a yard full of cats.


thank you for taking care of this kitty. It sounds like he has picked you!

Answer 3

I think this cat has already found the person it loves and trust or it would not keep coming back. I would post a found sign and if no one responds and you do not want to keep the animal I would get a hold od a cat rescue or a no kill shelter. They are listed on the internet. Best of luck. I hope you and this cat has many years of happy moments togather.

Answer 4

If you take him to a shelter, they can probably scan to see if he has a microchip. But you might more comfortable in seeking out a rescue group, as a shelter, if no owner, might put him up for adoption, but with the oversupply of animals, and his age, it might be a very short lifespan for him. If there is a no kill shelter, I would contact them. Also, if they take him, if you could provide a modest donation that would be greatly appreciated but would be optional.

You could take his picture, and put up posters around to see if anyone comes forward. Many supermarkets have a community bulletin board where you could post.

Answer 5

if the cat is well feed it might be a neighbors cat that they let outside during the day- your yard may have recently become part of its territory- ask around and see if anyone knows who the cat belongs to before deciding whether to take it in or take it to a shelter

Answer 6

Please do not take him to a shelter.
Try knocking on doors on the houses next to you, behind and in front of your house. Many allow their cats outside certain times. Maybe if noone does owen it, you can start feeding it, (Canned foods are much healthier then dry)
best of luck

Answer 7

Try Leaving Him At A Local Shelter.

The People that own Him WIll Check On Him

Answer 8

You can do all of the things mentioned. Beware though if you decide to keep it and it is a non neutered cat, he will spray all over your house.

Answer 9

Either keep him, or let him be there and don't worry about it, if you take him to an animal shelter, and he doesn't find a home, they will put it to sleep and that is terrible.

Answer 10

Get a cheap bottle of Ammonia. Dilute into a spray bottle about 50/50.

Squirt where CAT hangs out.

Don't Feed Cats.

He kills neighborhood rats and snakes. Your protection.