Tuesday i thought was a very momentuous day,i trapped the 4th and final stary/feral cat and had her spayed, shots, etc(4th meaning there are 4 feral cats that i feed daily)However an un expected twist happend. While she was recoverying in my spare bedroom, i realized she wasnt feral, more likely a dumped or abanded cat. everytime i went to check on her, she would follow me, try to stand on me a purr, and want to be petted, the complete opposite of the previous three who would hide under the bed until i would open the doors in my house to give them a passage way to go back outside and be free.
I feel horrible becuase i already have three indoor cats and cant have anymore (my parents whom im very close with, even though i own place without them, had warned me that 3 is enough and anymore they wont visit me) what should I do?from watching her, eventhough she is friendly to me, the other cats who her offspring she is mean to, slaps them, and doesnt seem to conducive to living with cats
2007-11-02 18:42:14 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I dont want to take her to a human soceity, for the chances of her being put down, I will always feed her, she doesnt cross any streets, and feel like she has done pretty well thus far living outside
2007-11-02 18:44:15 · update #1
What's one more cat, really?
Cats are unlike dogs in that they're almost completely self-sufficient.
If I were you, I'd try to persuade my parents to let me keep it. You're the one that has to take care of it right?
As for the other cats...it takes them a while to adjust to each other. The fighting will pass.
In my opinion cats are not safe outside. They're too curious for this cruel world. They're much better off inside if possible.
Kudos to you for taking care of those feral cats!
Keep us updated on what you decide to do.
2007-11-02 18:51:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are a grown person. Thus you make your own decisions for yourself, not others. That includes your parents. Time to untie the apron strings. You don't need there permission as to how many cats you have. You're the one taking care and feeding them. You are a responsible person. It's time your parents backed off and you the same. That doesn't mean you don't love and respect them. It's just they don't have the right to continue to order you around.
I can't believe your parents actually said "they wouldn't visit you anymore if you keep the #4 cat." How insulting. They still see you as a "baby" who can't take care of him self, make your own decissions and are irresponible.
My adult daughter has four cats. I wouldn't think of telling her she is irresponsible! Hint, hint...she would no dought kick me out of "her" home. She also has 4 large fish tanks. She's the one who takes care of the cats (wouldn't give up for the world) I don't have to. By the way, she loves me to come and visit.
If you want to (sounds like you do) #4 has just found a new home. Congradulations! That kitty needs a home which
"you" are will to give.
#4 should get used to the others. Give them time to get to know each other. Takes a little time. Other cats will let #4 know when they have had enough.
I'm an indoor cat person. Our "beauty" let us go just about six weeks ago (seems like yesterday) at the age of 25 yrs. I'm sure the reason she lived to 25 yrs. is because she was an indoor cat. She had some good entertainment looking out at the birds, chipmunks, deer and an occasional black bear.
It took you this long to get your independence .. keep it! Don't let people mess with you. Sorry if I sound too harsh, but your parents should never have said "they wouldn't come to visit you any more." It's called black mail.
Hope you decide to keep "#4" and it has nothing to do what I said above. #4 needs a good home, which you can provide.
2007-11-02 20:51:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
As a happy compromise, could she live with you as an indoor/outdoor cat? I don't know how old she is, but having had a taste of the outside world, she might not enjoy it if you were to make her an indoor only cat. You also don't want to upset your other 3 cats, so if she only lived indoors part-time, they may become more tolerant of her. You could allow her out during the day time, but keep her indoors at night to be on the safe side.
She's bound to be a little feisty with the other cats at first. She's a newcomer trying to carve a little patch of territory for herself, so she needs to be able to stand up for herself. A Feliway plug-in might be helpful. They emit pheromones that mimic the "friendly" scent found in a cat's cheek glands. This will help promote a feeling of well being and calm amongst all the cats.
Thanks for taking care of these cats, and good luck with whatever you decide to do.
2007-11-02 20:46:32 · answer #3 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well really you have 4 choices in this situation:
1. Keep the cat, you're a adult and despite what your parents say you can make you own choices. I doubt your parents will disown you if you keep this cat. She may be fine with other cats, but it may take her some time to adjust..most cats hate each other at first.
2. Find a home for her..can your parents take her? Tell them if they don't you will keep her. What about friends, coworkers, neighbors, other family/relatives?
3. Release her back outside and continue feeding her. However, keep in mind there is a chance she will not survive out there.
4. Take her to a no kill shelter so she can be adopted.
2007-11-03 06:44:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Humane Society does not put down animals. You are confusing them with county or city Animal Control shelters.
They have a program in most Humane Society offices where they will connect people whom are looking for a certain type of cat or dog with people that are looking to place a certain type cat or dog, while these people have them at home rather than taking them in and surrendering them.
2007-11-02 18:59:16 · answer #5 · answered by Pixie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just let her be. If she is happy there, she'll stay if they all get along. If she's not, she'll leave if she wants to. Just don't tell your parents; they may not need to know! Cats hide, run around, they may never see another one or two!
I have 4 cats but my neighbors only know about 1 or 2 of them.
2007-11-02 19:02:04 · answer #6 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do you REALLY believe that your parents wont visit you anymore if you have one more?
I think in time the other cats will adjust. It always takes time with cats, they rarely get along when they first meet.
Good luck, and bless you for helping them! :)
2007-11-02 18:56:40 · answer #7 · answered by ♥ Jasmine ♥ 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well if you found her outside and she isnt getting along with your inside cats then you should let her go back outside. Contuine to feed her and when you are outside give her some attention if she wants it. Most likely if she was outside before then she will be okay outside again. Three cats is alot of cats and you dont want to take a chance of your inside cats getting hurt or sick from the outside cat. Alot of people who have cats have outside cats and she will be fine. Dont worry to much about her, cats are really good at ajusting to whatever situation they find themselfs in. Good for you for taking care of the stray cats and getting them fixed, that is great. There arent that many people out there that are trying to help with the over population of cats so keep up the good work. Dont worry to much over this cat. Things will be fine and she will be fine outside.
2007-11-02 18:52:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Check out www.craigslist.com. Select your city or a city. Place your request as you did here and watch for the responses.
Someone will probably know some alternatives or a vet or ASPCA that is no-kill.
Good luck,
Lila Griffin
2007-11-02 19:31:01 · answer #9 · answered by use4teaching 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
either get a hut outside where she can have warmth and feed her there,or ask if anyone wants to adopt with notices
2007-11-02 21:39:45 · answer #10 · answered by sky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋