For the past couple weeks a cat showed up at my door, I feed other strays, but this one is a kitten and has a little red collar on him. I know that he belongs to someone, but there is no address on the collar and he's been coming every night and I see him running around during the day. The cat looks like he is getting bigger and I was thinking of cutting his collar off so that he doesn't choke, it's already a little snug looking. Should I do this since he is not my cat? or should I just try to find a way to loosen it? No one has responded to a flyer I put by the mailboxes.
2007-12-17 07:08:41 · 28 answers · asked by luckyvegas535 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Kittensl is right, but in fact, you can see if you can't get another collar at the 99 cent store. Sometimes they get in surprisingly nice close-outs. The test for a cat collar is that you be able very comfortably to fit your index finger in under it and there is still some space. Tighter than that is too tight.
You can go to a locksmith and get a metal-rimmed, heavy paper key tag. (They cost about a quarter) Write "Your cat?" Pls call me. And put your phone number.
If there has been no response, I'll bet this kitten either got away from someone, or else a kid took him in and then was told he couldn't stay, and the kitten got dumped. So if there is no response in a few days, like 3 - 4, take this kitten in. Please.
2007-12-17 07:23:56 · answer #1 · answered by Mercy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since the kitten does have a collar, I think you should just do your best to loosen it. I like the idea about putting on a tag that asks the owner to call you if the cat goes home (include a short message to the owner to explain why you would like to receive a call).
Putting an ad in a local newspaper would be nice too.
Alternatively you can take the kitten to a local shelter/ adoption agency and ask them to scan the kitten for a microchip. Both my kittens are microchipped with my contact info.
Is the kitty staying with you at nights or just coming for food and then leaving?
2007-12-17 07:49:51 · answer #2 · answered by Blk_Kitties 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, he still may be going home to his owners house....he may not be a "stray." My cats go out during the day and I don't know where they go. Someone could think they were strays I suppose. Of course, I guess you could cut the collar off and if you see him with another collar, you'll know that he belongs to someone and that he's not lost. If it's snug, though, loosen it so the cat doesn't choke to death.
2007-12-17 07:13:43 · answer #3 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, cut the collar. first of all it is very unsafe for a stray cat to be roaming around and have the chance of the collar becoming wedge, and the poor thing strangling itself. Put up notices in the area vet offices, or better yet take it to the vet to see if it might have a microchip implant. Make sure the poor thing has ample water, food and a warm place to cuddle into until you can find the owner. Keep the collar, just in case you need it to verify the owner (description)
2007-12-17 07:14:56 · answer #4 · answered by wellaem 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If the collar still can loosen a few notches, just loosen it first.
I agree with a previous poster that you could put a tag on that says "Call me if this is your cat" and include your name and phone number. Tags only cost a few dollars to engrave.
Also try putting an ad in the newspaper since nobody has responded to the flyer you put on the mailboxes.
Good luck!
2007-12-17 07:18:12 · answer #5 · answered by Mel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there is room to do so, loosen the collar. It's a simple act of kindness.
You could put a note on the cat's collar, asking the owners to adjust/replace their cat's collar. If the note doesn't get removed, or the collar doesn't get replaced, I'd assume that the animal is a stray, and treat it accordingly.
2007-12-17 07:14:19 · answer #6 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that you should take the collar off the cat, and bring him in to your local humane society so that he can be adopted by a loving family. I understand that many people let their cats go outside - however there are responsibilies that go along with doing this; the cat should be neutered or spade if it's allowed to roam free, also, it should be wearing an identifying collar so that if it should ever become lost someone like you can return it.
If you are not a responsible cat owner, then you shouldn't have a cat - especially when it's a little baby - you wouldn't let a toddler go out unsupervised.
I'm glad that you are around to take care of the little guy - please don't give him back to his irresponsible owner. There are lots of people like you out there who would take better care of him.
2007-12-17 07:21:29 · answer #7 · answered by amiamiami 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, cut it off, or at least loosen it. It's not safe for an outdoor cat to wear a collar in the first place unless it has an easy release clasp on it.
2007-12-17 07:13:48 · answer #8 · answered by Auge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think the first answer was great. You could also go to your local pet-store(s) or walmart, and see if they sell a collar similar or exactly like that one....then get a larger sized one, and put it on him. They wouldn't know the difference! And it wouldn't hurt to put your number on the tag like the first answerer said, and ask the owner to call you.. Best wishes! **SMILES!**
EDIT ** You could also take the cat in for a checkup, and give him his shots, since he probably hasn't gotten rabies or wormer yet. How old is he?
2007-12-17 07:19:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just take the collar off... If you want this cat I would say your intitled to take it unless someone claims it in the next six months.....If you capture the cat... Our city has a local newspaper that allows us to put an ad in it for free for lost animals...... Its up to you but yes thanks for removing the collar.
2007-12-17 07:18:14 · answer #10 · answered by Linda S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋