Quick advice needed - neighbour's cat WWYD?

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

Ok long story.

Neighbourhood cat has been sleeping in my cat's box in the front garden for a few months. Never bothered me really. The box was only there for "emergencies" for my cat, if she'd got round the front and I was out etc. So this cat using it wasn't a massive problem. She did start waging a steady campaign to get in the house. If she did, I always put her immediately back outside.

So anyway, I tried to find out where she lived and one neighbour said she lived up the road and that everyone feeds her but basically this cat just doesn't like going back home much. Apparently it doesn't like the dog it lives with.

So I left the box there and just thought "oh well". Found the cat the other day completely soaked through in the rain so took it to the house we thought she lived in. Turns out it isn't their cat.

Went to the vets with her, got her scanned in case she was lost (just to put our minds at ease) and no she definitely does live on our road. Vet said they would call owners but that they have seen that cat before and that another neighbour has already brought it in to be scanned before!

Brought her back and released this cat onto the road again. She is currently in the box. There are gale force winds now and horrid rain. I would go out and try and door knock for this cats owners but I have a poorly son and don't want to drag him out.

I'm worried about that cat now, clearly she loves the box, but I don't want her sat out in the storm. I'm worried that if I take the box away, she'll just sleep in a doorway instead (is what she used to do before).

I need to find the owners! Would do paper collar but in this weather I don't think it would work. Also this cat doesn't seem to ever leave.

Rambling post sorry. Just what should I do? I don't want to seem to be stealing this persons cat but don't want to leave it out in the rain.

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

Bump.

[AmarettoSour]

I'm not sure what you should do, but I don't think I could leave the wee thing out in a storm I would bring her in until it clears up then keep her try and find her owner.

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

I know. My heart says bring it in for a bit, even though she will step up the wanting to live with me campaign if I do. I should probably shoo her away but I'm too much of a wuss to do that. Would feel awful.

I wish she would go home! It's just a box for goodness sake. Go home cat!

[Sparklingbrook]

I would have to bring it in but how would your cat react?

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

My cat will be a bit cross. But she sleeps upstairs during the day so probably wouldn't notice it until the evening. My DP will be home then and I could send him out to door knock for the owners.

Part of me thinks I'm just being a cat stealing weirdo though.

[Sparklingbrook]

But the vet knows where the cat lives? Is that right? Could the vet call them and get them to call you?

[roseandgrey]

I would definitely let the poor car in. Bless you for looking after her. Sounds as though she may not have a nice home to go back to

[Wolfiefan]

Surely the vet should have held the cat until contacting owners?

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

Well the vet said she would call the owners. Didn't try and hold the cat though. Was very much that it had been brought in before and just was a cat that liked being outdoors and didn't go home much. I had half expected a knock on the door last night. It wouldn't be hard to find her.

[TheLowKing]

Honestly? It's a cat, not Greyfriars' Bobby. It won't stay where it isn't comfortable.

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

Ha yes I know. I think I'm basing my reaction on how I'd be with my cat. If she goes out when it's really windy, then I give her ten minutes before I start calling her in. Also she's not allowed out after dark

[fenneltea]

I'd take her in while the weather is so bad, it sounds as if she may be chased out of her home or is at least unhappy there.

The owners may not be concerned or have even moved and not updated the details. I'd give the vet a ring back and see if they've managed to get in touch.

I'd keep her inn a separate room to your other cats to avoid confrontations for now and if no missing cat notices go up then you know it is likely she is homeless.

[TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams]

Presumably it's a weather proof box though? She's not going to take flight down the road in a cardboard box?

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

It's technically a plastic dog kennel. So not one with a door if you what what I mean. I only got it as a temporary shelter.

[TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams]

She'll be fine. Don't bring her into the house - it will just make things worse and it's a very mixed message. Pop a small blanket in there if you are feeling terrible or some cat snacks. It would be different if it were 10 degrees below but it's just a horrid windy day.

Then go and see the owners at your leisure. Say that you've been concerned enough to take the cat to the vets and they've confirmed the cats address and that it's not the first street resident to bring her in. Suggest that they may want to buy their own cat kennel if that's where the cat like to sleep [my parents one was much happier in a nice outside kennel and really restless indoors] and if everyone is still conversing in an amenable manner then it's probably worth checking if the cat is on any medication / particular diet as they seem to be always hungry.

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

Yes I think I'll offer the box to the owners when I find them. I do t think my cat would go near it now anyway tbh. And she seems to like it.

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

UPDATE. the cat is now in the house. She is walking around purring and is currently nodding off on the floor.

I tried to let her back out but she is refusing. I'm going to make my DP door knock later. He doesn't see the point as he says she has been sleeping in our box for months and they haven't ever come looking or called for her. Even the lady down the round asked me if I have a new cat as this cat hangs round so much so it's not like her owners can't have seen her in my garden.

Aaargghh wish I wasn't such a soft touch.

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

She has been walking around purring that should be.

[WitchWay]

UPDATE. the cat is now in the house

this made me laugh! She likes you

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

Well DP just got home and is refusing to door knock this evening. Fair enough, it's blowing a bloody gale. Front garden cat is in the spare bedroom. Asleep on my lap purring . My cat is downstairs with DP, a bit swishy tailed and grumbly but ok. She's on his lap and has had her body weight in Dreamies.

The house is shaking with wind. Front garden cat seems oblivious though. She is just very happy being on someone.

[dublingirl48653]

can i just say how thoughtful and kind you are

fair play to you for caring so much
hope the kitty is ok x

[99ProblemsAndTheCatIsOne]

Well the cat stayed the night very happily but is now back in the box outside I really hope DP will try door knocking tonight or I can do it tomorrow when DS is in preschool.

Ugh.