Held hostage by small cat

[mvcatton]

I came home this evening to find a small cat on the doorstep. She followed me in and I assumed she'd want to nose around then head off. But no. Ive put her outside three times and each time she's doubled back and marched into my flat. It's really cold out so I don't want to turf her out. Equally I don't want to steal a neighbour's cat so I'm not going to feed her. I was thinking maybe I'd sleep with the back door ajar so she can wander off when she pleases? DP is thrilled to learn we'll be sleeping in Arctic conditions, poor man.
Is there a better solution?

[Harebellmeadow]

Let her out tomorrow. No point leaving the door open, she wont go out. Leave an old rag on the floor of you dont have a litter box. Food and water in this weather. Don’t turf her out, you dont know whether she has anywhere to go. Always dreamt of a kitten finding its way to me :) ❤️

[RickOShay]

Completely agree with Harebell.
Give her bed and board for the night, deal with reality in the morning.
You have been chosen

[Girliefriendlikesflowers]

Is it a small cat or a kitten? Picture? 😉

I would feed as she/he may be lost, then take to a vet tomorrow to check for a microchip. Could also post on local fb pages to see if anyone has lost a cat, I think you're meant to be fairly non specific so that you can prove ownership if someone does claim the cat.

[TheSpottedZebra]

Have you not been on this board before? You have to post a picture (of cat, obvs).
HAVE TO.

[Harebellmeadow]

Yes we need a picture of this dastardly fiend!

[Theworldisfullofgs]

Picture please!

[wigglypiggly]

Give her some food but not milk. Make a litter tray out of some old papers and a box, cut up one of dh old jumpers to make a snuggle bed, see what happens in the morning, knock on doors, go to vet to see if shes chipped, stay awake all night worrying about her and post a photo.

[Sparklingbrook]

Why does this never happen to me?

[mvcatton]

I am so sorry, of course I owe you a photo. It's like I was dragged up by wolves. She's nodded off, exhausted from a 10 minute tussle with DP for his pizza. He won but barely.
OK, rag by the back door, I've put down water but I'm veggy so scouring the shelves for something she'd like to eat. If I have NOTICE I can cater for guests but she's clearly a spontaneous woman.

[mvcatton]

wigglypiggly - hunting through his jumpers now. He is having the worst evening but me and her are having a ball.

[Singlenotsingle]

She's adopted you ❤️. Better go buy some cat food tomorrow!

[wigglypiggly]

She has moved in already, do you have tinned fish, scrambled egg.

[FadedRed]

She looks in good condition. Our cats used to like cheese. Not sure if they should have it, but better than nothing?

[Urwotu8t]

Try cheese and marmite, our furry controller finds that acceptable.

[Longdistance]

I’d love a kitty to just turn up on my doorstep.

[Lindy2]

She looks fit and healthy (and very cosy).
I would keep her in tonight as it's so cold but if she is not a stray she needs to find her home. You could make her a paper collar with you phone number on asking for the owner to contact you. That way hopefully you'll find out where she lives and you'll know she found her home again. If she comes back to you still wearing the collar and no one phoning then she needs to be checked for a chip.

[mvcatton]

Thanks guys, she lapped up the water so I'll put down some cheese. It used to give my old cat acne (?) but better than nothing. She's gone to the back door three times, three times I've opened it and said my polite goodbyes, but she's not interested.

[TheSpottedZebra]

Aww, she's so relaxed.

[mvcatton]

And Lindy2 that is ingenious, thank you.

[mvcatton]

TheSpottedZebra We were watching GBBO S4 but I guess she'd already seen it. No interest.

[MrsBertBibby]

Awww.

Are you on any local Facebook groups? The lost and found cat network are usually there.

[mvcatton]

MrsBertBibby Ive posted on both my local forums but I'll find the FB groups too, good idea!

[thegrinningfox]

Oohh. She may have decided thay one home wasn’t enough and wandered about to find a pied-a-terre where to spend some cosy evenings. My beloved old boy made himself quite at home with a neighbour when he wanted some one to one and peace and quiet.

[MrsCatE]

I know you said vegetarian but any chance pesceterian and have tinned oily fish? Sardines in tomato sauce is better than cheese, cats are usually lactose intolerant. Scramble an egg in a cup in the microwave?

[Fluffycloudland77]

She looks in good condition. Possibly lost? If you know anyone with a pet carrier the vets will scan her for free.

Cardboard boxes are too dangerous to carry cats in.