'Stray' cat etiquette?

[OrmIrian]

We have a tortoiseshell cat in our garden atm. It looks well fed but is very hungry and very nervous of us. It is wary of our cat Lola but not too wary to try and nick her food. I would like to give it some food and perhaps let it in when it's wet assuming that Lola will accept it.

How do we know that it's not someone else's pet? How do we avoid upsetting someone.

If you really think it is a stray, check for a collar and if not collar, take it to the vet to check for a microchip. Boring, I know, but that is what you should do.

If it looks well fed and healthy then I doubt it's a stray. I would just leave it unless you are concerned about its health. You could always put up posters or something saying 'is this your cat?' if you wanted to find out for sure.

Good idea about the posters. I can't get hold of it trillian to take it to the vet. It won't come near us But we will have to try I think. We had our girl microchipped and I'd hope it's what anyone would do with her.

It is very hard to keep a collar on a cat, so that's not always a good indicator, but hopefully there will be a chip.

How long has she been in your garden for? Posters is a good idea in case she belongs to someone local. You could also just try word of mouth, try to mention to anyone you see in the surrounding streets that you've found acat and ask if anyone is missing one and if they'll pass the message around.

Lots of cats have two homes. One day a few years ago my mam had a knock on the door and it was the old lady who lived out the back of her dropping off Mr Jenkins bed and toys as she was going into a home and couldnt look after him anymore. Mr Jenkins was infact my parents cat tups who had been living a double life for the past 5 years!!

Been through this very recently - did manage to take it to the vet - but alas no chip - if it is hungry it maybe possible to attract into a hallway to catch. Also ring your local vets and leave details they have lists of missing cats and also the Cat Protection league and RSPCA also keep local lists.

My cat had 2 homes and subsequently had to go to the vet (which I had to pay for) and go on a diet because he had been eating too much.