Adopting a stray cat

[KittyMcAllister]

We have a mackerel tabby already who is 4.5 years, she's been with us since being a kitten. In the last couple of weeks or so we've noticed a black cat (looks young but not a kitten) in our garden. This cat has also been caught eating our cat's food and even sneaked into the kitchen, miaowing in a very sweet way. It seems friendly, not aggressive towards our cat when they are both in the garden and always scoffs whatever food it can get hold of. It has no collar, which makes me think it's a stray.

We've been contemplating getting another cat for a while but were going to wait till our cat was older. Has anyone any experience of adopting a cat (who seems to have adopted you)? Is it a good idea? We would obviously put posters up in the locality to check it's not been lost & take it to the vet to see if it's got a chip and what its general health is. Any advice gratefully appreciated!

[Fluffycloudland77]

I think the cats protection will give you a paper collar you can put your number on, then if its owned they can phone you.

I'd ring if my cat came home wearing one.

[thecatneuterer]

Yes it's a very good idea to adopt a poor stray cat. Yes a paper collar with a message is a good idea. Or a snap off collar with a little barrel that you can put a note in. But absolutely don't waste any time in checking that it's not an unneutered female, otherwise there will be more than one stray cat very soon!

If it is female then the vet should be able to shave a patch to see if there is a spay scar.