Stray Cat

[EnlightenedOwl]

For some weeks a stray has been hanging around. Neighbours have been feeding him. However the last few nights he has been sleeping in my garden.
Finally gave in and gave him some dinner. He is now asleep on a chair in the house.
Luckily my cat seems to be tolerating him
Stray Cat is a tom cat, unneutered very friendly but I don't know what to do. i've left messages with the pet shop local catteries and vets pet found websites facebook etc.

I guess I should as a starter get him checked for a chip shouldn't I? he has no collar.

I reckon so. Most vets will do that for free for you.

I'd bet my house that he doesn't have a chip. An owner who hasn't bothered to have their pet neutered generally won't be the chipping type either.

Unneutered toms can travel many miles following the scent of a female in heat, and they then end up getting lost (or run over). That is why the majority of stray cats are unneutered toms. Your chances of finding an owner are miniscule. He is likely to be many, many miles from home.

If you can afford it I would book him in to be castrated (and of course ask them to check for a chip at the same time). If you can't afford it enquire with the CPL or the RSPCA to see if you can get vouchers from them. Or, if you're in London, go to the Celia Hammond Animal Trust.

Then enjoy your new pet:)

I am trying not to like him. I have a cat already as I said and really didn't want another one. But he is a lovely chap. He's drank a lot of water but I don't think he has had much access to it as its been dry here recently so no puddles to drink from. He's quite dirty but when he has yawned (!) his mouth looks pink and clean with white teeth. Seems a little nervous and wants to just eat and sleep and have a bit of fuss. His eyes are clear no discharge and cannot see evidence of fleas although will get some product as soon as possible. I'll get him a nurse's appt at the vet - hope he lets me box him up! - and we can scan him and get an age approximation going forward.

......I am trying not to like him. I have a cat already as I said and really didn't want another one. But he is a lovely chap......

Sound as if you've been chosen. Has he been given a name yet? (Even if only inside your head.)

Be careful if anyone rings about him because you wouldn't want anyone with evil intent getting him.

My local vets is doing a 30% off neutering promotion, there might be one near you doing one.

sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/522606_546895588678402_1436028597_n.jpg

I love that.

No one is claiming him unless they have photos to prove he is theirs. Or even better we find a chip with owners details on.
If he stays is a Samson - Samson the Church Cat. He is the spit of him

www.amazon.co.uk/The-Church-Mouse-Graham-Oakley/dp/1840115661

however at the moment he is It.

Ah - so you've mentally named him.

Chippings usually done at neutering, so I would think TCN is right about the no chip.

He will need a course of vaccinations too, the vets I've visited recently are doing schemes that give discounts for neutering, jabs & flea control. It's worth it for a new cat.

Yes I'd forgotten about vaccs. Mine is vaccinated and on a yearly booster so its just maintenance with him - I'd forgotten what its like when you start again with one - chipping, neutering, vaccinating...insurance....

I never get a stray cat.

But then you get a special buddy to live with you. It's worth it.

Aw I think 2014 might be your year, Sparkling. Just relax into it.

It's that big grey furry lump's fault cozie.

Sparkling- where do you live, I could provide you with a stray cat or three

pink. DH and Sparkling Cat-they say no.

The trouble is that it has to not only be genuinely stray (a real Dudley) but also approved by SparklingCat, pink. Therein lies the problem.

It's tricky cozie. SC hates all other cats basically. Except for the male tabby over the road. The flirting is quite nauseating.
But weirdly the foxes that come for supper every night-they are ok.

Do keep us updated enlightened! But I think you may have a found yourself with a new lodger

The dh you can get round but cats are implacable.

I'd like a second cat. A black one called Georgie.

One of ours hated all cats apart from the ginger Tom. She loved him but hated her mum.

YY enlightened we will need a picture obvs.

here he is.

Ooh he's all cobby & gorgeous.

Oh he looks so contented! What a handsome chappy.

if he does belong to someone would hope I can get him back to them. This afternoon I've put him on the missing pets register, and the local petshop have retweeted my tweet about him. He is also on mumsnet local.