Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Neighbours seem to have left their cat behind

128 replies

LegoWalker · 04/03/2017 19:16

Our next door neighbours moved out on Thursday night.
They had two cats, mum cat and her kitten. The mum cat had the kittens less than a year ago. Most of them were sold however the neighbours decided to keep one kitten.

They did tell me that the kitten was causing problems in the house, it wasn't coping with being left for a long time during the day and it wouldn't eat the samefood as the mum cat and. It sometime scratching furniture. I did notice she seemed to be outside a lot more recently but didn't really think much of it.

So yesterday DS1 told me he thought he had seen the kitten but I said he probably hadn't and it was probably someone else's cat as the neighbours have left. However about an hour ago I could see the cat outside the neighbours house. She doesn't have her collar on though. So I tempted her into our house which is where she is now.

I have seen no sign of the mum cat so I am guessing that they have taken her and just left the kitten.

I don't really know what to do with her. She seems fine in herself but I think the neighbours have abandoned her here.

I am hoping you will have some advice on what to do with her.

OP posts:
troodiedoo · 04/03/2017 20:20

I give my cats the occasional tin of tuna in brine when I have run out of pouches. If you drain the brine and add a bit of water it'll be fine.

Jaimx86 · 04/03/2017 20:20

Can you rinse the tuna with water, then drain, and see if she'll eat it?

HemanOrSheRa · 04/03/2017 20:21

Ah Smile. Both will be fine Lego. G'wan. You know you always wanted a cat! How old is she? Pics? There are rules you know Grin.

cozietoesie · 04/03/2017 20:30

The Lodger was chucked out onto the streets when his 'owners' decamped. More fool them. Smile

Might you want to give her a home?

Original poster
LegoWalker · 04/03/2017 20:38

I don't want to post pictures untill I know what's happening with her owners as she isn't my cat.
I don't know if we'd keep her as I am operating on the assumption that she is going back to her owners for now.

OP posts:
HemanOrSheRa · 04/03/2017 20:42

Fair enough Smile. Don't blame you really. Do you know how old she is?

Original poster
LegoWalker · 04/03/2017 20:47

I think she is about 8-9 months old.

OP posts:
HemanOrSheRa · 04/03/2017 20:53

Oh Sad. A baby then. Oh dear Sad. Still, young enough to be rehomed if she can't be returned to her owner. I bet she/he isn't neutered which is why they were having problems with her/him.

Weedsnseeds1 · 04/03/2017 20:56

Doubt very much it's been neutered, as the mother clearly wasn't! Squeeze the brine our if the tuna and add a splash of water, that'll do fine for one night.

Weedsnseeds1 · 04/03/2017 20:56

Out of

cozietoesie · 04/03/2017 20:56

Yes. Losing the 'kitten cute' factor and coming into the £££.

EweAreHere · 04/03/2017 21:01

Poor little thing. Sounds like they left it behind with the house. :(

Well done to you, OP, for taking it in, even if it can only be temporary.

thecatneuterer · 04/03/2017 21:52

This happens all the time. And the sort of people who don't bother getting their cats neutered are also the sort of people who leave them behind. So don't try to contact the neighbours. But she needs neutering straight away - I mean this week really.

So if you don't want to pay for it yourself see if you can get her to a rescue. And if by any chance you are in London please let me know I and I will sort things out.

Wolfiefan · 04/03/2017 21:54

OP you sound lovely. Hoping for good news (and pics soon!!)

Original poster
LegoWalker · 04/03/2017 21:57

We aren't anywhere near London unfortunately however hopefully the vets will help out in the morning.

OP posts:
HemanOrSheRa · 04/03/2017 22:02

I found the CPL were brilliant when we took in our girl. We had a puppy who we'd just had spayed and weren't prepared for another pet! They would have paid for the whole cost but I insisted that I pay for some and they gave an amount towards costs. I had to argue with the lovely lady on the phone to let me do that Grin. Wonderful people. Don't get me started on the RSPCA Angry. The cats and dogs that we've taken because they won't do a thing Angry.

Fluffycloudland77 · 05/03/2017 08:45

I would put money on no chip and no spaying.

It's horribly cold and wet to leave a cat outside. She's a lucky puss to get taken in because if the dog fighters or cat killers got hold of her she wouldn't stand a chance.

Do you know if she has a name?.

Trustyourself2 · 05/03/2017 09:00

If they've intentionally left her behind, her mummy must be pining for her and vice versa, poor things. Those people need to be named and shamed. Do you think one of your neighbours would have a contact number for them? You've done a lovely thing taking her in.

thecatneuterer · 05/03/2017 10:14

I would not contact the original owners. They might claim her back. Then what? She'd be left to get pregnant and probably abandoned again. It's just tragic that they still have the mum cat so this is going to happen again and again.

Jenwen22 · 05/03/2017 10:25

Of course she doesnt like being left home during the day, shes a baby. Secondly she cant eat the same food as her mum because above. Scratching the furniture = normal cat behaviour. So basically these people have left a baby cat on its own for being itself and cba to put the effort in to train it. Angry youve done the right thing op from here id see if it is microchipped or ring the cat shelter if u cant look after it yourself. Horrible thing to have happened

Original poster
LegoWalker · 05/03/2017 12:08

Cat update- I have been unable to take her to the vets today because it's snowed here and i wont be able to drive there. I have called the vets and they will see her tomorrow.

We have been round the neighbours and no one has taken her in.

I have been to the local shop and bought some cat food and litter to keep her going as she has only been out twice to per and then she has come back in.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 05/03/2017 12:37

Oh they left her out in snow! It makes me so cross because indoor cats have much lighter coats than outdoor ones so they can't keep warm.

Poor cat.

HemanOrSheRa · 05/03/2017 12:38

Bless you Lego. You are very kind Smile. Sounds like she's made herself at home!

PovertyPain · 05/03/2017 12:47

Just feed her enough so she's not starving. Cats can get very gippy tums if their food is changed. You can increase her intake a little each day, until you're sure she's coping alright. If she ends up with a really bad tum, then you're going to have to stave her for @24hrs. Have you named her yet, OP? 😉

Original poster
LegoWalker · 05/03/2017 19:15

How much do you feed a cat?

OP posts: