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

Cat followed us home but now wont leave

73 replies

RubixCubix · 30/12/2018 11:16

So what's the protocol for dealing with a cat that has decided our house now belongs to him? Keep trying to evict him but he gets back in, finds a cosy spot and curls up for a snooze.
Have tried to find his owners, by asking around neighbours and posting on local Facebook. I know I shouldn't feed and that someone is likely to be missing him terribly, but without being cruel, how do I get him to leave?

OP posts:
Calvinsmam · 30/12/2018 11:17

Why do you want him to leave??

thecatneuterer · 30/12/2018 11:21

It sounds as though he's lost or stray. Is he neutered? Do you have a proper cat carrier? If so, take him to any vet to be scanned for a microchip. If not, borrow one to take him.

If he isn't chipped or neutered then he is almost certainly stray and he is now yours:)

lorisparkle · 30/12/2018 11:21

Have you had him checked for a chip? Our area has a lost and found Facebook group and the administrators will come and check whether the cat has a chip or you could try a local vets. You could also put in a paper collar (see cats protection website for instructions).

lorisparkle · 30/12/2018 11:22

Sorry meant - put ‘on’ a paper collar!

jmh740 · 30/12/2018 11:29

You can't, he has chosen you. You now have a cat 😺

Jackshouse · 30/12/2018 11:34

Take him to a vets to see if he is chipped and they will be able to contact the owner

Toddlerteaplease · 30/12/2018 11:45

If he's not chipped and no one comes forward you now own a car!

Original poster
RubixCubix · 30/12/2018 11:48

jmh740 that is what I'm afraid of, DC are already acting as if he is a bonus Xmas present!

I'm not trying to get rid in a mean way, he's a lovely friendly little thing. But someone must be missing him, so I feel like I'm the evil catnapper.

OP posts:
thecatneuterer · 30/12/2018 11:49

I just want to repeat - only take him to the vets in a proper cat carrier. You wouldn't believe the number of people who think a cardboard box will be OK, and then of course they lose them on the way. Also don't buy those 'single use' cardboard carriers. While better than a box a determined cat can claw it's way out and if it has a piss then the bottom falls out of the box.

If you don't have a carrier one of your neighbours is bound to. Or you can buy one for around a tenner.

thecatneuterer · 30/12/2018 11:50

Is he neutered??

happytobemrsg · 30/12/2018 11:52

Definitely take him to a vet to be checked & see if he has a chip. If not, I'm affaid he has given you the honour of housing him Grin

BirthdayKake · 30/12/2018 11:54

Tbf we have a rescue who is very sweet and loving. So he could he an unwanted cat who was once loved :(

Original poster
RubixCubix · 30/12/2018 11:56

I have a proper carrier and will take to a vets tomorrow, if he's still around and not been claimed. Don't think the paper collar will work as he's not actually going anywhere. Once outside he just mooches around our garden waiting for the next opportunity to get back in the house.

OP posts:
MikeUniformMike · 30/12/2018 11:57

Post on your nearest facebook lost cats &pets page.

Original poster
RubixCubix · 30/12/2018 12:07

I'm saying he but actually I don't know for sure. Too much black fur and I don't like to pry! No evidence of spraying so either a fixed tom or could be a girl.

I'm pretty sure he can't be stray though as he looks well fed (but hungry and licking kitchen floor for crumbs this morning) and fur is in good condition etc. Also seems to be totally used to being in a house e.g heads straight for the comfy spots (sofas/beds), and follows people to the kitchen in hope of food.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 30/12/2018 12:45

I’m betting on lost. Hopefully he’s chipped, if you put him on fb only do a lost cat notice, no description so he doesn’t get picked up as bait for dog fighting. Any cat owner has a phone full of cat photos & one solitary photo of a child/partner.

You may as well feed him while he’s there.

HildegardCrowe · 30/12/2018 12:49

Could you contact your local animal rescue and see if they'll take cat? I would either do that or take him to the vet.

Original poster
RubixCubix · 30/12/2018 13:00

Put a FB post up yesterday and from that and speaking to neighbours he seems to have been hanging around trying to get in house for the last 2-3 weeks

OP posts:
aprilanne · 30/12/2018 13:05

cats are determined creatures four years ago our cat turned up at our door we fed him but made a bed in greenhouse because it was the summer .took him to the vet he was chipped but she was not interested anymore poor thing. sspca came out said sorry but he looks healthy so just chase him away we only take him if he is being abused .never support them again .cats protection said we will put him on our list to come to kennels .so weather turned to autumn then ginger came inside so that was that he is a lovely boy .so if no one wants your stray and you can keep him just do its amazing how they weedle there way into your heart ,

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 30/12/2018 13:07

My first cat adopted me in similar circumstances - best kind of cat Smile.
Do we get a picture?

AlpacaLypse · 30/12/2018 13:10

F just because I want to know what happens!

Fluffycloudland77 · 30/12/2018 13:12

Poor cat, it’s been frosty here recently and he must have been sleeping rough.

Next doors cat try’s to come in our house but he doesn’t try and move in.

AnnieOH1 · 30/12/2018 13:17

Our current cat and my first cat both introduced themselves in similar ways. The original cat was abandoned by her owner when he moved home, our current cat lived in our former home but with it's previous tenant. Neither owner was interested.

Take to the vet, see if you get a response but all things considered if the cat is otherwise well I think you've got a new house guest!

Original poster
RubixCubix · 30/12/2018 13:20

Never tried adding photos on MN before but just went up to put washing away in my bedroom and came across this. Thought he was out but clearly must have snuck back in again I'm blaming DC

Cat followed us home but now wont leave
OP posts:
sweetkitty · 30/12/2018 13:23

Why does this never happen to me?

Swipe left for the next trending thread