Held hostage by small cat

[mvcatton]

I came home this evening to find a small cat on the doorstep. She followed me in and I assumed she'd want to nose around then head off. But no. Ive put her outside three times and each time she's doubled back and marched into my flat. It's really cold out so I don't want to turf her out. Equally I don't want to steal a neighbour's cat so I'm not going to feed her. I was thinking maybe I'd sleep with the back door ajar so she can wander off when she pleases? DP is thrilled to learn we'll be sleeping in Arctic conditions, poor man.
Is there a better solution?

She slept on my head all night like a jaunty hat. Ive put her outside twice now and she keeps coming back in.

Fluffycloud - I suspected that about the cardboard box, glad I didnt try it. Ill go ask around a few neighbours for a pet carrier.

If you put her on Facebook only give a brief vague description, so the dog fighters don’t claim her as bait.

All cat owners have hundreds of photos of their cat, they need to show you a picture of her.

Oh, I love storues like this. I hope it will end with a happy end for the cat - either because you find her home (and she will then occasionally visit you) or she will stay with you if she is homeless.

Pkease keep us updated

Oh my, I am jealous and want a cat to adopt me. Nothing like the snuggles of a purr monster

Update! Borrowed a cat carrier and took her to the vet, who said "you again!" She is often found wandering and people bring her in convinced she's someone's pet but she isnt microchipped.
Celia Hammond is full and I have a friend who works at a vet looking around for a foster home for her. Meanwhile I have cracked and bought food, made her a little bed and cancelled all my work for today while we sort out what to do with her.

You don’t hang about do you? Tbh I’d paper collar her and feed her. If no one rings she’s yours.

Litte wandering minx haha!

Have you got a name for her yet (helpful emoji)?

Congratulations on your new cat OP

Awww she's chosen you, clearly!

The cat I grew up with appeared one winter as a very young kitten. My parents couldn't find any owner and he stayed with us.

Can you 'keep her'? So to speak, because I think she might decide where she lives.

Enjoy your day off, I'm sure she'll keep you busy with all that playing, stroking, taking photos and preparing meals.

Wonder if i should start putting food out so a kitten can find its way to me too. My cat died in November and i have sworn never to love again, unless maybe one turns up and needs a home ❤️ how rare it would be.
You are lucky OP, keep her and love her. She needs you. 🍀

Thanks for all your help guys, I will paper collar her and think about adopting her but I'm working away from home half the week and I want to give her the best life even if it's not with me.
She has developed a taste for a velvet bedspread though.

Speak to your local Cat Protection branch if you decide not to keep her. They may be able to help you find her a home. At the moment my branch is swamped with adopters and running out of cats (great situation to be in for us, frustrating for the families desperate for a cat).

Have you looked at the local facebook lost and found pets
and sites like Petsreunited?

All cat owners have hundreds of photos of their cat

My ds (x3) complained because the screensaver on my phone isn't them, it's the cat!

True about the photos. OP appears to have several, and it isn't even her cat (yet).

Haha yes that's true. For someone who's definitely not going to adopt her I do seem to have a lot of photos of her...

How does your DP feel about having a cat OP? Would he be there when you are away?

Did the vet say how long they have been seeing the cat around for? It's important because it can establish whether or not she is neutered. If it's been going on for years and she's never been pregnant then we can assume she is neutered. If it's only a few months/weeks then it's anyone's guess.

Celia Hammonds may be full (everywhere always is) but they could check she's spayed for you, for free. I can make the arrangements direct if that's easier (pm me).

Have you invested in a bowl and litter tray yet?
Don't bother getting a cat bed but you will need a scratching post.

Oh my goodness, what an update. She had better stay with you FOREVER, and not leave you in a few days for pastures new, like a feline Littlest Hobo.

Watcher My husband complained he’s not my screensaver. I’m his screensaver. Damn right too.

“how does your dp feel about having a cat?” I’m doing this whole marriage thing wrong aren’t I?. I nearly bought a kitten home before Christmas.

The reason I asked how the OP’s DP feels about the cat is because usually on here the male of the family starts out saying “over my dead body do we get a cat” and ends up the one talking baby talk to it while he lightly sautés fresh chicken at 6am because the cat seemed peckish when it woke him up.