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Original poster

I can't look at my cat :(

240 replies

catburglar · 13/01/2020 17:20

My pet cat disappeared on Thursday. I've a microchip catflap for him and his sister so they're always coming and going. He arrived back on Saturday and he'd been neutered and ear tipped. I'm really upset. I don't know how I can cope with seeing him looking like that for the next 20 years. I don't know who did it or why. I feel like I'm being really shallow but I feel like he's been mutilated. He's perfectly happy himself at least.

OP posts:
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8
PityParty4one · 13/01/2020 17:32

OP Somebody has done what you yourself are doing which is neutering unneutered cats. Why is it bothering you?

Noshowlomo · 13/01/2020 17:32

Yeah someone thought he was a stray... probably because he was an unneutered Tom, as most responsible owners get them neutered. You should be grateful for the money you’ve saved.

Soubriquet · 13/01/2020 17:34

What bothers you more?

The fact he’s been neutered or the fact he was ear tipped?

Frankly, I would be relieved he was home safe and sound. And I’m shocked you would let him outdoor without being neutered first

IncrediblySadToo · 13/01/2020 17:34

Ear tipping is horrible.

Have they chopped much off?

This is all on you though. You should have had them both ‘sorted’ and chipped yourself.

Zofloramummy · 13/01/2020 17:34

How many cats have you got? I’ve got 3 and had 2 neutered when they were old enough, the 3rd I had to wait until after her first season as she was prem and too small. I sucked up the cost as I chose to have them and they needed to be done.

You are lucky you got him back, round here he’d be in cats protection waiting for a new owner.

gamerchick · 13/01/2020 17:35

OP for someone who does this to cats you sound extremely naive about them.

Original poster
catburglar · 13/01/2020 17:35

OK, I see what you are saying. I'm so sad to see him cut like that. I'll have to accept it's largely my fault.

But we've been overrun with stray cats here and I've had no help with them and then someone interferes and catches one of the only two tame cats ffs. He's very young as well. He hasn't been terrorising the neighbourhood for a long time

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2020BetterBeBetter · 13/01/2020 17:36

It won't be kitten season for several months.

Where are you? In the UK the season starts in March and any sensible owner wouldn’t be taking the risk from at least February. We are now half way through January.

Soubriquet · 13/01/2020 17:36

He still probably got a few females pregnant anyway. So you’ve contributed to the stray cat population

dementedpixie · 13/01/2020 17:38

He should have been kept indoors until neutered. Cat pregnancy can happen at any time of year

Original poster
catburglar · 13/01/2020 17:40

I wanted to get it done before Christmas but I was short of money. I have an arrangement with the local cat rescue to cover the cost of the feral cats so I was getting them done until I had money to neuter my own. I was literally going to bring him in this week for a check up and the op

OP posts:
Scarsthelot · 13/01/2020 17:41

How do you know they are all strays.

Some people still sont micro chip their cats. Ita entirely possible you have domr the same to someone elses cat.

Why would they ear tip him?

Soubriquet · 13/01/2020 17:41

Well...on the bright side...it’s saved you a few quid?

Scarsthelot · 13/01/2020 17:42

You werent going g to literally take him for a check and the OP.

You need to book the appointment.

poppym12 · 13/01/2020 17:42

Would you feel similarly unable to cope with looking at him like that if he'd got into a fight and had his ear torn, or even worse injury?

2020BetterBeBetter · 13/01/2020 17:43

I wanted to get it done before Christmas but I was short of money. I have an arrangement with the local cat rescue to cover the cost of the feral cats so I was getting them done until I had money to neuter my own. I was literally going to bring him in this week for a check up and the op.

None of this is the issue though; it’s because you let him out. It’s a shame about his ear but in some places, he wouldn’t have been neutered and released after capture so really it’s great that he is back with you. With lots of unneutered feral cats around he might well have ended up in a fight and lost the tip of his ear that way anyway.

Haffdonga · 13/01/2020 17:44

But we've been overrun with stray cats here

You do know it's un-neutered toms like your lovely friendly cat who are making all those stray kittens don't you?

Just because he's tame and has a glossy coat doesn't mean he won't be out their shagging like a Duracell bunny every time he hops out of your expensive electronic catflap. Hmm

Someone has done you, your cat and the local neighbourhood a very kind and generous favour.

Trewser · 13/01/2020 17:44

I'd be delighted to have saved the cash!

slipperywhensparticus · 13/01/2020 17:47

My cat is missing his tip he did it in a fight with his brother

Cats should be neutered before going outside imho

Original poster
catburglar · 13/01/2020 17:47

Sobriquet, yes, I suppose its saved me money but that wasn't exactly my priority. I spend plenty on grain free food and vet bills. Right now I'm really sad that his ear is cut.

Scarsthelot, I'm familiar with all the local cats, who their parents are and where they sleep so I know whether they are pets or not. And my vet scans them before he neuters them

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Chemenger · 13/01/2020 17:49

There is no kitten season. Our small rescue “only” has 10 kittens right now.

slipperywhensparticus · 13/01/2020 17:51

Well if yours is chipped why didnt the vet notice?

Scarsthelot · 13/01/2020 17:53

You ca not possible know every local cat and its parents.

Your cat was probably scanned, the chip didnt get picked up.

And lots of people still dont microchip. Yes they should, but they dont.

Its very hypocritical to let an unneutered cat out while getting strays done.

EllenRipley · 13/01/2020 17:54

I think I've rtft but I am confused and slightly suspicious. You're upset and annoyed - actually can barely look at your pet - because someone has had this outdoor, kitten-making tom cat neutered. And coincidentally, you are the local cat-catcher who arranges the same thing for 'strays' and ferals. And oh, later on in the thread when you're taken to task, actually you had an appointment to get said cat neutered anyway?

EH?? 🤔

Original poster
catburglar · 13/01/2020 17:56

To those that asked me how I'd feel if he got his ear ripped off in a fight... That's a good point. I would feel guilty for letting him out and I wouldn't be repelled by the scar. I think I associate the ear tipping with unwanted cats who cause trouble and this little guy is adorable. It's just something I'm going to have to get used to

I'm in touch with my vet every week so the neutering appointment is irrelevant. We would have agreed a mutually suitable date

Haffdonga, you made me smile at least, so thanks. And now I do feel remiss about not getting him sorted earlier

OP posts: