Stray cat

[ApocalypseNowt]

A stray tom cat has been hanging around our street for around 5 or 6 months now. He was very shy at first. He'd sneak into our house to steal food but if he heard us coming downstairs he'd sprint outside. Recently he seems to have got more used to us (let's us fuss him, etc) and we took him to a local vet.

They did find a microchip but the phone number on file is no longer in use. They said they would write a letter to the address on file. Does anyone know what happens if there is no response to the letter?

We've tried lots of local 'lost pets' groups and local community groups on FB, put a paper collar on him, etc so have done all I can think of to find his owner.

We'd be happy to have him (and would get him neutered asap) but what happens about the chip? Are we allowed to change it to our details if the owner can't be tracked down?

Yes, you can change it. You just need to find out which company it is and complete a change of keeper fork.

Well done for getting the stray to like you, it's a very hard task! I'm just managing to get 2 strays to trust me after 2 years living here!!
Not sure about the chip but fingers crossed you can get it sorted and give him the proper love he needs 🤞🏻😻

Is the cat still at the vets? Did you let them know you will happily take him if they can’t locate the owners? It sounds like you have done as much as possible to locate an owner.

You do know you have to post a photo of him if you get to keep him?

The chip company write to the address they have on file, if they don't get a reply in a set period (a few month IIRC) then they will change the details to yours for a fee.

In the meantime just look after him as though he was yours!

Yes, we told the vets we'd be happy to have him. Obviously we don't know his name so have just been calling him 'Handsome Cat'.

I'd be sad if he doesn't get to stay and am a bit judgey about people not neutering cats so I guess it's just fingers crossed for the moment and making him happy while he stays with us.

Here he is looking every inch the tough street cat.

V v handsome 🐈

He is lovely. I do hope you get to keep him.

He is a handsome cat!
Let us know the outcome. I hope he gets to stay.

Hey OP,
What a lovely kind thing you have done. His face says he is so happy to have found you. I hope you get to keep him and share your attitude to the irresponsible people who fail to neuter their pets.

No word from the vets yet so we're (cautiously) taking this as a promising sign.

I'm going to call the vets later this week and ask how long we need to wait.

Where is he now?.

Well he looks very much at home on your settee so I’d say he’s yours and yes he’s very handsome .

Love the boudoir shots! Is he yours now?

He's here having cuddles

Unless the owner can be traced we'll arrange getting the details on his chip changed then get him booked in for a proper checkup & get him neutered.

😻😻😻😻

He's found his people. Lovely boy.

Aww! He's divine OP!

Owner could be deceased or something. I'm so glad he's found you, I hope you get to keep him.

He is so handsome!
What a lovely thread! So glad you're getting to keep him, he looks very happy! ❤️

He's a lovely looking cat. Please let us know the outcome.

Any news @ApocalypseNowt ?

Yes we have news! DH phoned the vets yesterday and they haven't had any response to their letter so they were happy for us to get the details switched over.
Phoned pet logs & got the details changed so he is officially our cat! I may have cried a few happy tears at this because I am a wet blanket.

We found out it is his 6th birthday in about a week so will organise a little party for him (i.e. my DC singing happy birthday at his confused face + dreamies).

Say hello to Billy Bob Thornton, the Handsome Cat 🐈

Ah, brilliant news ❤️😍

Excellent news! 😻

I’m so pleased for you! He’s done incredibly well to get to six with balls, toms don usually live that long intact.

Aw!

My first cat was a stray who adopted me. It's a lovely feeling to know they've chosen you. He looks such a very happy cat.