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The litter tray

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

Original poster

‘Stray cat’ advice

167 replies

Whatthechicken · 28/11/2020 15:48

In inverted commas because she is in really good nick if she is a stray.

We moved into our house about 18 months ago. We have nearly an acre and i’ve seem a cat around the whole time we’ve been here. Cat has been happy to sit at a distance from me but always quite aloof and has never come close or shown any interest - I assumed it was a neighbours cat (about 200/300 metres away).

Last night cat started acting really needy, came to me for the first time, rolling around on the floor and loved a bit of fuss. The cat seemed like it wanted to come in the house (It didn’t) and would not leave. Cat is back again today miaowing and wanting fuss. I called the neighbours because of the sudden change in it’s behaviour and they thought it was ours. Apparently they see it in their field hunting rabbits. No other near neighbours.

I put out a call on the local FB groups with a pic and another person in the village about 1/2 a mile away said it visits them but no one else recognised the cat. It must have a roaming distance of at least 1/2 square mile. I’ve left the garage door open and put a bed in there for shelter but I’m not sure what to do. My worst worry is that it’s pregnant and that’s the reason for it’s change in behaviour...but I know nothing really.

I don’t think I will be able to catch it, it likes cuddles but is quick on it’s feet.

If it is a stray, it’s lasted this long in the wilds of Yorkshire so maybe I shouldn’t interfere?? If I was to call RSPCA I think they’d call me daft as it’s in such good condition. Any advice?

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Thread gallery
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Fluffycloudland77 · 14/01/2021 18:51

She looks very grateful doesn’t she! Is she eating?.

Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 18:54

She’s shown interest, but not eaten yet in the house. She is quite plump, I think that’s because I have always had food on tap for her. The last few nights she has been coming to me for cuddles more and more...I think she’s realised it’s just too cold now.

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Fluffycloudland77 · 14/01/2021 19:18

At least she’s warm tonight. What will you do in the morning?.

Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 20:40

Not sure, I think I will keep her in until she’s happy to wander about at least (unless she is very distressed). She seems pretty settled tonight and although she’s staying tucked away, she’s purring really loudly when stroked. I’m in the extension with her away from the other animals. I think we will both get a good nights sleep tonight!

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Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 21:23

Bella has found the bed I bought her!! Comfy night for Bella!

‘Stray cat’ advice
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Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 21:26

And she’s padding her paws and purring!

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EachandEveryone · 14/01/2021 21:27

Aw. Have you got a litter tray?

Fluffycloudland77 · 14/01/2021 21:31

Phew! I’d keep her in tomorrow.

Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 21:37

Yes (I think she’s already had a wee), litter tray, water, food, bed, cat toys. Everything a long time stray may need. Although she looks in rude health, it was -4 the other night! I checked on her throughout the night, I was so worried. We lost an old cat last year and we are about to lose another (it’s not long now unfortunately) so we have lots of cat stuff. She can’t go in the main house until then because I don’t want to stress out the old cat. But she can live in the office/cinema room extension until then...I do intend to let her out again once she feels safe enough to come back for shelter and (if possible) has been to the vets.

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TodgerStrunk · 14/01/2021 21:45

She's landed on her feet there Grin

Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 21:59

@TodgerStrunk I think she knew. Way back at the end of November when she suckered me in with all her rolling and mewing...she knew she needed an exit strategy from the life she was leading (hunting rabbits) and spotted me (a sucker) a mile off! I have done all of the social media notices etc. Farm shop next door said she has hung around for about 7 years and they encouraged her (I guess they mean fed her) because she was such a good hunter; the other stories have been that she had kittens in someone’s stable about quarter of a mile up the road and they managed to catch and rehome them, but not mum. If she is the same cat...it must be quite nice not to have to worry for the night and stay warm...I bet she has a good sleep!

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Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 22:00

As has always been my relationship with Bella...we will take one day at a time.

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Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 22:04

She looks very content in her new bed!

‘Stray cat’ advice
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Fluffycloudland77 · 14/01/2021 22:09

7 is approaching middle aged isn’t it so it’s no wonder she’s looking for a retirement plan.

I’m sorry your other cat is poorly.

Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 22:21

Thank you @Fluffycloudland77. I hate it when they get to this time in life. It’s such a hard decision as to whether to let them go at home or take them for the final vet trip. She doesn’t seem to be in pain, so for now she is curled up in the kitchen on her bed (next to the aga), really hoping the decision is taken out of our hands to be honest. I worry that if we take her to the vets it will cause her more stress in her final
moments. Bloody animals...wouldn’t be without them (I like them more than most people I think), but I just worry so much about them. I have some rescued chickens too...and Barbara caused me no end of worry as she had a prolapsed vent when she first got here...she spent 3 weeks in the office too (and a whole tonne of money)!

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Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 22:36

My husband was ‘thrilled’ to have a chicken with her arse hanging out joining his zoom calls, pecking his feet and shitting without fear or favour! (Touch wood) Barbara is fine now and back with her flock (all 4 in total).

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Fluffycloudland77 · 14/01/2021 22:42

Well it’s a talking point if nothing else. He’ll be remembered.

TheLongRider · 14/01/2021 22:46

Is there any possibility that she's currently pregnant? Well done on getting her inside and I hope she sees sense and stays put.

Original poster
Whatthechicken · 14/01/2021 23:05

@TheLongRider I don’t know much about cat pregnancy and seasons etc. But that was one of my fears. Because of the history people have told me and because of how her behaviour towards me changed...she was so nonchalant and aloof for 18 months and then all of a sudden came for fuss and rolled around. And she had got quite chunky. So yes a possibility I think. She has stuck around for 5 weeks now at least...so if she is, it wouldn’t be long. It also crossed my mind that maybe she’d already had her litter...so I’ve searched up and down the garden as best I could (it is an acre though - sounds grand, but I feel like a Dingle at the moment!). She’s not desperate to get out though and for the last 2 weeks has not appeared to leave the space between her straw box and the garage (where her food is) and I’ve not heard a mew or seen anything. Hopefully, I can get her to vets ASAP.

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TheLongRider · 14/01/2021 23:10

Eek! Best of luck. You've done the right thing for her no matter what happens. Also I hope your other cat has a peaceful passing if things go that way.

SirVixofVixHall · 14/01/2021 23:12

What a great update ! Well done OP.

Fifilafrog · 15/01/2021 00:24

Stumbled across this thread and have to know how things progress! Bless you for taking care of you menagerie, I think maybe I like animals more than people too!

MoominKitty · 15/01/2021 01:02

What a lovely thread! So glad she decided to own you, we were claimed by a torti stray 3 year's ago now, and shes a contented house cat now. If she's already littered her nips will be bald and easily seen dispite thick belly fur, but our cats usually littered end of Jan beginning of Feb if they had a winter litter if that helps at all, next season is March round here, all ours are fixed but neighbours arnt so hear the call of the wild, that seasons kittens usually come April May so you want her done before then as she'll drive you bonkers lol.

CatChant · 15/01/2021 01:10

Lucky, lovely aptly-named Bella. Torties are adorable and you sound like the perfect cat slave owner, OP.

Original poster
Whatthechicken · 15/01/2021 08:29

Thank you @MoominKitty that is really useful info...I can’t see her nipples so that puts my mind to rest on any kittens out there in the wild on their own. If she’s staying, she is definitely getting fixed!! This morning she’s got up and had a cuddle, eaten some food and gone back to her bed. She’s quiet...but it all must be very strange for her. She is usually quite playful I think, a few days ago she was hiding behind trees and leaping out at me!

Just checked the garage and the little bit of food remaining in there has gone...I’m thinking it may be hedgehogs, so I’m going to set up the camera tonight and find out.

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