Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

The litter tray

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

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Taking in a cat

41 replies

Trinxsy · 10/02/2022 18:41

Hi everyone, I'm just looking for some advice. My neighbour has moved out and they were going to just abandon their cat if we didn't take him in.
We wouldn't let that happen and we currently have a cat sleeping in our porch where it is warm and quiet away from dog and toddler as he is understandably nervous.

I'm just not really sure what to do with it? He is 7/8 months old and really horribly skinny. It always seems to be outside so we are just letting it have some peace, quiet and warmth in the porch.

He's been fed, watered and had lots of love. DP adores him. I'm not a cat person, they make me incredibly anxious but I would hate to see this cat abandoned on the streets.

Is there anything we should learn / know about keeping a cat? I'm not sure what to do with him!

OP posts:

Original poster

Trinxsy · 10/02/2022 18:43

Sorry if none of this makes sense! I'm just a bit overwhelmed, I know very little about cats but he's a friendly little thing

OP posts:

Easterbunnyiswindowshopping · 10/02/2022 18:45

Ime he will let you know exactly what he expects from you!!
Congratulations on your new family member! . In time hopefully your dc and dcat will be firm friends.. Our dcats and ddogs also get along just fine. Dcats have claws for a reason and ddogs cotton on quickly the repercussions for not being respectful enough!

caranations · 10/02/2022 18:45

Ring your local cat rescue and they will come and collect him, so he can be rehomed somewhere suitable. Young cats are always in high demand so he won't be at a shelter for long. You haven't really got the facilities or the inclination, so do what's right for the cat and get him rehomed.

You've done the right thing so far by caring for him so far.

MissBattleaxe · 10/02/2022 18:45

The cat's owners are horrible people. If you can't offer this kitten/teen a fully rounded home ( they can't live in a porch) then consider getting in touch with Cats Protection who will ensure the cat has a safe and loving home.

Susu49 · 10/02/2022 18:48

Congratulations on your cat and enjoy your indoctrination into feline slavery!

He probably needs a check up at the vets, for vaccinations etc Make sure he's microchipped to you and up to date with flea and worm preventatives.

Introduce him slowly into the rest of the house. You could give him the chance to explore while dog is out / you're all in one room for the evening.

Baby gates are great for introducing new cats and dogs to each other. Let them get used to each other through scent and from a distance first.

There is literally loads online about this, so I won't write for ages. Feliway plug ins and sprays are also really good for calming cats.

Make sure both He and your dog have their own safe spaces where they can retreat from each other. Take your time, go slowly.

Why do cats make you anxious? It might be that you're not suited to be cat owners in the long term but equally it might be you get over your anxiety and fall in love. I've known it happen!

Fluffycloudland77 · 10/02/2022 18:48

What breed of dog is it? Poor cat sounds awfully neglected.

The cat knows what to do and they are master communicators.

Original poster

Trinxsy · 10/02/2022 18:51

Thank you for all your lovely responses. I do think calling cats protection would be best, I'm going to keep him warm and fed for the night and then call tomorrow.

He's absolutely gorgeous and so lovely, he will make someone very very happy. Unfortunately, we just don't have the time/space right now with twins on the way too.

He's definitely been neglected, it's absolutely heartbreaking.

OP posts:

Susu49 · 10/02/2022 19:03

Goodness, twins?? You will have your hands full! Sounds like you're making the right decision and I'm so pleased you took him in.

Original poster

Trinxsy · 17/02/2022 15:44

Just wanted to update and let you know we decided to keep him. Cats protection had no room and he seemed to have chosen us.

He's an absolute delight, he loves a good cuddle and eats like a champ.
He's all booked in for vets as it turns out he isn't vaccinated and they had been letting him out!!

We've kept him in and he's due to get microchipped soon so he can be returned to us if he goes on a wander (when he's allowed out of course!!)

We love him very very much and thank you for advice further up the thread.

I'm going to add a pic so you can see the handsome chap

OP posts:

Cherrypies · 17/02/2022 15:48

I think that is so good of you, wish you all a happy future together

Theunamedcat · 17/02/2022 15:49

Aww he is gorgeous 😍

Is he snipped? Don't let him out till he is

IsItTooHotInHere · 17/02/2022 15:51

He should be neutered and microchipped. It will stop him wandering/fighting/spraying urine, and of course, he'll be able to be found easier if he's chipped.

He'll need flea and worm treatments (decent stuff from a pet shop)

Never give him milk - it causes diarrhoea in many cats. Water should be available at all times.

Dry and wet food is best - mine has 4 pouches of Felix per day - at roughly the same times each day. Dry food is available 24/7. Mine has Scrumbles (Amazon).

He'll need to be kept in at night, to minimise the risk of fights/being run over.

toys - things with catnip are good.

just seen your latest post. I'm glad you're keeping him. He's a handsome boy

Original poster

Trinxsy · 17/02/2022 15:51

He isn't which was to be expected knowing the previous owner. We're going to keep him in until everything has been done and sorted (vaccinations, neuter and microchip). He seems quite content to be lazing about for the time being

OP posts:

Original poster

Trinxsy · 17/02/2022 15:53

X post. Thank you for all the advice! He's been flea'd and wormed today and thank you for the advice re: food. He eats so much!

OP posts:

LargeInCharge · 17/02/2022 15:53

You’re a lovely person and he’s lucky you and your dp saved him.

What a gorgeous cat, he looks so content.

YesItsMeIDontCare · 17/02/2022 15:54

What a lovely update!

Doesn't take long for an animal to take up residence in your heart, does it 😁

Nsky · 17/02/2022 16:04

Enjoy your beautiful cat

Susu49 · 17/02/2022 16:20

He's a lucky cat!

caringcarer · 17/02/2022 16:37

If he is skinny he has probably been under fed and is making up for lost time. Also if a cat has worms they eat more. He will need flea treatment every month but worming every second month. Cats are clever and will make you love them. Then you become enslaved by them. My 3 cats, 1 boy and 2 little girls share a tin of wet food morning and evening and crunchies available 24/7. They like cat milk too as well as water. They need an annual booster jab as well.

Fleurty · 17/02/2022 16:44

OP I always say people who aren't cat people just haven't lived with one.

I love dogs and cats, dogs are lovely to strangers and family alike whereas most cats only show their character and love to their families.

I was a dog person, but we got a cat because our lifestyle didn't suit a dog. I thought cats were boring and aloof and didn't show love before I was owned by one. Now I can't imagine a home feeling like a home without a cat in it.

Fluffycloudland77 · 17/02/2022 16:45

I did wonder if you’d keep him.

RunnerDown · 17/02/2022 16:49

He’s lovely. And he’s lucky to have found such a good home after a difficult early start.

EachandEveryone · 17/02/2022 16:57

Oh that didnt take long at all😂😂

Are you away from main roads? Once hes been done ypu might want to install a cat flap but lock it on a night? Im assuming your garden is secure with the toddler. Also a cat tree will be useful or high up places where he can get some peace. Congratulations on all your new family members💐

KirstenBlest · 17/02/2022 17:28

What have you done?

You've been tricked by a cute and cunning beast who will rule your household for the nexr 20 yrs!

KirstenBlest · 17/02/2022 17:33

What's his name?

Flip

1 2