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Original poster

Possible stray?

16 replies

kirinm · 15/08/2023 15:10

A lovely looking black cat with a collar has frequented our garden for several years. He looked healthy but would be in the garden literally 12+ hours a day. We offered him food but he didn't accept it so we assumed he was owned and left him to it.

Last year we were concerned again because he literally wasn't moving at all but again, didn't take food and still had a collar.

Roll on to this year, he is now coming up to our back door and as it's been open when it's been warm, he's been eating our cats food. He's definitely not looking great now though. His collar is now really frayed and I don't think it would be on if he was being looked after - think someone would've changed it, he also has a bit of one ear off. I can't work out if thats a consequence of a fight or not but I hadn't noticed that before

Today and for the first time, he's come in and been ravenous. I gave him some cat biscuits which he's eaten but then he started to have a wander around. He let me stroke him and since I stroked him, he has become super soppy and was sitting next to me as I work.

Basically I don't know if he's a stray or a friendly cat who has an owner and is trying it on. The change of behaviour and his snipped ear is what makes me think he could be a stray but I'm also thinking his friendliness means he's probably owned

I can't get hold of any rescue centres. Does anyone have a clue about what I should do (and any idea how to work out if he's a stray or not).

OP posts:
Poorlilthing · 15/08/2023 15:13

vet to check if microchipped

Busubaba · 15/08/2023 15:23

There are usually volunteers with scanners in your local area if you can't get cat to the vet. Search on Facebook or ask your nearest Cats protection league.

Pickledpigeon · 15/08/2023 15:28

Paper collar, post in local Facebook to see if anyone knows him, then get someone out to scan for chip you can usually enlist someone from a local lost and found pets group on fb , or take to your local vets, former probably less stressful for the cat.

He maybe had an owner that has left him behind, or died that is why he’s friendly.

Original poster
kirinm · 15/08/2023 15:44

Have tried local Facebook group which is normally very good with cats etc.

I'll try the collar also.

Added picture because he's cute

Possible stray?
OP posts:
cinnamonfrenchtoast · 15/08/2023 18:42

I mean, he doesn't look badly cared for in that picture.

I would get him scanned before doing anything else.

Poorlilthing · 15/08/2023 19:25

Any reason why you don’t take to veg to see if microchipped?

Poorlilthing · 15/08/2023 19:25

Vet

Original poster
kirinm · 15/08/2023 19:36

Poorlilthing · 15/08/2023 19:25

Any reason why you don’t take to veg to see if microchipped?

No. I will take him to the vet but unfortunately I have a job and child I need to work around, don't have a cat basket to hand and don't really want to lock the cat in my house until it is a convenient time to drive to the vets.

I am curious about the ear though because I'd read that rescue centres often trap, neuter and release and mark the tip of a cats ear to show they've been neutered.

OP posts:
Original poster
kirinm · 15/08/2023 19:37

I've also called my vet. The logistics of getting to the vet are not as straightforward and ideally someone coming to me would be much easier hence contacting rescue centres.

OP posts:
Busubaba · 15/08/2023 19:40

You shouldn't have to take to the vet as that could be distressing for the cat and difficult foe you if you don't have time, transport or the cat might not want to be picked up and could struggle and scratch or bite you.

There should be someone in your area who can come out and scan the cat with a portable scanner.

The Cats protection league should have a contact for you.

That's a sweet little cat!

Original poster
kirinm · 15/08/2023 19:52

Busubaba · 15/08/2023 19:40

You shouldn't have to take to the vet as that could be distressing for the cat and difficult foe you if you don't have time, transport or the cat might not want to be picked up and could struggle and scratch or bite you.

There should be someone in your area who can come out and scan the cat with a portable scanner.

The Cats protection league should have a contact for you.

That's a sweet little cat!

It's very cute. I have contacted our local cats protection person to see if she can scan him - I actually tried to contact them about a week ago but have tried calling and messages again today.

I'm a bit nervous about picking it up and trying to trap it. Hard enough getting my own cat into a cage and I know her temperament.

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 15/08/2023 20:01

Try a smaller local rescue. I found them far more helpful than CP.

Original poster
kirinm · 01/09/2023 16:19

Just an update on this. It took a long time but we did manage to get the cat scanned. She had been missing for three years! And she's now been reunited with her owners.

OP posts:
LadyNellCardross · 01/09/2023 16:29

That's amazing OP. Well done you for helping her. I bet her owners are ecstatic to get her back. ⭐

FormerlyPathologicallyHappy · 01/09/2023 18:05

That’s wonderful news, her owners must’ve given up Hope ages ago.

shoeawsome · 05/09/2023 09:55

What a lovely story! Thank you for looking after this cat OP

💐

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