Page 2 | How do you recognise a stray?

MrTiddlesTheCat · 2023-08-21T07:34:22+00:00

We've had a young cat hanging around our garden, crying for a few days now. Yesterday I saw it trying to eat old, wet bird seed from under the feeders.,. It seemed so desperate that I put some biscuits out, which it wolfed down, clearly very, very hungry. So now it's moved itself in and is asleep on the swingseat with my cat. I don't want to feed someone else's pet, but I also don't want to ignore one that needs help. I've put pictures on the village's lost pets FB page, but no joy. DH has knocked on all the neighbours, but nobody recognises it. We've even scanned it but it has no chip, which is a legal requirement here. Should I continue to feed it? And I what point do I get to say I have another cat?

FormerlyPathologicallyHappy · 21/08/2023 11:00

Eating bird seed is a red flag if he’s not chipped and no one’s putting posters up I’d keep him.

Youd look for a lost loved pet.

CantThinkOfANameAtAll · 21/08/2023 11:00

MrTiddlesTheCat · 21/08/2023 09:42

We're not in the UK.

Are there similar charities where you are? If so my comment stands. If you are in the middle of nowhere and next neighbours are five to ten miles away, then it's different advice as well. Unless you are just seeking permission to adopt? In which case try not to feed too much so it has to go home to eat, or eat bird seed again. It will give you a clearer indication.

Stickytreacle · 21/08/2023 11:05

I also think you've been adopted; our first rescued stray was eating bird seed as she was pregnant and starving. No chip and no response to adverts = abandoned or stray in my book, and I get sick of people saying not to feed an obviously starving animal. Not feeding the local overweight six dinner sid is a different thing entirely, but It's surprising how many will turn a blind eye because its a cat that can supposedly fend for itself.

GeraldTheGoodMouse · 21/08/2023 11:13

Skinny, eating birdseed and ravenous suggests he's not a six dinner sid or able to sustain himself hunting. If he does have owners they're shit ones for not neutering and chipping. I'd keep him.

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 21/08/2023 12:00

He definitely looks skinnier in that photo.

If you've checked for a chip I would try a paper collar - if nothing comes back then congratulations on your new cat

Original poster

MrTiddlesTheCat · 26/08/2023 09:28

Update.

I found his owner on Facebook. He was indeed a lost cat, has been missing since the beginning of August. He's an indoor cat who escaped from his flat by jumping off the balcony. I hadn't scrolled back far enough in the missing cats FB group. So I've message the owner to let them know but haven't heard back yet. He's still here getting his feet under the table.

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Catname · 26/08/2023 09:46

That’s positive news. Hopefully they will be in touch soon.

Pudmyboy · 26/08/2023 10:12

MrTiddlesTheCat · 26/08/2023 09:28

Update.

I found his owner on Facebook. He was indeed a lost cat, has been missing since the beginning of August. He's an indoor cat who escaped from his flat by jumping off the balcony. I hadn't scrolled back far enough in the missing cats FB group. So I've message the owner to let them know but haven't heard back yet. He's still here getting his feet under the table.

Oh well done OP!
So: option 1: owner is delighted and comes for their kitty with a gift for you;
Option 2: owners don't get in touch or do and say 'that's not mine and anyway we have a new one now' in which case you have a new furry friend!

Pudmyboy · 26/08/2023 10:14

And @MrTiddlesTheCat 💐🍾for you for listening to your instincts and looking after what has now been proved to be a lost and starving kitty!

minipie · 26/08/2023 10:19

Oh well done OP, I hope his owners come for him and there’s a happy reunion.

Also hope they get him spayed in case of future escapes 🙄

TheBrightestStarInTheSky · 26/08/2023 10:23

I haven't read all posts, replies but most cats especially male ones will try their luck whether they have a loving home or not. This cat looks healthy and well fed. I have had problems in the last with well meaning neighbours feeding my own cats and it's a bloody pain in the arse. They then kind of live between two homes and if they have diet restrictions, or need daily medication or just to attend a vet appointment things become awkward. Because they aren't around and it's worrying for the owner. I would knock on a few doors l bet he has another home, his owners may be out a lot at work and he just wants company. My cats are all micro chipped but hate wearing collars.

Iamacatslave · 26/08/2023 11:03

Wonderful news.

Original poster

MrTiddlesTheCat · 26/08/2023 11:08

TheBrightestStarInTheSky · 26/08/2023 10:23

I haven't read all posts, replies but most cats especially male ones will try their luck whether they have a loving home or not. This cat looks healthy and well fed. I have had problems in the last with well meaning neighbours feeding my own cats and it's a bloody pain in the arse. They then kind of live between two homes and if they have diet restrictions, or need daily medication or just to attend a vet appointment things become awkward. Because they aren't around and it's worrying for the owner. I would knock on a few doors l bet he has another home, his owners may be out a lot at work and he just wants company. My cats are all micro chipped but hate wearing collars.

Sounds like you haven't even read my first post, let alone the update. 🤣

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Original poster

MrTiddlesTheCat · 27/08/2023 18:32

Starting to feel mightily pissed off. Got a message around 1 o'clock from the owner thanking me for messaging her, saying she was out at the moment but would be leaving soon and would come and pick him up on the way past.

It's nearly 8 o'clock and the cat is still here. It really does seem like she isn't bothered. Wish I hadn't found her now.

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FormerlyPathologicallyHappy · 27/08/2023 18:35

What will you do if she doesn’t turn up?

Original poster

MrTiddlesTheCat · 27/08/2023 18:46

Dunno. Rehome it to a friend who lives on a farm 10 miles away, who's already offered to take him. Or keep him here to annoy my cats.

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Original poster

MrTiddlesTheCat · 27/08/2023 18:50

I've kept him locked in ready for collection, but he's clammouring to get out and do cat stuff with the other cats. I'll be letting him out soon. FFS.

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FormerlyPathologicallyHappy · 27/08/2023 19:11

Could work. “Behave yourselves or moms going to adopt more cats and next time it’s a Bengal”

Beamur · 27/08/2023 21:41

Has she collected him yet?

Original poster

MrTiddlesTheCat · 27/08/2023 21:52

Nope, never turned up.

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EmmaPaella · 27/08/2023 21:59

Well done OP. What a nerve not showing up. If he is unneutered and unchipped, he isn’t being looked after very well, owned or not. He was probably desperate to get outside too (not being neutered) hence escaping.

Iamacatslave · 28/08/2023 14:14

Any news?

Original poster

MrTiddlesTheCat · 28/08/2023 17:10

She turned up around an hour ago with her boyfriend. I ended up feeling sorry for her (yes I'm that daft). She looked about 17 and seemed a bit lost herself. She kept asking me if she needed to take him to the vets. She didn't even have a cat carrier. The cat clearly loves her, he was so happy to see her.

So I hope he gets to live happily ever after back at home. I did offer to take him back if he won't go back to being an indoor cat and she needs to rehome him.

So my cats will finally get some peace and quiet.

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Green777 · 28/08/2023 17:26

Hopefully now she’ll get him neutered and chipped, she may not have the money but some vets do it for free.

Original poster

MrTiddlesTheCat · 06/09/2023 14:14

Little bugger is back!

I thought I saw him this morning in the neighbours garden but wasn't 100%.

His owner knocked this afternoon to see if he was here as he'd escaped again and he's booked in at the vet tomorrow. 5 minutes later he turns up and eats my cat's lunch.

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