Stray Cat Question

**AIT** · 01-02-2009, 06:30 PM

I was outside my house today when a strange cat wandered up to me. I've seen this cat outside my house a few times over the past few weeks, and I have no idea if it's a stray or if it belongs to someone in the neighborhood. The cat was friendly, seemed to be in good shape, and had no collar or front claws. Should I send this cat off to a shelter, or just ignore it? If it goes to a shelter, I'm guessing it'll get put down because no one will want it, or I'll just tick off the neighbor who owns it. If I ignore it, I'm guessing it's eventually going to get attacked and killed by something that does have front claws.

**CrossCyed** · 01-02-2009, 06:32 PM

Is it Gene Chizik's cat? Probably is rather confused too.

**zach** · 01-02-2009, 06:35 PM

Does it play a guitar?

Z

P.s. As far as the cat, use your moral compass!

**CyValley** · 01-02-2009, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by AIT

I was outside my house today when a strange cat wandered up to me. I've seen this cat outside my house a few times over the past few weeks, and I have no idea if it's a stray or if it belongs to someone in the neighborhood. The cat was friendly, seemed to be in good shape, and had no collar or front claws. Should I send this cat off to a shelter, or just ignore it? If it goes to a shelter, I'm guessing it'll get put down because no one will want it, or I'll just tick off the neighbor who owns it. If I ignore it, I'm guessing it's eventually going to get attacked and killed by something that does have front claws.

I'm a cat lover (I've got a big ol' Tom Cat), I wanted to get a word in before the cat haters strike.

First, some shelters will not euthanize, ever. Please seek one of those if you cannot find an owner.

Another idea, call a vet or the local office of the humane society or a pet shelter and ask for advice about how best to proceed.

Maybe you could ask a neighbor or two what they know about the cat. Perhaps one will be able to tell you the cat's story, whether or not an owner is nearby.

If the cat is clean, healthy, and friendly, he very likely is a indoor-outdoor cat, and when you see him he's on his usual tour of the neighborhood.

Perhaps someone here might have better suggestions than mine (I hope they do).

**cylen** · 01-02-2009, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by AIT

I was outside my house today when a strange cat wandered up to me. I've seen this cat outside my house a few times over the past few weeks, and I have no idea if it's a stray or if it belongs to someone in the neighborhood. The cat was friendly, seemed to be in good shape, and had no collar or front claws. Should I send this cat off to a shelter, or just ignore it? If it goes to a shelter, I'm guessing it'll get put down because no one will want it, or I'll just tick off the neighbor who owns it. If I ignore it, I'm guessing it's eventually going to get attacked and killed by something that does have front claws.

If you want to help the guy out, take him to the Animal Lifeline or the Animal Rescue League. The Lifeline is a no-kill shelter on SE 14th st.

**tim_redd** · 01-02-2009, 06:39 PM

If it looks like someone's pet, you could see if it's microchipped.

**sunset** · 01-02-2009, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by zach

Does it play a guitar?

Z

P.s. As far as the cat, use your moral compass!

That was my first thought as well. Did it walk right by with it's tail in the air?

If you don't want the cat then there are no-kill shelters that can help. Pets are a big responsibility, no sense taking one on if you don't want it.

**wartknight** · 01-02-2009, 06:49 PM

Call your local vet. If someone's missing it, they will let the vet know.

**fccy** · 01-02-2009, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by sunset

That was my first thought as well. Did it walk right by with it's tail in the air?

If you don't want the cat then there are no-kill shelters that can help. Pets are a big responsibility, no sense taking one on if you don't want it.

Nice!! My first thought after seeing the topic was Brian Setzer

The only suggestion that I would add is to not bring it in the house, feed it, etc., unless you plan on taking it to a shelter. If you take care of it, you just may have taken on a pet, whether you wanted one or not.

**sunset** · 01-02-2009, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by wartknight

Call your local vet. If someone's missing it, they will let the vet know.

Good point. When my dog went missing I went to all the local shelters, SPCA, etc looking for any notice of somebody finding him. It worked.

**joefrog** · 01-02-2009, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by fccy

The only suggestion that I would add is to not bring it in the house, feed it, etc., unless you plan on taking it to a shelter. If you take care of it, you just may have taken on a pet, whether you wanted one or not.

If you are not sure of it, and have other pets, do NOT touch it or let it touch you. Wild cats are known to carry a lot of diseases. My mom had one of her cats get sick from a stray hanging around their house. Always wash your hands a lot and wash your clothing.

If you do decide to adopt it, take it to a vet right away. They can check for micro-chips and also do a health check.

My parents also adopted a stray cat a couple years ago, and he is one of the coolest pets ever. He acts like a dog and follows my dad around the house.

**KerinKO** · 01-02-2009, 07:26 PM

I see that you are in Johnston, and I highly recommend calling Westfield Vet Hospital on NW 54th. Dr. Safris is wonderful, and I'm sure he'd be able to help you out.

**Rick** · 01-02-2009, 07:26 PM

This sounds like an indoor/outdoor cat. Check with your neighbors and see who it belongs to. My guess someone will know. If the cat is hurting anything I wouldnt be too concerned about it. I have had cats without front claws and they can take care of themselves just fine.

**superdorf** · 01-02-2009, 07:39 PM

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGg3_T_FcOQ]YouTube - Stray Cat Strut[/ame]

**PackerClone** · 01-02-2009, 11:15 PM

Just a little info as far as shelters go... the term "no-kill" shelter obviously applies to shelters that don't euthanize, places like the Animal Rescue League though do not get this designation because they do from time to time euthanize pets. This is not to say that if you bring in the stray it is automatically put up to be killed. The ARL jumps through hoops to make sure that the animal is healthy, not someone's that has been lost on accident and remains alive and happy. Euthanasia is only performed after a)a disease is discovered that can potentially spread to other animals and cannot be effectively cured, b)the animal is injured or extremely old and its quality of life is such that it is suffering quite a lot of pain or c)behavioral problems such as biting, attacking humans or other animals is exhibited that would put the general public at risk. So don't feel like you have to take an animal to a no-kill shelter just because it is in the name, they actually tend to be very selective of animals that they do adopt whereas the ARL accepts all animals, no ifs ands or buts. Your best bet if you do turn the cat in is taking it into the ARL.