Stray Cat

JCS1

We have a what appears to be a stray cat lurking around the farmyard lately, which I have been feeding for the last few days.

Not sure if she is wild , or scared, or both, but have only seen glances of her so far! But I am just happy that she has found herself somewhere where she will be fed, and she has plenty of barns and cowsheds outside for warmth.

Current cat is very much a house cat (he was dumped in the farmyard when he was very small, just able to lap milk himself and suspect his fear of going outside is due to that, luckily my old cat mothered him). So no real issues from him as I can't see the stray wanting to come anywhere near coming inside for a long while.

Need to phone local cats home soon, just to make sure no one is missing her.

Anything else I need to do? Apart from be patient and stock up on the cat food

And of course will take photos if I can ever get close to her! She is a tortieshell

rising_from_the_ashes

If she'll let you get close enough (!) then you could try to catch her & take her to the vets to see if she's chipped

Also, a dose of flea / worming treatments probably wouldn't go amiss!

A box put into one of the sheds with an old blanket (or similar) in for her to sleep in would probably be much appreciated!!

rising_from_the_ashes

Ahhhh just noticed she's a tortie!

Good luck!

Sorry ... joking (I have one!) - they are adorable but differant from other cats I've owned - much more independent (but loves cuddles and very affectionate when she wants them!)

It may take her a while to trust you so I'd maybe put word round the local vets / shelter in case anyone is missing her ...

JCS1

Thanks, hadn't thought of letting the vets know as well as the cat shelter. She has a box with straw in at the moment, will swap for an old jumper later.

Suspect it might take a long time to get close to her, but she can certainly run and jump quickly!

Was going to get the vet to give her a once over if we ever get close enough to her. One of the benefits of being on a farm is that you can often get pets looked at whilst they are visiting a cow or something so can get a few small favours off them (especially considering how much the monthly vet bill is :eek:). Would also save trying to get her into a cat box......

If no one claims her, look like I have gained a cat :D

McKneff

It will just take time for her to trust you, lots of time, just try ignoring her, apart from feeding her of course. She just needs to do everythin in her own time.

For us it took nearly 3 months, then she suddenly poked her head round the sitting room door, had a few sniffs and just sauntered in.
Ran away out again, but she came back in each time and stayed a little longer. Doesnt like being petted and we are her servants lol

Bless you for doing this.
Annie

JCS1

Afternoon,

Just a quick update, finally got within 6 foot of her the other day whilst she was eating!

I don't think she is wild as there was no hissing, spitting or arching of back, but she is very nervous (which is to be expected if she was dumped).

I didn't get too close, and did speak to her in a low voice. She has markings very similar to the first cat I had when I was 4, so it seems like fate

Suspect it will be a very long job, and whilst I am happy that she is getting fed and has barns to sleep in, I would be far happier in this weather if she was in the house in front of the fire, maybe one day.

ljonski

Im not an expert but how about gradually moving her food closer to your farm door in stages?

JCS1

Evening,

Further update on the stray (now named Puss Puss, as it's the only thing she answers to!)

She is (very) slowly getting more trusting, she has started to wait for me to come home from work as she knows she gets fed then, came to the door the other day. But, she is still very scared/wary and won't let anyone get closer than a few feet.

She has been putting on weight recently, without being able to pick her up I wasn't quite sure, but her belly has "dropped" so it's looking like kittens. Not sure if or :eek:

Got to figure out a way to catch her so she can go to the vets some time to prevent a second litter, any suggestions welcome!

JCS1

Kittens born in last 2 days, but she has hidden them very well in the hay loft and with so many nooks and crannies, I can't find them!

She was very big, so I suspect there's going to be quite a few. Will try again in a few days.

(would be happier if cat and kittens were in a box in the house though, but she is slowly getting more trusting)

gettingready

Oh dear - she is going to bring them as feral babies.....

Go on, look for them

Take some photos too... we want to see both mum and babies...

JCS1

3 of us looked, no joy. Will try again in few days - want to know how many and what colours! Will be lots of pics once found :-)