Not Sure What to Do About Neighbour's Cat

tesuhoha

Our neighbours cat seems to be put outside a lot. She has a dog and we think the dog gets all the attention. The cat seems to get very cold and is always hanging around outside. He is a very very old cat.

My husband and adult children have been encouraging the cat by petting it and have started to let it into the house and have given it leftover food from the fridge.

Yesterday he was hanging around outside and meowing at me when I went out. When I came back and opened the front door the cat shot out of some bushes and straight into the house.

He was just wandering around for ages and then started following me around. I tried politely asking him to leave by opening the door several times but he responded by looking at me imploringly as if saying please don't make me go out there in the cold.

Eventually I sat down on the sofa and he jumped on my lap. He was purring loudly and he kind of snuggled up and started dozing. I was a bit taken aback as I am not an animal person but I went along with the charm of it all. Later on I had to pick him up and put him outside as we were having our dinner.

This morning my son said he was sat outside the back door watching him cook bacon. I am determined not to encourage him but my washing machine is outside in the outside toilet so its hard not to open the door. In a way I don't mind him coming in for a warm but he did stop me from doing things like vacuuming and cooking dinner because he was in my way. We have lived here for 7 years and this has only just started.

andfear_2

I'm not sure what the problem is? I read it as lonely cat fed and invited in out of cold - now you dont want it too so keep your door shut.

Its hard cats choose their homes, mine could leave anytime but due to big angry ginger dog no more want to move in LOL

If you shut the door it will probably go else where looking for love.

At the end of the day it might just be using you when its family are busy, myself and neighbours got leaflets about a cat on our road saying she has a family but when at work, she goes looking for company and please dont feed her due to allergys but feel free to share a cuddle with the lonely kitty.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Don't stop everything just because there is a cat visiting. Vacuum. They might leave of their own accord as a result.

It sounds like the poor thing is lonely and cold and grateful for some kindness, even from someone who isn't cat oriented.

I would mention to the owner that the cat seems to want to come in (not that it has) and, that way, you'll be able to guage whether she is annoyed or unbothered.

It doesn't hurt - as long as you are clear he is just visiting.

ragecake

Do you hate it being there?

He sounds like he just wants some love and attention in his old age.

have you spoken to his owner about it at all?

Polmop

Mention to the owner that their cat is hanging round yours, it maybe jsut wants another home, our cat goes from house to house looking for food and attention.
Believe me she gets plenty at home as well

McKneff

Youve given it some love and attention so its coming back for more and who can blame it. Youve actually encouraged it by feeding it and cuddling it. And now, you want to slam the door in its face.
Poor little thing.

Dont stop doing your housework, just get on with it.

If its very very old, and its found dead outside your door one day you are going to feel very very guilty.

SavingPennies_2

McKneff wrote: »

Youve given it some love and attention so its coming back for more and who can blame it. Youve actually encouraged it by feeding it and cuddling it. And now, you want to slam the door in its face.
Poor little thing.

Dont stop doing your housework, just get on with it.

If its very very old, and its found dead outside your door one day you are going to feel very very guilty.

Harsh

Op since the cat is old and I'm guessing doesn't run about much he doesn't need to disturb you when you're hoovering etc, how about getting an old blanket and making a bed in a quiet corner somewhere and hopefully he will just go and have a snooze, he will prob just be grateful for somewhere warm to nap.

BitterAndTwisted

It's a very, very old cat. It seems to be put outside a lot. I expect it's become a lot less interesting than the dog. I'd let it come in and kip on my sofa any time. Poor little cat.

tesuhoha

Well I haven't actually stopped him from coming in. Was just wondering if it was a good thing to encourage him. The neighbour is unfriendly stopping just short of hostile so I won't discuss it with her. The cat is very thin but very fastidious about cleaning himself.

Froglet

Poor cat.Why is it some people stop caring when a cat or dog starts looking and acting it's age? They need more care for god's sake not less,especially this time of year.Makes me SO angry.please keep giving it some love and attention,tesuhoha,you are a life line for the poor wee soul.

However it does sound like it has kidney failure,unless it IS simply lack of food,In which case it would be kinder to have it put to sleep as it will just get worse and suffer more.But since you cannot approach the owner i am wondering if you could do one of 2 things?

Either report it to the RSPCA or take it yourself to a vets,tell them it is a stray and see what they recommend.I don't feel guity suggesting htis as the owners obviously don't give a toss.

[Deleted User]

tesuhoha wrote: »

The cat is very thin but very fastidious about cleaning himself.[/QUOTE


Not sure if this is correct, but I understood that when cats were unhappy or unwell they tend to neglect themselves?

Where we used to live there was a cat (slightly fat and with nice fur) who used to sneak into our house if he had the oportunity and stressing our own cat in the process. I continually had to chase him away.

Maybe as some of the other posters suggest, this cat therefore just wants some company and attention. Like humans, some cats need it more than others.

If you let the cat in and make him / her feel welcome, then be sure that it will return for more (who wouldn't)? If there's a free meal and a nice warm bed, count me in ....