Not Sure What to Do About Neighbour's Cat

Iain_L

A bit sad really that this has turned into attacks on people with differing views, but none of us really know the full situation.

First thing, do the neighbours have a cat flap? Perhaps this cat (that may or may not be very old) comes out their cat flap and comes to stand somewhere where it knows a human will let them in and give them somewhere else to sleep.

Secondly, if the cat is very very old, then the neighbours are doing something right by it.

Thirdly, there has been mention here of kidney failure twice from froglet, and the fact that the cat might die soon - where on earth did that come from?

Finally, I wouldn't be happy if someone was just taking my cat in and feeding it. We look after our cats, but had to have a 19 year old PTS last summer. For the last year she looked her age, but still went wandering around as usual. Some people on this board may have had the same thoughts about us not caring for her if they had seen her. If people had just taken her in and fed her then they would have been screwing up her insulin intake and diabetic diet.

For the OP, I realise that you don't get on particularly with the neighbours, but could you perhaps drop a note through their door, asking if it is ok for their cat to come into your house occasionally.

Iain

Froglet

Iain_L wrote: »

A bit sad really that this has turned into attacks on people with differing views, but none of us really know the full situation.

First thing, do the neighbours have a cat flap? Perhaps this cat (that may or may not be very old) comes out their cat flap and comes to stand somewhere where it knows a human will let them in and give them somewhere else to sleep.

Secondly, if the cat is very very old, then the neighbours are doing something right by it.

Thirdly, there has been mention here of kidney failure twice from froglet, and the fact that the cat might die soon - where on earth did that come from?

Finally, I wouldn't be happy if someone was just taking my cat in and feeding it. We look after our cats, but had to have a 19 year old PTS last summer. For the last year she looked her age, but still went wandering around as usual. Some people on this board may have had the same thoughts about us not caring for her if they had seen her. If people had just taken her in and fed her then they would have been screwing up her insulin intake and diabetic diet.

For the OP, I realise that you don't get on particularly with the neighbours, but could you perhaps drop a note through their door, asking if it is ok for their cat to come into your house occasionally.

Iain

Because of these statements,Iain

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.

and The cat is very thin

Years ago i use to visit an old lady who fed several strays,but could not catch any to take to the vets.They needed medical attention,and neutering.It took me a long while to persuade the rather stubborn lady to get Cat's Protection involved to get them caught and seen by a vet.One in particular worried me immensely, it was very thin and no matter what food she put down it looked quite ill.Turned out it had kidney failure,and would have slowly died if not put out of it's suffering.

If this cat is the same then it is either lack of food or kidney failure which is quite common in elderly cats.It could need a special diet,but it certainly needs a vet's opinion and it sounds to me as if it is being neglected.The last thing it needs is being put out in the cold.

Iain_L

Froglet wrote: »

Because of these statements,Iain

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.

and The cat is very thin

Years ago i use to visit an old lady who fed several strays,but could not catch any to take to the vets.They needed medical attention,and neutering.It took me a long while to persuade the rather stubborn lady to get Cat's Protection involved to get them caught and seen by a vet.One in particular worried me immensely, it was very thin and no matter what food she put down it looked quite ill.Turned out it had kidney failure,and would have slowly died if not put out of it's suffering.

If this cat is the same then it is either lack of food or kidney failure which is quite common in elderly cats.It could need a special diet,but it certainly needs a vet's opinion and it sounds to me as if it is being neglected.The last thing it needs is being put out in the cold.

Just think you have to be very careful about diagnosing kidney failure (which is what you have done three times now) from this thread. Our elderly cat ate well when it suited her, but was thin and old looking. By your reasoning (based on your experience above with one stray) she must have been suffering from either neglect or kidney failure, but neither was the case.

We cannot and should not try to diagnose medical conditions on any internet forum in case people use what is written rather than taking their animals to the vet.

Once again this is drifting away from the OPs original request for advice and for that I apologise.

Froglet

Iain_L wrote: »

Just think you have to be very careful about diagnosing kidney failure (which is what you have done three times now) from this thread. Our elderly cat ate well when it suited her, but was thin and old looking. By your reasoning (based on your experience above with one stray) she must have been suffering from either neglect or kidney failure, but neither was the case.

We cannot and should not try to diagnose medical conditions on any internet forum in case people use what is written rather than taking their animals to the vet.

Once again this is drifting away from the OPs original request for advice and for that I apologise.

And in every one of my posts i have stated that this cat needs to see a vet.I'm not trying to diagnose at all just saying what it could be and for that only a vet visit will determine.

By the OP' s own admission the owners do not appear to have got that help.

RevolvingDoor

SavingPennies wrote: »

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.

I would probably do the same or make a shelter outside for the cat. Poor thing. If the cat was showing signs of illness I would seek medical treatment if the owners seem like irresponsible *****.