Possible Stray Cat

rb80

Hi,

I wonder if anyone could give me any advice. In the last few days a ginger and white male cat has appeared in the garden, Being a cat lover, I went out into the garden to see him and he came running over, meowing and rubbing against me. I realised that it was a mistake to have stroked him so I went inside and tried to ignore the meowing. But the cat followed me to the patio doors and started pawing and headbutting the door to get in (as pictured) I didn't let him in and went into another room. Eventually he disappeared. Today, he's just turned up again and he spotted me when I was in the kitchen so came up to the door and started meowing and trying to get in again. I was worried about him so I went outside and gave him a good check over to see if he was injured or anything but he seems ok.

Do you think he could be a stray? He doesn't have a collar on. He's not skinny by any means (I didn't want to offer him food as it would encourage him further). He coat is a bit gritty and his ears have some tears. He also has grimy eyes. He has the appearance that he lives outside but wants to be in the warm. As I've only recently moved in I don't know any neighbours here to ask. What do you think I should do as I'm really worried about him.

Money_maker

He looks fine and healthy - is just friendly! Some cats will run over for a fuss and try it on to be let in. Remember he has an owner, you can pet him but not own him.

missindecisive

he looks ok to me, perhaps hes been put out whilst owner is at work...whatever you do don't feed him or let him in your house as he might not want to go home! if it continues you could perhaps take him to a vet to see if he has a microchip in his neck? Then you might trace the owner.
Or put a postcard in your local shop to see if anyone is missing him.

rb80

Thank you - I'm sure he has a home somewhere and he's obviously being fed. It's just very odd all this pawing and headbutting the door. Maybe he's confused. I'll ignore him for now but keep and eye on him.

christineperseus

Maybe he used to live in your house?

rb80

christineperseus wrote: »

Maybe he used to live in your house?

Yes, that's what I was wondering. However we've lived here for a couple of weeks and he's only just turned up.

I hope he wandered off from some owners who are worried about him.

gettingready

He could have walked back "home" from where his new owners moved to.

Cats can do that.

In any case, ask round the neighbours - someone may know him and know where he lives.

My Teddy barges in to one of the neighbours whenever their window is open and crashes to sleep on their bed/in the bathroom sink/whatever.

He just likes wandering around but always comes home when I call him, neighbours like him coming over so no harm done.

Perhaps this cat just likes making new friends...

spookylukey

He knows how to tug at the heartstrings doesn't he! You could put a paper collar on him (strip of paper fastened with sellotape) on him with a little note, something like:

Is this your cat? Not trying to steal him/her, just worried incase he/she is lost. Pls call/text 07777 123456

arbroath_lass

I second the paper collar but, oh my gosh, how can you resist him!

Maybe you could ask a vet to check for a chip if you get no answer in a few days?

rb80

Yep, he's certainly playing to my soft side! A paper collar a good idea - I'll try to do that if he keeps coming back.

spookylukey wrote: »

He knows how to tug at the heartstrings doesn't he! You could put a paper collar on him (strip of paper fastened with sellotape) on him with a little note, something like:

Is this your cat? Not trying to steal him/her, just worried incase he/she is lost. Pls call/text 07777 123456

Sally_A

I'd ask the immediate neighbours if they recognise him as agree he could be the previous tenants/owners cat.

They may have only moved a short distance away, ie 2 bed to 3 bed property.

If he's still around after, say 5 days, get him chip checked. (Quicker if signs of illness or malnutrition are showing).