The neighbour's cat - quandary

cbrown372

So many assumptions ^^^ the cat probably goes out every night because that is what some cats do! I so disagree with neighbours feeding cats. Give one of mine milk and high end cat food they would be ill.

Neighbour of mine used to put out food for cats, was eaten sometimes by foxes but worse not eaten at all and end result was rats in the houses along the whole street, please people don't do it.

Mrs_Z

Well, it sounds to me that the cat would be up for rehoming so why not have a chat with the owners and see if they would be happy for you to have it? Seems like the obvious answer to me.

You would be able to feed it, your daughter loves the cat, the cat would be happy and if the cat is already 13, I doubt that there would be much destruction etc, as long as you provide him/her a decent scratching post. Yes, there might be vet bills but not necessarily. If you are fond of the cat it's a risk worth taking and I don't know about you - but vet bills for the loved one are something I've never objected to paying. I maybe the queen of mean in many other ways but never when it comes to vet bills! I rather go without myself.

Have another chat with the owners, it's worth enquiring - it may just work out to your favour!

jrtfan

Meanwhile, if you're concerned that it might be out all night during winter then do you have an outhouse in which you could place a cardboard box with some shredded newspaper or similar inside, so that it could have somewhere snug to shelter if needs be? That way, you wouldn't be actively interfering or bringing it inside your house at the risk of annoying the owners? Just a thought.

Fen1

Just to reiterate previous posts: NEVER feed a cat milk. They are lactose intolerant. They may like the taste of it, but it is very bad for them.
As for your situation, I leave up to you, just please don't poison the poor cat.

fierystormcloud

fairy_lights wrote: »

Where does the OP say his neighbours have booted the cat out?! They may have said they couldn't rehome him because of his age but that doesn't mean they would kick him out, or even that they would seriously consider giving him away. If they've warned OP off feeding him then they're obviously feeding and caring for mog themselves. And turning up at OP's door at ten pm doesn't mean they're chucking him out for the night either, that might just be the time he goes out, especially if he's old and set in his routine.
Calling the RSPCA would be a massive overreaction, unless there's more to the story that gives OP cause for concern.

Apologies. I mis-read. I read it that the neighbours have booted the cat out, because the new dog doesn't like it, and because the OP has been looking after him/feeding him, this reinforced what I thought... and so did the neighbour saying they can't get him rehomed.

However, I do stand by the rest of the post. I think the family in question seem to be a bit devil-may-care about the cat. They have had him for 13 years, and now are seemingly putting the new dog first, and seem to be OK with the cat not coming back to them. So they do seem rather callous IMO.

I think the cat is feeling unwanted and unwelcome in his own home and that is why he wandering off. If the OP could have him, I think she should. Have you asked them T Beckett?

PasturesNew

I think you should let the cat have some water or milk, outside - and, if you wish, provide it with a little haven outside. But feeding it is stepping over the mark. I'd also severely restrict the times it was allowed inside the house at all.

Cats are cute, but once you let him in then the tail's wagging the dog - and you know it's got a perfectly good home (allbeit having to dodge the dog).

Cat owners get funny about other people 'interfering' with their cat or 'trying to steal it'. REALLY funny.

Play the game.

thorsoak

Your daughte might like the story of Six Dinner Sid ...see here :- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Six-Dinner-Sid-Inga-Moore/dp/0340894113

chocolatelover93

Sounds a bit like the owners don't want the cat they have the dog by the sounds of things prefer the dog!

If they say they can't rehome him why don't you ask if you can have him? xx

Spirit_2

My neighbours feeds my cat treats. When we had chickens they also fed them suutable feed. Pets all came home, everyone happy. When we go away for a night or two I feel able to ask my kind neighbour if they will help out. If cat suffered from overfeeding or was unwell I would ask them not to feed, but whilst all was well leave well alone.

gettingready

OP- why did you think it was ok to start feeding the cat in the first place? You encouraged him/her to keep coming back. And why on earth would you give cat milk? I assume you never had a cat and did not know cats should NOT be given milk?

By all means talk to the owners if they would like you to adopt the cat on a full time basis but looking at your opening post I do not think this is what you would do?

I am still up for feeding it as I quite enjoy having a foster cat without the destruction/smells that pet ownership comes with.

It is not just "destruction/smells" but also vet bills, care and attention for a life creature that you managed to just CONFUSE by starting to feed it and continue to do it against owner's wishes.