A cat seems to be living under our shed

Lambyr

Hello,


Just wondering what to do. I've noticed a cat moving around the back of our garden a few times. Not thought much of it. It's not causing any problems and although my dog has noticed it, she's not behaved aggressively towards it and the cat has always scarpered before the dog could get too close (dog is very nosey).

This morning though I had to get up a lot earlier and the cat popped out from under a gap in the shed looking like it had just woken up. It didn't run away straight away so I got a good look at it though I kept my distance because I didn't want to frighten it. I couldn't see a collar on it but it didn't look malnourished and its coat looked shiny and well kempt so it seems healthy. I was wondering whether to put some food out for it but I know some cat owners aren't fond of people doing that - and when I went outside ten minutes later, it was gone anyway. I have absolutely no idea who it might belong to.

I'm thinking maybe it's a stray and is using that space as a shelter at night? I've never had cats so I'm not sure about their behaviour and whether that's something it's likely to do? Should I just leave it alone but keep an eye on it since it isn't causing a bother? Or is it worth calling RSPCA or something?


Sorry if this all sounds really silly.

PasturesNew

Cats will get in wherever they can ... and maybe it's one of his little favourite hunting/resting spots on his daily route, rather than him being homeless. I've seen a fat cat trying desperately to squeeze under my shed in the past....

They'll be there if they get a whiff something might be there that's of interest (e.g. food or rats) - and they do like to "hide and watch out for prey".

Rubik

Not silly at all, it's good of you to be concerned.

It might not be a stray - and if it looks well nourished and healthy it probably isn't. You could check local Lost Pet groups on Facebook, and put up a description to see if he has a home - he may be missing.

Browntoa

There's a remote chance it's a stray and just had kittens under the shed , they will find somewhere protected and safe to have them.

She may be coming out for food.

OR , there is a nest of mice under there and it's coming back hunting for sport

Lambyr

Thanks, everyone. I don't think there are mice/rats under there. I've not seen or heard anything, there's no bite marks and no obvious tracks. Dopey as she often is, I'd also imagine my dog would have picked up on a nest by now.



I'll have a look around and see if I can find any missing cat posts. Thanks!

McKneff

Apart from that, just leave it alone if its not causing any problems for you

kazwookie

In this heat, can you put some water out for the cat to drink? an old ice cream container or similar would do.

Lambyr

kazwookie wrote: »

In this heat, can you put some water out for the cat to drink? an old ice cream container or similar would do.

There is usually some water out there. I always put some out because my dog likes to have a sprint around three or four times a day in addition to her walk so I fill a bowl up at the outside tap to make sure she doesn't sprint herself to heat exhaustion! :rotfl: