Stray Cat

[pixie_woo]

Hi guys
I could do with some advice regarding a stray cat in my neighbourhood.
He is a fully grown male and is quite friendly, I think someone has moved away and left him. He has an injury to his hind leg (not open wound) and limps a little.
I can't take him in as I already have a 6 month old female and couldn't afford the vets bills for both.
Have phoned the Blue Cross who said to just keep feeding him. I'm worried as its getting cold.
Any suggestions?

[annavc]

Have to say I'm surprised at what the Blue Cross said - I would have thought they would have asked you to bring him in and they'd find a home for him.

Could you ask around your neighborhood and see if anyone would want him, or could you just take him to a rescue centre - I imagine they wouldn't be able to turn him away?

Alternatively - do you have a shed or is there somewhere he already goes where you could put a big cardboard box with some blankets in it so he has somewhere warm and sheltered to go and sleep.

[pixie_woo]

Thanks annavc.
Unfortunatley the area I live in isn't very secure and an open shed would invite people not just cats.
I haven't tried the neighbours but he does visit all the houses so I would thought that if someone could take him they would have done by now.
I might just try the turn-up unannounced at the rescue centre approach!

[catlavender]

Try all your local animal shelters by phone first. Hopefully if you explain the situation one of them should take him in. They are usually full with kittens when I try but there isn't that many around now so you might be in luck and find a space. Don't any of your family/friends want him?

How long has he been hanging around? Do you think he could be lost, have you tried advertising?

Good on you for caring anyway and I hope you manage to sort something out. Let us know x

[pixie_woo]

Hi catlavender. He's been around all summer.
I live on MOD property where everyone knows someone who knows that person (I'm sure you get the picture), a lost pet is usually returned within a couple of weeks. Also cats have to wear collars and this one doesn't.
I live in rural oxfordshire so the choice of rescue centres is somewhat limited!

[catlavender]

Oh dear. Maybe someone will take pity on him now it's getting colder and take him in. I'm sure he'll be fine outside and find somewhere warm but he deserves a home. Did the Blue Cross not say anything about taking him in? Did they say why? Any chance of trying to get him to a shelter a little further out if you have transport? Such a shame you can't keep him x

[pb100191]

Have you tried advertising yet?
Advertise, then if no-one claims the cat then i think you need to ring the Blue Cross and explain to them that you've advertised and no-one is claiming the cat. Yeah, good on you for caring for the little guy.

Keep us updated. x

[bednobs]

you could try the rspca in quainton

or you could take him to the vets and see if he's chipped.

To be honest, even cats who have homes sometimes turn on the charm to other people for an extra bowl of food!

[gelda]

Give the Cats Protection a ring, they'll come out with a trap with some food in it then take him back to their cattery and find a home for him. If they can't help ( I'm certain they will, I've found them very helpful in the past ) there are plenty of cat rescue places around, your vet should have the numbers of them. Good luck! Gelda.

[jaq1964]

Hi, I agree with the other answers. In the mean time try leaving a box with straw in it as straw is better for keeping animals warm. Could you manage to put a collar on him with a message attached to any possible owner?
The Blue Cross should have been more helpful in my opinion, what if you are unable to afford to feed another cat?! You may find that he is being fed by half the neighbourhood who feel sorry for him. My cat (unfortunately passed away now) had another 3 houses who he adopted, each one feeding him and letting him sleep in their homes. It wasn't until he was getting fat that we discovered this and had to put notices up requesting people not to feed the greedy, sympathy seeking little beast, bless him!
Anyway, good luck. Thanks for what you are doing for the poor cat. I hope he finds a good home with someone who cares for animals like you.

[catlavender]

Pixie please don't take him to the RSPCA. They put down healthy animals if they can't find a home for them.

[gelda]

Any new news about Puss?