Feeding my neighbour's cat

[sophrules]

Hello, this is my first question on here.

For a while my neighbour's cat has been coming into my house and making itself at home. I sometimes give it a saucer of milk which it seems to enjoy but somebody at my gym told me that you shouldn't give cats cow's milk because it makes them ill. Is that true?

[ubasses]

milk can give cats diarrhoea and it not recommended for them. There is special milk from the pet food section that they can have. However it is unfair to start giving someone elses pets treats as they will soon star to spend more time with you than there owners which can cause unnecessary upset.

[boxtops]

It can do, soph, it depends on the cat - they will all enjoy it, but cream (for example) makes my Rover sick.

If I were you I would have a word with your neighbour just to tell them it comes in - I often wonder where my three go when they womble off! They can they advise whether they want you to give it a drink - they might prefer not. Cats are creatures of habit and will keep coming back if they think they can find a perk!

[sophrules]

Thanks ubasses. I'll stop giving it milk now. I would get one of my own but I'm away a lot so it wouldn't be fair on the cat.

[wolf63]

I agree - cats are normally lactose intolerant.

Before long it will be demanding meals, then staying overnight and before you know it you have a cat. ;-)

[karenmac60]

You also don't know if the cat has any particular dietary requirements or anything. My MIL's cat was on a diet as he was very overweight, but no matter how strict she was with his food, he wasn't losing any weight - to the detriment of his health. It turned out a neighbour was feeding him. I know you mean well, but it's not always in the cat's best interest.

[sophrules]

Thanks. I feel bad now! I will definitely stop feeding it now. Do you think I shouldn't let it into the house at all?

[boxtops]

It's very hard when cats appear so grateful! but the other posters are right, and it would be better if you stopped. Cats lie, too - I can't tell you how many times I have fed them, then they've told OH that they haven't eaten for days.....

[Buenchico]

As others have said, cow's milk shouldn't be given to cats as they have a natural lactose intolerance.

If you want to treat your feline friend you can buy special, 'lactose-free', cat milk in any big supermarket. Better still though, simply open a can of 'value' tuna (around 46p in most supermarkets or often 3 for a quid in 'pound shops', etc). There's no quicker way to get a cat to love you ;-)

Chris

[Buenchico]

Oh, please don't stop feeding the cat. Every cat deserves to have at least three or four houses where they can go for food and water!

[wolf63]

Let it in - play with it. My cat used to love chaser the light from a laser pointer - until he worked out where the light was coming from and next time I put it on he attacked me and shredded my hand and arm.

Give it some scrunched up paper to kill and chase.

[boxtops]

..and Chris should know, with his lodger! Seriously though - as long as your neighbours are happy he comes to you, you don't have to stop letting him in, just stop providing for him. Cats do their rounds, there can't be any harm (IMO) in him visiting you.

[sophrules]

Thanks Chris. I'm a real soft touch for moggies. I absolutely love them. They're definitely my favourite animal but I can't have one of my own because I'm away a lot.

[wolf63]

What buenchico isn't telling you is that ALL the neighbourhood cats bully him and take the pi55 out of him by using his home as a hotel.

[boxtops]

My cats go next door if they don't like the food I've given them, and vice versa, theirs come here. However, I'd want to know if someone ELSE was feeding them too - I worry if they don't eat. No.1 Son supplemented his breakfast with the front end of a small mouse yesterday..... left me the back end, gee thanks, puss.

[sophrules]

That sounds like me!

[wildwood]

What's wrong with a saucer of water? When we last had a cat it used to drink out of the sink or even the watering can.

[Buenchico]

What's wrong with a saucer of water, Wildwood?
Absolutely nothing of course. However most cats I know seem to get their fluid via their food, rather than by drinking water. I had a cat, which I got from a rescue centre, that was always provided with fresh water every day but it was three years before I ever saw him take a drink!

While cats should always have access to fresh, clean drinking water you won't win their hearts with it. In my experience, it's tuna or nothing!

[1RedBeachball]

Small piece of steak chopped up goes down well

[mrs.chappie]

My wee puss used to love a bit of chicken. OH used to work abroad (he won't eat chicken) and often, when he was away, I'd get a cooked chicken and share it with puss. (I only gave her a bit as I guess it's not good for ***).

[wolf63]

Cats don't like the smell or taste of chlorine. That is why they drink everything but what is in the bowl. I bottle the tap water and leave it for a day or two and then put it in the water bowl. They don't like, as a rule, cold food or water.

They are evil little monsters who take advantage of the human race. World domination is their goal.