Thread: is it a bad idea to feed a stray?

I've heard the best way to introduce a new cat into the house is to lock them in seperate areas with a door separating them..that way they can sense each other through the door and become accustomed to the scents etc. Maybe observe your kittens and his reaction throught the door and it may give you some comfort or peace if neither reacts aggressively. That is of course if you're thinking of introducing him to the family

In general do not feed a stray.

If it is too wild to get a picture you may never
get it under control. A kitten is a different story.

If you do feed it (and we all do once in a while)
feed it cat food not people food. Feed it only
what it will eat in one visit. Other critters
like skunks, rats and more will visit then stay.

Lastly are you sure it is a common cat?

On the flip side, mice, rats and other vermin are
well cleaned up by a feral cat that is half fed. Do pay
attention to where it marks its territory and makes a
nest.

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

In general do not feed a stray.

If it is too wild to get a picture you may never
get it under control. A kitten is a different story.

If you do feed it (and we all do once in a while)
feed it cat food not people food. Feed it only
what it will eat in one visit. Other critters
like skunks, rats and more will visit then stay.

Lastly are you sure it is a common cat?

On the flip side, mice, rats and other vermin are
well cleaned up by a feral cat that is half fed. Do pay
attention to where it marks its territory and makes a
nest.

so tonight i went out for my smoke and the cat was out there.. i left the door open long enough and he just strolled in.. i quickly shooed him out.. but i went ahead and fed him.. he is very friendly. but eats as if his last meal.. he scarfed that stuff down..

i was unable to take a photo cause it is so dark and he is pitch black..

Like I said watch and learn.If he were that wild he wouldn't be just strolling in.And for the record,my cat snarfs his food sometimes to the point of barfing and he's not starving.He obviously has chosen you or like you so I think you just need to relax about all this and chill.YOU DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS A STRAY FOR SURE. I.V.E.S.T.I.G.A.T.E. ! Do you have neighbors or anybody living close by you???

And look....if he is a stray,what are you so worried about?? Think here.You might end up with one damn fine cat and really good friend from the sounds of it. You had the nads to talk to your spirit. What's wrong with having a baby panther for a friend sheesh !

my main thing is.. i don't want to feed a wild animal and be susceptible to attack.. or also.. i don't want to attract other wild animals.

There's a quote from Ambrose Bierce (I think):

. . . "If you take in a stray dog, and feed him, and treat him well, he will not bite you.
. . . That is the greatest difference between a dog and a man."

Cats aren't quite as human-centered as dogs. But there's no way that cat will attack you if you feed him regularly. If he's adopted you, you're adopted for life.

If you're still worried, figure out a way to get him a rabies shot. And get yourself a tetanus shot.

Charles

I agree...he's chosen you man.and as for snarfin up the food.Well wouldn't you if you hadn't had a decent meal for awhile?? but still check for neighbors and such okay?

One thing you can look for if possible is if one of the ears are clipped. Some vets or organizations mark their spays and neuters in this way. The very tip of the ear can be clipped, it will have a flat look to it. It might have been domesticated at one time then.

If you let it into your place your have to be concerned about fleas, ticks, etc. As mentioned before it would be best if it were trapped and taken to a vet to have it checked out only if you want to let it inside. Since you have two kittens also you have to consider if the feral has any communicable diseases, FIV for example or a simple cold can compromise the young ones. Better to be safe than sorry at this point.

A piece of advice is not to make any sudden moves on him/her and do not attempt to pick it up. Feral cats can behave unpredictably to human contact at first. If he/she is caged then a better assessment of it's personality can be established. Just thinking of your protecting yourself.

Hopefully you have a porch companion that can develop! Give it a name and try talking to it also. That can help in the long run.

Best of luck and keep us up to date.

If your gonna cage it...SPCA can help.

an extremely scary update..

i have been okay with the whole 'ghost' thing and everthing has been fine..

i went outside and was having a smoke when i decided to take a picture of the cat sleeping on one of my patio chairs.. i figured the issues with taking a photo is due to bad light..

well i moved some things around and got the lighting okay.. then i went to go inside and grab my camera... the sliding glass door was locked.. i was locked outside.. i tried to budge it open.. but it was a no go.. i had to climb over my patio and go around my apartment and tap on my girl's window.. she was awoken and totally confused.. i had to explain to her that the sliding glass door locked me out... she is freaked.. and quite frankly... so am i..

i'm am now going outside to take a photo.. i will leave the door ajar.. so as not to be locked on me.