Opinions please

[helnwhls]

I have adopted, or rather let a 5 year old cat move in with me. He has been with me about 18 months. I love him. Everyone in the building knows Buddy lives with me. I have neighbors that have moved in after the cat. They have seen me with the cat.

I let him out after dinner. He usually runs around for a little bit and walks back in, especially now that it is cold. I heard the neighbor cooing as she was coming up the stairs and I heard her talking to buddy, by name. I opened my door to let buddy back in and this neighbor is giving him a full can of food. Looks me in the eye, blank stare and then closes her door.

I could not believe how jealous angry I got. I realize he is a stray and a real people cat. He is probably working every one he can for a meal. This woman has also had a brand new litter box sitting empty outside of her house for about 2 months.

Would this bother any of y'all or am I just overreacting.

[demnan]

1. I would just keep this cat indoors

When I lived in a large apartment building everyone knew Pad Thai because he would dart out in the hall and I'd have to go after him. Pad Thai is a strikingly beautiful and sweet cat and I'm sure other people would have loved to keep him. Had I done what you did I'm sure I would have lost my cat forever.

Either this cat is yours or a stray. You have to make a decision to keep him or not. Perhaps your neighbor is just keeping an eye on things to make sure the cat isn't abandoned or something. Show them you care for this cat by keeping him in and realizing that maybe he was once a stray but now is yours.

[helnwhls]

2. I am going to now.

Thanks for the reply. This nieghbor knows Buddy lives with me. She asked me him and his name when she moved in. I would prefer not to say anything to this woman because I can not see what good it would do.

I can not believe how angry that made me. I woke up still angry.

Thanks.

[superconnected]

3. I feed all the cats in my neighbood, on my porch.

Many are strays, some are not.

If your cat disappears you will know where to find him. You may want to make it clear to your neighbor that he is your cat. Tell her in a way that it's because you didn't think she knew or something. It's hard to keep a cat in when it wants out. There's a big difference between cats that were always in doors, and cats that are used to roaming, suddenly losing their privileges. I think you're setting yourself up for him to feel he has to run away, if you suddenly take away his outdoor rights. My cats are allowed out 1-3 hours a night and it works very well. It's after traffic and few people are outside then. They feel abused if I don't open the door and let them right in, if the door gets closed and they weren't in yet. They also feel abused if they don't get their hour.

I recommend giving your cat maybe an hour or two of outdoor time. He may adjust to being indoor a lot better then.

I wouldn't worry too much about the neighbor. Dialog believe it or not is usually the best way to feel better. If you're very nice, it will be hard for her not to reciprocate.

[auburngrad82]

9. I agree

By letting the cat roam you run the risk of him being exposed to FIV and other contagious diseases. Not everyone takes the necessary care of their animals and yours could inadvertently be exposed to something that could eventually be fatal. I would keep him inside.

[NV Whino]

4. Why don't you gently suggest

That overfeeding is not good for the cat and since he eats at your house, it would be best if she didn't feed him. If you have provided vet care and vaccinations, you might also bring that up. Just to establish that he is your cat.

[okasha]

5. Collar. Tag.

[MiwSher]

6. It would bother me, too.

After 18 months, imho, that cat is yours.

MiwSher

[pretzel4gore]

7. i need advice too ...

first, your issue. If Buddy needs and depends on you, even if he scores here and there, he's still your rat, i mean cat lol...even my 3 beasts sometimes, i have learned, will visit neighbors and have a snack and even a nap....but they don't need anything that isn't readily available to them at their 'home'....Buddy probably of the same temperment.
As to my problem it concerns a 'Perfect Stranger' a feral stray cat who first snuck in open window the winter of '04/05, last year, to eat and run. 'It' (i have no idea if male/female, though its size suggest male) looked to have something wrong with its eyes; they looked full of gunk, or so i thought at the time-it was partially due to this that i allowed 'perfect stranger' to visit and, with last winter so very cold etc, to spend quality time being warm etc. Perfect Stranger feared any approach, shehe hissed every time i got near...also, my 3 lil felines disliked perfect stranger, alot....to summarise, i kept allowing PS to visit, eat and spend time in the safe house...over the months shehe became a regular visitor and became increasingly less ungracious in hisher snarls and hisses, until they're now largely a formality....my question is (when Perfect Stranger 1st began coming around, the idea was to trap the animal, get it treated and maybe find a home for it, 3 cats is the max here!)...anyone still reading can see that ad hoc is the policy at work in this milieu lol! Anyway, it was Perfect Stranger who gave my cats the sneezes...PS was sneezing earlier but seems to have gotten over it. Naturally, there was a concern about any illness PS could infect mine with (Missy 2 got her bad cold from PS, i'm certain, now Freddy has the sneezes, though it hasn't worsened into a cold) until Perfect Stranger sees a vet, there's no idea what shehe's carrying, and obviously this isn't a situation that can be allowed...the question is, what do the pet group experts think should be done? locking PS out really isn't possible now (just in terms of goodwill)...how does one handle a feral cat, even one who's been semi domesticated (perfect stranger does disappear for long periods, up to a few days, even now)? ...i've let this situation fester too long, i know, but being firm with cats, especially a homeless little guy...just isn't as easy as being 'flexible' :((((

[BrklynLiberal]

8. Keep your cat inside.

Cats can adapt to being kept inside. It will probably keep them healthier and keep them alive longer.

"But I can't keep him in."

Keep your windows closed or install screens. Remember to always keep your doors closed and teach your children the importance of keeping the doors closed, too. It may take a few days or a few weeks, but if there are enough interesting things for your cat to play with indoors, he'll come to enjoy being indoors. Be sure to provide him with a scratching post and safe toys to bat or carry around.

"But we've always let her out."

You can change your cat's behavior. It will take time and patience, but it might save her life. When you implement your "closed door" policy, give her a lot of extra attention and entertainment. At first she may cry, but don't give in—more often than not, she'll soon be happy to stay indoors with you.

"But my cat knows to avoid cars."

Even if this were true, all it would take is another cat, a dog, or a shiny object to lure your cat into the street and into the path of traffic. Also keep in mind that not everyone will swerve to miss a cat in the road.

"But my cat needs exercise and likes to play with other cats."

Stray cats could spread viruses such as feline leukemia and other fatal diseases. If your cat needs a friend, adopt another cat who's healthy and disease-free. Cats kept safely confined do need extra attention and exercise inside, so be sure to play with your cats regularly using a variety of toys and chase games.

"But my cat yowls and acts likes he really needs to go outside."

Your cat may be feeling the physiological need to mate. If this is the case, make sure your cat is spayed or neutered. Sterilized cats don't have the natural need to breed, and therefore, won't be anxious to go out to find a mate.

Transforming a cat who is allowed roam freely outside into a safe cat will take time, effort, and patience; some cats will adapt more quickly than others. And many cat owners report that keeping cats inside actually fosters the bond between feline and human. If, despite your best efforts, your cat simply cannot make the transition, then vow to keep your next cat safely confined from the start.

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/cat_behavior_tip_sheets/your_cat_indoors_or_out.html

[roguevalley]

10. don't let him out and no problem. people do that with dogs up here

and keep them. dorks. get your own dog and cat!