Foo - I Made a Terrible Mistake This Morning......

I just got adopted by a cat......:p

I got up this morning and there was a cat asleep on my deck chair outside. I was feeling generous, and gave it a small bowl of milk, and now seem to be on this cats #1 hero list. I go outside, and she's immediately on me, rubbing my legs, etc. She has no collar, but looks very clean and healthy. I hope she's just a neighbors cat, but am afraid she's been dumped recently.

We can't take her in.....it's a choice of the cat having a home or my wife breathing. She's severely allergic.

Well fortunately cats do very well on their own, If it has a home it will find its way back. If it doesn't it will be fine. I wouldn't encourage it to stay around by feeding it though. I grew up with feral barn cats that did a great job on there own.

I just got adopted by a cat......:p

I got up this morning and there was a cat asleep on my deck chair outside. I was feeling generous, and gave it a small bowl of milk, and now seem to be on this cats #1 hero list. I go outside, and she's immediately on me, rubbing my legs, etc. She has no collar, but looks very clean and healthy. I hope she's just a neighbors cat, but am afraid she's been dumped recently.

We can't take her in.....it's a choice of the cat having a home or my wife breathing. She's severely allergic.

Build her an outside shelter, and be sure to have her fixed right away, that way you can keep her and she will not end up breeding an army of cats that will, in the end, make you regret your decision to keep her.
Building an out side shelter for her is very easy, just gogle "home made outside cat shelters" something cheap and easy should pop up. :thumb: Its worth the effort when you go to bed knowing you just may have saved another beings life. :)

Well fortunately cats do very well on their own, If it has a home it will find its way back. If it doesn't it will be fine. I wouldn't encourage it to stay around by feeding it though. I grew up with feral barn cats that did a great job on there own.

They may do "OK" on a farm, or the country, but no where near as well as most woud think, in the city they usually either starve to death, die from disease, or get killed by cars, all a terrible way for a cat to die. :( If she sticks around build a cold weather cat house then get her fixed, it'll do you both good. :)

Build her an outside shelter

That's my vote. We took in a cat much like you except we knew where it belonged and knew it had been mistreated. He became our outside cat initially at least. He now goes where he pleases. :o

He was doing fine outside though, even in pretty harsh weather.

btw, we just used a pretty sturdy cardboard box with blankets, I'm no carpenter. Part of the time we used our dog kennel too.

outdoor cat.

one of my cats only comes in at morning and night to eat, then immediately goes right back out again.

Just a hint, feeding them does not make them go away.

I got adopted by a cat once. A neighbor cat that would always greet me at my doorstep. I NEVER fed the cat. I would often find "gifts" of dead birds and mice on my doorstep. One day I heard all kinds of commotion outside, I opened the door and she brought along all of her buddies to meet me.

The cat would often run into the house when I opened the door. I could usually get her to leave. One night, I opened the door, she ran into the house. I needed to get her out because I was going out for the evening and early next morning, I was leaving for a sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands and would not be back for two weeks. I chased that darn cat all over the house. She ran under my water bed. There was no way I was going to move that bed and she wasn't coming out. I left all the windows open hoping she would leave on her own. I came home late that night not really knowing if she was still in the house or not. I left on my trip the next morning with an ill feeling that I would come back home to a huge stink. On my return home I was glad to find that the cat must have let herself out of the house.


Now if I could only figure how o get women to chase after me like that.:roflmao2:

Just a hint, feeding them does not make them go away.

:roflmao2:
you just cheered up my morning- thank you.

@Tom: I'm a fan of outdoor cats if possible, but perhaps even that may be too much for your wife. let us know how this comes out.

Speaking of indoor/outdoor cats, ours as mentioned earlier go where they please but I've heard that cats should be kept indoors. Easier said than done, I know.

Yes, get it fixed! After that, you're on your own.

They may do "OK" on a farm, or the country, but no where near as well as most woud think, in the city they usually either starve to death, die from disease, or get killed by cars, all a terrible way for a cat to die. :( If she sticks around build a cold weather cat house then get her fixed, it'll do you both good. :)

I have never herd of a cat starving to death but yes their are all kinds of ways they can fall into 1 of the pitfalls of life even in the country. Cats are natural born hunters & opportunistic. It is unlikely they will use a ground shelter at least in a country setting as they are hunted by coyote and will not allow themselves to be cornered. They usually tend to sleep up high and they do not need shelter. People tend to project human needs onto animals that is unnecessary. They will only seek shelter to have their young.

On another note many vets will spade or neuter them for free or at a reduces cost if it is feral.

Need I remind you that you own a nice 7.62mm solution to your problem Tom.

Need I remind you that you own a nice 7.62mm solution to your problem Tom.

Tom,

Do us a favor and use that 7.62 solution on jsharr for making that comment. :notamused:

do not need shelter

Really? Even if they're in sub zero temps?

Really? Even if they're in sub zero temps?

they're pretty good at finding shelter, like raccoons.

my cats hide under my porch and BBQ grill tarp when it's raining or snowing outside and they want to get back in.

since cats are friendlier than other animals out there it's best if the shelter is planted near the porch.


if humans go extinct, cats will be the king of our urban jungle. dogs are often too domesticated and rely on humans too much.

they're pretty good at finding shelter, like raccoons.

my cats hide under my porch and BBQ grill tarp when it's raining or snowing outside and they want to get back in.

since cats are friendlier than other animals out there it's best if the shelter is planted near the porch.


if humans go extinct, cats will be the king of our urban jungle. dogs are often too domesticated and rely on humans too much.

OK, I misunderstood. They need shelter it's just that they can find it on their own. :thumb:

Cats should be kept indoors, outside they get diseases, get eaten by coyotes, killed by dogs, beaten up by other cats, hit by cars blah blah blah. They are *domesticated* not wild animals. Even if they were 'wild' their native habitat sure as hell isn't North America. Also they prey on indigenous wild bird species, some of which are threatened already by introduced species etc.

Anyway, Tom, find out if there are no-kill shelters in your area, or a cat rescue or something like that. Maybe the cat has a microchip they could scan to find the owner?

I'm also surrounded by people who are allergic to cats which is the bane of my existence. I love cats, always wanted a pet cat.

Actually, I did one better......

I found the owner. A little girl who was heartbroken because her cat had escaped (Neighbors kid). The cat definitely knew her too, so all's well.. :D

+1 on taking the cat to a no-kill shelter. It will probably keep coming back as long as it knows (or thinks) it will get fed. If your wife wasn't severely allergic I might suggest otherwise, but if there's a possibility that cat dander left behind on the chair could make her sick, then by all means, take the cat elsewhere.

See my post right above you.

My kitties say you have earned good Karma Kat points.

Cats should be kept indoors, outside they get diseases, get eaten by coyotes, killed by dogs, beaten up by other cats, hit by cars blah blah blah. They are *domesticated* not wild animals. Even if they were 'wild' their native habitat sure as hell isn't North America. Also they prey on indigenous wild bird species, some of which are threatened already by introduced species etc.

Anyway, Tom, find out if there are no-kill shelters in your area, or a cat rescue or something like that. Maybe the cat has a microchip they could scan to find the owner?

I'm also surrounded by people who are allergic to cats which is the bane of my existence. I love cats, always wanted a pet cat.

Nature is not always pretty and sadly no kill shelters are over burdened. They are basically prisons for cats, a horrible existence for for one of the most successful predators nature has created. A feral cat is not domestic & once it becomes feral it can never be domesticated. I personally own a large Bangle cat that has lived its entire life inside. It is true that a domestic cat will live longer inside than outside but they do very well on their own living with people or on the fringes of humanity. Once a cat goes feral the kindest thing you can do is leave it be. In the case of Toms new friend it is unknown if it has an owner that allows it to run free. If it has a home it will return to it and visit Tom on occasion & if not it will survive just fine.

Actually, I did one better......

I found the owner. A little girl who was heartbroken because her cat had escaped (Neighbors kid). The cat definitely knew her too, so all's well.. :D

Your a good man Tom LOL, I hate it when a thread moves on as I type :crash: :D

You are incorrect. "feral" cats are domesticated. They are all of the same species (I was just reading about cats on wikipedia) Also, saying they are the most successful predators is an emotional statement, rather than fact. I'd say a Great White Shark is a much more efficient predator than a domestic cat. A no-kill shelter probably has LOTS of volunteers who groom, pet/cuddle etc with the cats.

A "feral" cat should at least be neutered/spayed/vaccinated and fed regularly. Cats have been domesticated for nearly 10,000 *years.*

I had a "feral" cat in my backyard once, my neighbour and I cared for it, fed it, made it a warm and dry place to sleep, my neighbour was going to try to catch the cat and try to introduce it to the cats she already had, keep it indoors etc. At first the cat wouldn't let anyone get too close, it even scratched me right near my eye. The poor thing was old and frail. The last time I saw it I had brought food out for it and it came to me and curled up on my lap, purring. That was the worst part, I would have taken him in right then and there but my goddamn DOG terrorizes cats.

Old Cat as we called him, disappeared after that, we searched the neighbourhood, left food out etc, he never came back. I tried to tell myself someone brought him in their home but I know better. Coyote's dinner. Poor Old Cat.

Anyway, Tom, thank goodness the cat was reunited with it's family. They really ought to keep the cat indoors, they might not be so lucky next time. It kills me every time I see a "Lost Cat" poster, I know what has happened. Coyotes eat cats, it's an easy meal for them, we have lots of coyotes here.

I have never herd of a cat starving to death but yes their are all kinds of ways they can fall into 1 of the pitfalls of life even in the country. Cats are natural born hunters & opportunistic. It is unlikely they will use a ground shelter at least in a country setting as they are hunted by coyote and will not allow themselves to be cornered. They usually tend to sleep up high and they do not need shelter. People tend to project human needs onto animals that is unnecessary. They will only seek shelter to have their young.

On another note many vets will spade or neuter them for free or at a reduces cost if it is feral.

I've found and nursed back to health so many starving cats that I've lost count. If theres nothing to hunt, theres nothing to eat. Every time I built a shelter for a stray cat that cat would use it, every time. I also had 8 street cats that came to the insulated and heated shelter I built in my back yard, they would leave and do whatever it is cats do, then come back every night, they did this for almost 2 years, spring, summer, fall, winter, I figure if they had someplace else they would rather be they would have gone there. :) and I apologize ahead of time but your statement "they do not need shelter" is just a bit silly.

ilikebikes, you rock.

You are incorrect. "feral" cats are domesticated. They are all of the same species (I was just reading about cats on wikipedia) Also, saying they are the most successful predators is an emotional statement, rather than fact. I'd say a Great White Shark is a much more efficient predator than a domestic cat.



LOL, of course sharks are more efficient. Cats can still kill food and live outside. Anthromorphisis is silly.

What the hell is Anthromorphisis? That seems to be missing from my Sociology textbook. I think you meant Anthropomorphism? IIRC, that would be applying human meaning/symbolism to animals. Neither Timber nor I did that, to my knowledge. Cats are very good hunters, but they are by no means apex predators (I don't think, anyway.) We are apex predators (which bothers me a lot) a great white shark is an apex predator...

Cats should be kept indoors, outside they get diseases, get eaten by coyotes, killed by dogs, beaten up by other cats, hit by cars blah blah blah. They are *domesticated* not wild animals. Even if they were 'wild' their native habitat sure as hell isn't North America. Also they prey on indigenous wild bird species, some of which are threatened already by introduced species etc. Why do you have nature?

Why do you have nature?


Don't hurt yourself asking these things.


Humans are bad. Kitties are awesome. Don't think...just feel.

one post said they were one of the most efficient predators and another didn't mean they didn't need shelter, only that cats are pretty good at finding it on their own.

just to keep it clear...;)

I think when it comes to cats their are always those that see the domestic pet & those that see the predator. I live my life pretty close to nature. I have a great deal of respect for the predators I share my wood with. We always kept feral cats for a reason, because of their hunting skills. I have at least 5 of them on my farm now and have never fed 1, they eat mice,moles, snakes, birds. I have coyote everywhere & they do fine staying off the menu. I keep my own cat inside because my wife wishes it inside other wise I would let him do what he wanted. If you see a pet when you see a cat that is fine & I don't fault you for that. I see a very convenient predator.

one post said they were one of the most efficient predators and another didn't mean they didn't need shelter, only that cats are pretty good at finding it on their own.

just to keep it clear...;)



If they were so good at it I wouldn't have to be feeding obviously (ribs showing) starving cats, and I wouldn't be building shelters for cats I find crying, soaking wet in the rain, or crying and frozen to the concrete in my yard. Yes, both these things have happened at least 5 times each since I've been at my current location.

I think when it comes to cats their are always those that see the domestic pet & those that see the predator. I live my life pretty close to nature. I have a great deal of respect for the predators I share my wood with. We always kept feral cats for a reason, because of their hunting skills. I have at least 5 of them on my farm now and have never fed 1, they eat mice,moles, snakes, birds. I have coyote everywhere & they do fine staying off the menu. I keep my own cat inside because my wife wishes it inside other wise I would let him do what he wanted. If you see a pet when you see a cat that is fine & I don't fault you for that. I see a very convenient predator.

Well then I guess I take care of sick, starving, cold predators.

What the hell is Anthromorphisis? That seems to be missing from my Sociology textbook. I think you meant Anthropomorphism? IIRC, that would be applying human meaning/symbolism to animals. Neither Timber nor I did that, to my knowledge. Cats are very good hunters, but they are by no means apex predators (I don't think, anyway.) We are apex predators (which bothers me a lot) a great white shark is an apex predator...

No, YOU rock! ;)

Well then I guess I take care of sick, starving, cold predators.
Why would you think anyone would object to that if that is what you wish to do

Why would you think anyone would object to that if that is what you wish to do



+1



Cats are still predators, but they don't need us at the end of the day. Except to scavenge from.

I just got adopted by a cat......:p

I got up this morning and there was a cat asleep on my deck chair outside. I was feeling generous, and gave it a small bowl of milk, and now seem to be on this cats #1 hero list. I go outside, and she's immediately on me, rubbing my legs, etc. She has no collar, but looks very clean and healthy. I hope she's just a neighbors cat, but am afraid she's been dumped recently.

We can't take her in.....it's a choice of the cat having a home or my wife breathing. She's severely allergic.

Uh oh.

If they were so good at it I wouldn't have to be feeding obviously (ribs showing) starving cats, and I wouldn't be building shelters for cats I find crying, soaking wet in the rain, or crying and frozen to the concrete in my yard. Yes, both these things have happened at least 5 times each since I've been at my current location.

hey dude don't shoot the messenger. :)

and I can't believe we're arguing over what kind of predators cats are. They are predators, can we agree on that?

Actually, I did one better......

I found the owner. A little girl who was heartbroken because her cat had escaped (Neighbors kid). The cat definitely knew her too, so all's well.. :DI love a happy ending. I also love my two feline freeloaders.

http://www.ironwolfent.com/graphics/GAS-MASK1.jpg

for the wife

Cats are predators, they need no shelter, and they can't starve, and can do fine all by themselves. I've been fooled by these little kitties all these years. :mad: Thanks for letting me know, :thumb: I would appreciate it if you guys would fill the cats in on this bit of info and tell them that I can now see through their masquerade. . :)

Nature is not always pretty and sadly no kill shelters are over burdened. They are basically prisons for cats, a horrible existence for for one of the most successful predators nature has created. A feral cat is not domestic & once it becomes feral it can never be domesticated. I personally own a large Bangle cat that has lived its entire life inside. It is true that a domestic cat will live longer inside than outside but they do very well on their own living with people or on the fringes of humanity. Once a cat goes feral the kindest thing you can do is leave it be. In the case of Toms new friend it is unknown if it has an owner that allows it to run free. If it has a home it will return to it and visit Tom on occasion & if not it will survive just fine.

I agree. I have two strictly indoor cats that I love like they are my children. They will never go outside. But there are always cats out side and I love how they keep the rabbit population down for my garden. They have 65 acres of land to roam on and and old barn to live in. One of them, Mud Face, was the nicest cat in the entire world. She never begged for food but OMG did she beg for pettings. Turns out she was a neighbour's cat and when they moved they took her. Just saw a new face out there the other day though, so someone is moving in soon I suspect.

Tom...Cat

Guess who's back.....:p

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/020.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/018.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/013.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/012.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/021.jpg

The family that owned her also moved out yesterday and apparently left her behind. The parents were acting funny when I returned the cat. :( I think I just gained a cat. Any name suggestions?

John Jacob Jinglheimerschmidt

Sneezy

Hey, the cool thing......

No allergic reaction from the wife! :D NOrmally, she gets around any cat for 10 seconds or so and she's wheezing and sneezing. This cat appears to be hypoallergenic. :p

As to the markings, she appears to have a we bit of Calico in her background. Not sure what else, other than American Tabby.

She LOVES her tummy rubbed, by the way. :D She's also been spayed....there's a spay scar on her belly.

Couchita.

Couch