The word must be out...

[FamilyGal]

We had a stray kitten show up about two weeks ago on our porch. Yesterday, I counted FOUR cats enjoying the buffet. The other three were full grown. I have never seen them before. Should I collect them all and turn them in to the SPCA? Call the SPCA to try and pick them up or just ignore them?

[msucowboy97]

We had a stray kitten show up about two weeks ago on our porch. Yesterday, I counted FOUR cats enjoying the buffet. The other three were full grown. I have never seen them before. Should I collect them all and turn them in to the SPCA? Call the SPCA to try and pick them up or just ignore them?

While your feeding stray's do you mind feeding me. I am tired of cooking.


no I think long as they are outside. leave a water and food for them. they will take care of your roaches, rats, and mice you might have in return. SPCA will most likely kill them....

[FamilyGal]

You are welcome to any of the food left on the porch MSU. :)

[Wilson]

IMO, the ideal thing to do would be spay & neuter them all.

[FamilyGal]

IMO, the ideal thing to do would be spay & neuter them all.


A $80/cat, I don't think I want to invest that much in stray cats. I agree that would be the ideal thing, but that would be $320.

[Wilson]

No way! Next time you're in the market for that kind of service, check out SNAP:

http://www.snapus.org

[eaglesprings]

Okay, I'm sure I'm going to be shot for this:

Family, they might not all be strays. They may have homes, but are "roaming" and "two timing." (Yes, our oldest has taken up with our neighbor. Fortunately, she knows she is not a stray, and our neighborhood cats like to "visit," so we are kind of used to the attention).

Are you sure they're all not neutered or spayed?

And, whether you take it upon yourself to try to spay and neuter them, it might not solve your problem. I'd stop leaving food and water out for them, and I'd make it otherwise uncomfortable, at least non-hospitible, for them to hang around your house.

My Mom is running herself ragged with the strays she has adopted. Oh, they are sweethearts, to be sure. But, even with the Humane Society help, she can't get them all neutered or spayed fast enough before more come along!

It's a tough situation. I'd just not make them welcome. Unless, of course, you are ready for the commitment!

[msucowboy97]

Am I Asking To Much For You To Leave A Cheesecake Outside Tonight With A Big Glass Of Milk Around 9ish. I Am Picky On My Bed Time.

[FamilyGal]

Are you sure they're all not neutered or spayed?


I have NO idea and don't really plan on checking. The boys were feeding one little stray kitten (who probably wasn't old enough to be spayed at the time). I didn't mind that and figured we would eventually take her to the vet to have her checked out if she hung around. Since they are putting food and water out though, all of the others are coming over as well. It really doesn't bother me that much. But, it is giving my dog (just one of them) a fit because he can smell/see/sense them and digs out to chase them away! I am MORE bothered by his digging to get out to chase cats.

In the grand scheme of life, the cats are no big deal. And, you're right, they may be someone's pets. It isn't like all cats are inside cats and you certainly can't keep them out of your yard. Unless I make my dog a front yard dog! LOL

[herself]

My sister adopted a stray that kept showing up at her house for dinner. She took him to the vet, did the shots and got him fixed.

She brings the stray home, keeps him in a few days to settle in and recoup from the surgery. Lets him out and he vanishes.

Winter ends the snow melts and she's out talking to one of the neighbors come spring. Asks how was winter and what's up and all? He says things go well except the cat disappeared for a week and came home fixed. He's ripping and wondering who'd do that to his cat?

She's out $300 and not telling.:D

[eaglesprings]

LOL! That's a funny story, herself!!

[Realtorchick]

they really need to be fixed or you will be overrun with cats.

[Candleman]

Why do folks think they can let their cats run wild? We have a leash law for a reason. YES that does apply to cats!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep cats in the house or get rid of them.

[Wilson]

It hasn't been so much as an issue here (although some of my neighbors do have outside cats) but at our old house, the outdoor cats seriously drove me crazy. Crapping in my son's sandbox (had to demolish it and ended up buying a cheap Turtle sandbox that had a cover) to crapping in my garden (which is disgusting) to banging against my windows at night trying to get to *my* *indoor* cat and creating many sleepless nights. And you'll just have to trust me when I say I tried *everything* to get rid of them. And we did talk to the owners and they just didn't care. They got all mad when I suggested that I'd shoot them, though.

[Candleman]

They got all mad when I suggested that I'd shoot them, though. LOL

Live trap and a trip to the pound.

[eaglesprings]

Well, I'm going to say this, and leave it at that. Ya'll can proceed to debate the issue, and even trash me, as much as you want.

Our cats are indoor/outdoor cats. I guess we are fortunate to live in a "cat tolerant" neighborhood. My neighbor's 17 year old cat comes to visit us, and other neighbors, quite frequently. Our oldest cat goes to visit her. I guess the benefit here is we know each other, and we know each other's cats.

One of my neighbor's, who does not own a cat of his own, is very tolerant of the cats. In fact, he lets my neighbor's cat come in and sit on his bathroom countertop to watch him shave. LOL!

I don't want my cats to meet their demise anymore than the next guy. I don't want them to get run over, and I don't want them to get shot by a jerk neighbor. But, I don't want to deprive them of fresh air, sunshine, climbing trees, chasing dragonflies and other bugs, and all of the stuff that cats by their very nature want to do.

If their life is cut short by "being a cat," at least I let them "be a cat." I'd be very sad, of course! I can't even stand the thought of losing any of my cats!

But, I'm going to let them be cats.

Needless to say, I'll probably never get a cat from a Cat Rescue group. I've never needed to do so, however, because the cats find me!

[Candleman]

http://www.thecourier-online.com/site/news.asp?brd=1574&nav_sec=69983

[Candleman]

But, I don't want to deprive them of fresh air, sunshine, climbing trees, chasing dragonflies and other bugs, and all of the stuff that cats by their very nature want to do. Our cat is over 14 years old and has been an indoor cat. It is not deprived!. Cats should not have any special privelages that dogs don't have.

[FamilyGal]

I obviously live in a cat tolerant neighborhood and am tolerant myself. The only time they have bothered me is when a stray has gotten into the garage and sprayed.

Again, in the grand scheme of life, it ain't no big deal to me. There is much more to worry about. Like stray dogs. ;)

(Our dog keeps digging out and we have a neighbor threatening to call the pound to pick him up. We have tried everything, to no avail. Grrrrrr. I just hope he doesn't get hit on the Parkway or picked up before I see him out. The odd thing is that we got him for a two week trial from the pound and he never dug, not once. The day after we signed the papers and paid the money, he started digging.)

[eaglesprings]

We've had our share of "spraying stray cats," too. Well, heck, our neighbor's cat (neutered) have tried that. Some of the strays, too. We've, uh, solved that problem. And, some cats moved when their owners moved.

Our neighbors cats are welcome to come visit anytime they want! We love them! They are cool cats! Very well behaved!

We do have this one stray, though, that we chase away. He's not getting into cat food, since all of ours are fed indoors, he's just being obnoxious! We chase him away on a daily basis. It doesn't take much. He doesn't like people. (Sorry, animal lovers! We aren't going to encourage the devil to stay around here! If he has a home, he can go back to it!)

I know! Most of my cats "adopted me" but they weren't devils! That one is a devil!

Uh, I will say, we don't "shoot" the cat, or otherwise harm it. We just don't encourage the Stephen King Pet Semetary type cat to hang around.

[Candleman]

A tried and true method to keep dogs from digging under a fence. This came from a vet. it may sound mean but it works and will save a dogs life...and owners frustration and any probelms a roaming dog can cause. Shove the dog back under the fence through the same hole it got out through. When you open the gate and let the dog back in it becomes a game to the dog. . By going and getting or calling the dog to come back and opening the gate to let them back in the yard they think the behavior is OK.

[Candleman]

Eagle roaming cats get on cars and scratch the paint while jumping up or getting down. It is not ok for a person to "key" a car so why should it be ok for a cat to scratch a car?

[eaglesprings]

Put the car in the garage. Close the door.

Pine combs and pecans scratch cars. Wild rats can actually ruin your car's electrical system!

Cats normally keep their claws velveted. I've seen lots of paw prints on our cars, but no scratched paint. But, I do hear it happens.

If you are leaving your car out in the open, expect it to get weathered. Cats? Okay. But, all sorts of things are going to damage the paint on your car! If you are really so concerned about your car, you are going to be thinking about more than just cats.

So, protect your car!

[Candleman]

So, protect your car!
WOW!

[Wilson]

I don't want my cats to meet their demise anymore than the next guy. I don't want them to get run over, and I don't want them to get shot by a jerk neighbor. But, I don't want to deprive them of fresh air, sunshine, climbing trees, chasing dragonflies and other bugs, and all of the stuff that cats by their very nature want to do.

Outdoor cats do much more than chase dragonflies and bugs. I think this summary is a wonderful read for those that consider letting their cats be outside to roam the neighborhood:

http://www.runway.net/b/moonmaid/in-or-out.html

I wouldn't appreciate a neighborhood dog - what's the difference?

[Wilson]

That's terrible :(. But teens killing or torturing animals isn't really a new idea. Yet another reason to keep your pets inside.

[FamilyGal]

Skin cancer. Light colored kitties (especially white) are at risk for skin cancer of the ears due to exposure to direct sunlight.


I didn't realize cats can get skin cancer. I wonder is this is true for dogs as well.

My cats are inside cats. Where they are nice and protected. :)

I just don't want to take on more cats that come up. But, I hate seeing them hungry. :(

[eaglesprings]

Same issue with my mom, Family Gal. It's hard to not feed a stray that comes up to the house. (Heck, this is how we got most of my childhood pets!) She is getting them spayed and neutered as fast as she can. But, she's had two litters of kittens born at her house from the strays. She is really hoping to get all spayed and neutered before another surprise litter shows up.

She doesn't mind the number of cats she has now. The litters were fortunately small. But, she doesn't want any more. She knows a farmer who offered to adopt some of the cats from her because "he wanted some mousers around his chicken houses." Mom was afraid he wouldn't feed them, though, if he was depending on them to catch mice for their food. So, she declined. Now, she's got, uh, I think 10?

Sounds like a lot, but they are all beautiful! Mom, at 85, is really doing a good job with them. But, she really only wanted one! LOL!

[FamilyGal]

I'm sure they bring joy to her as well!

We just got my MIL two new kittens for her birthday. (I offered the strays, after being fixed and all, but my BIL already had two picked out from the SPCA.)

She loves cats and has been really lonely lately, so it was time to get her some new ones. Her other two finally passed away after years with her. It was great to see her laugh at the kitties running around the house. She had a defibbilator (sp?) put in yesterday and will be homebound for awhile. I think they will help cheer her up.

[eaglesprings]

I really believe pets are very therapeutic. I'm sure your MIL appreciates the attention she will receive from her furry family members.

My mom has always been a very nurturing type of person. Kids are grown, she still has that personality. I think the cats are good for her, as well. And, she still has one of her elderly dogs. She lost one (my favorite) to heartworms because her vet didn't take the time to educate her on prevention. (I haven't liked that man in years!) Her other dog got them, too, but she caught them in time to save her. It is so funny to see the rather big dog loving on the cats. LOL! They "kneed" her, and she licks them, and they curl up to sleep together. Too cute!

[TXrose]

In Montgomery County there is a leash law for cats. They must be contained to your yard. Animal Control can pick them up if they are not. I had a neighbor who had 2 cats that were always in my yard digging up my flowerbeds and using them for a litterbox. My dog doesn't go in other peoples yards, if he does while we are walking we have bags and pick it up. Why should someone else's cat be allowed to use my yard as it's personal bathroom. Or screech and moan under my windows. My dog isn't outside all night barking.

You bet if I let my dog roam or bark all night someone would complain.

It used to be ( I don't know if it still is anymore), but if you fed a stray animal you could be held responsible for it.

[Wilson]

They won't pick up the stray (feral) cats if they are on someone's property and the owner isn't home or won't answer the door.

[TXrose]

If they can determine the cats are not on their property, ie in my yard or the street they will take them. They have done it in our neighborhood before. One of my neighbors cats was in another neighbors yard, Animal control came out and the cat was in the street and they picked it up. Just like the would do with a dog. They won't pick a dog up if they can't determine that it's not in it's own yard.

[FamilyGal]

but if you fed a stray animal you could be held responsible for it.


Hmmm, that is the quickest way for me to stop feeding this kitty. I just may have animal control come pick them all up. That way, they will get the shots and operations they need and have a chance of someone adopting them. Good luck with them trying to catch 'em all though!

[TXrose]

I looked it up here's what I found.

“Owner” means any individual, corporation, association or any other legal entity that harbors, shelters, keeps, controls, manages, possesses or has part interest in any animal subject to these rules. The occupant of any premises on which a dog or cat, or other animal, remains for a period of seven (7) days, or to which it customarily returns for a period of seven (7) days, is presumed to be harboring, sheltering or keeping the aforementioned animal, within this definition.

[Realtorchick]

well they wont be fixed unless someone adopts them. They may end up being PTS but it's not your responsibility, it's the owners who let the cats out.

I just don't get people who allow their cats to roam but think it's wrong for a dog to. It's wrong in both cases!

[Candleman]

KEEP THE CATS INSIDE!!!!!!!!!

Three such incidents over the past couple of weeks have left her three cats dead; one lying in a pool of blood in her driveway two weeks ago, and the other two found lifeless on consecutive nights about a week ago.



http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1574&dept_id=532215&newsid=18824277&PAG=461&rfi=9

[Realtorchick]

you'd think she would learn after loosing one of them! ugh!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wilson]

That's what I was thinking! I guess that's asking too much :(

[eaglesprings]

I'm a big believer in putting the blame where it's due. The dogs and their owners. It's not her fault her cats were attacked. I feel very sorry for this lady.

I hope they find them soon. That sounds like a very dangerous problem for that neighborhood.

[Candleman]

Eaglesprings...it's a given that dogs should remain fenced in, the point is that many folks think it is ok to let cats roam free. With cats being the smaller of the two it is important to be a responsible cat owner and keep the cat inside. It is sad for the cats but the cats owner is just as wrong as the dog owner. If not more, considering the dominance of a dog versus a cat.

[Wilson]

It's a known danger to have outside cats. This was preventable. Of course the dog owner is also to blame - it's not safe in any way, shape, or form to let dogs roam. But it's not safe for cats to be outside, especially overnight, especially in an area where a predator can reach them.

[Realtorchick]

just forget about the dogs for the moment. There are many other dangers that are lurking out there for small critters. Lots of wild life that would easily feast on them.

i don't get the idea of letting cats roam outside. they don't need to be out there. they are just as happy hanging out on couch or window sill.

I have cat I took in who was an outside cat, he's been an inside cat for over 5 years now. his favortie thing to do, is to hang out in my 22 year old son's room.

[eaglesprings]

Well, I said earlier that I wasn't going to argue the "inside/outside" issue. I just wanted to point out what a tragedy this is for this family, and it seemed to me everyone was coming down on the cat owner, rather than placing the blame where it belonged. One of those cats lived a happy 13 years before the tragedy. Hardly the signs of an irresponsible pet owner. Don't ya'll feel bad for that family?

[Wilson]

I don't consider owners of outdoor cats to be irresponsible. Everyone has their reasons. I have a friend in Wimberley that has outdoor cats - but she lives on a farm and they are "working" cats. I have friends here that let their cats out. I don't think letting a cat out *in your own yard* in the middle of the afternoon is the same thing as having an outdoor-only neighborhood cat.

But the one that I feel bad for in this case is the cat! To die such a horrific death, especially when it was preventable? That's awful.

[Candleman]

placing the blame where it belonged
It belongs with the cat owner and the dog owner.

[Realtorchick]

it's a terrible tragedy for all :(