So this stray cat has been hanging around my building. I named him bobcat. He has now started coming up the steps and hanging around my door. Bobcat has taken a liking to me for some reason. Im not a big cat fan, but I am an animal lover (hate people love animals ). So um what should I do, bobcat seems kind of young but friendly and healthy looking.

1/9/2009 10:21:08 PM

That is kinda how I ended up with my cat jinx. I never thought I would have a cat and never wanted one, but she and my degree are the two best things I took out of memphis.

We let in a bunch of stray cats that were dumped on mudd island in the middle of winter. We opened up our garage and put out some blankets and food. Most of the other cats went away but jinx hung around. We decided to get her fixed before spring and our problems compounded and intended to just leave her when we graduated.. but she had to stay indoors for two weeks after her surgery and I got hooked.

Once they pick YOU its over, esp if you are an animal lover. I think the street cats have the best personalities.. they KNOW how good they have it at your place and let you know. Has bobcat brought you any "gifts"? chicken wing bones, a dead mouse? etc?

1/9/2009 10:49:32 PM

not yet, no dead animals yet

1/9/2009 11:03:24 PM

Jinx started bringing chicken bones and dead mice to the door as a thank you. (which was more like no thank you, but a nice gesture)

1/9/2009 11:07:18 PM

Quote :

"Once they pick YOU its over, esp if you are an animal lover."

truth. that's how I got my cat - she showed up at my apartment (first floor) and I started feeding her. It took about six months for her to trust me (get near her, touch her, etc). When I moved, I caught her, had her fixed, and brought her inside. She knows what's up - she doesn't mess up anything and she's never once tried to get out.

Take it in

1/9/2009 11:18:36 PM

double post, oops.

[Edited on January 9, 2009 at 11:18 PM. Reason : ]

1/9/2009 11:18:36 PM

Im not a cat person, I dont want it clawing my furniture and I dont like litter boxes

1/9/2009 11:21:25 PM

I wasnt either and still dont consider myself a cat person, but i wouldnt trade my cat for anything. One of the best gifts that just fell in my lap. Youll come to appreciate how easy having a cat is. Yes the litter kinda sucks but WELL worth the tradeoff. If that cat has picked you the affection youll get from it vs the cleaning and litter box maintance is well worth the tradeoff.

Now I know most will get mad at me, but once jinx stopped trying to get out we had her front paws declawed. We kept her backs in just in case she does get out, but we have had no trouble with the claws on any of our furniture.

[Edited on January 9, 2009 at 11:26 PM. Reason : .]

1/9/2009 11:25:21 PM

I've found with adequate scratching surfaces, our cats rarely scratch the furniture - I built our older kitten Quincy a scratching post/perch with scrap wood, carpet, and sisal - he seems to like that. I need to build a taller scratching post now that he's getting bigger (he's only about 8 months and easily over 10 lbs), but basically neither of our kittens has been terribly abusive toward the furniture.

Basically, cats are going to scratch - it's instinct, and it's territorial. And they're going to want to scratch ideally in a location where they can extend their whole body length - which is why furniture usually is their prime target.

If you can provide a more appropriate surface near furniture and gently encourage them to scratch there, generally the problem resolves itself.

1/9/2009 11:56:02 PM

Pretend it's a poor black person, and just ignore it. It's what most any other republican would do

We've had cats for 15 years now, and they've never scratched any furniture or anything. But we let them go outside when they want to play in the yard.

[Edited on January 10, 2009 at 12:37 AM. Reason : ]

1/10/2009 12:34:28 AM

If you do anything to help this cat it is now your obligation to sterilize it.

1/10/2009 12:42:55 AM

Anyone looking to adopt!


message_topic.aspx?topic=554626

NEEDS HOME

1/10/2009 2:17:32 AM

If You Liked It Then You Shoulda Put A Ring On It

1/10/2009 2:32:25 AM

Yes, the cat has chosen you. Best case scenario you make sure it's neutered and leave some food and water outside and maybe let it in to socialize when you feel like it. Making the cat mostly outdoors cuts down drastically on scratching and litter box. Our older cats started spraying, so they are now exclusively outdoors or on the porch, and we have no problems.

Honestly, if you call animal control or some rescue group they will likely tell you they are full and will euthanize him for you. Hence the best case being neutering and then letting him do his thing.

1/10/2009 1:52:15 PM

Well, its going to go back on monday if noboyd wants it.

1/10/2009 2:14:14 PM