Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

long yes but figured to get it all out.

Well stubby our nice stray has been chillen at the house a lot and we feel bad for him especially since its getting cold out. I fed him/her some bits of chicken and found out cats really do like milk. I also stay outside and pet her (thinking its a her) for a hour a night but she kneads me (hurts) so i put a towel down and try to say no, no nails.

Anyway last night my husband felt bad since it was very cold and let stubby in. After a hour of checking out the house, sniffing every corner, climbing on the window, counters and stove she curled up in my lap on the couch and feel in a deep sleep. I picked her up and moved her over and she didn't budge. So Dh let her sleep on the couch (on a sheet) all night. I never seen anything sleep so deep to the point i heard a bit of a snore.

At 6AM we heard a meow, dh woke up let stubby out and then this morning we found her outside with a dead bird as a present, and then she pushed herself inside the house again and I had to lift her up and out because we are not sure what we are going to do at this point. I put a saucer of milk out and say bye and now i feel crushed.

I think its wrong to have a cat come in and then push it out but we are so not sure if we want to adopt a cat because we are unsure if A. we are allergic to cats, B. if stubby will destroy the house when alone, C. if its owned by someone. The cat has no collar, always is around the house (daily). Dh thinks its more then fair to have the cat sleep over occasional but have no responsibility and i do not think that is right.

Any advice?

Stubby in the sun licking lips after milk time:

Message edited 12/2/2009 9:49:59 AM.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Hmmm. I see your predicament. You also don't know if Stubby has parasites, pests or diseases to consider.

I am allergic to cats and I usually feel the affects within 30 minutes. All it takes is a touch with my hand and then touching my face and I'm a goner. I also have asthma and wheeze if it's particularly bad.

What if you invite her in one more time, do the same thing and test it out? Pay close attention to things like watery eyes, stuffy noses, hives on arms, breathing problems?

I'm clueless about this stuff so I don't really know if this is a good suggestion but what about some kind of insulated structure where she could get some shelter from the cold in the meantime?

eta: just saw the pic, she is GORGEOUS. I can't have cats obviously but when I was a kid, I wanted a cat that looked just like that.

Message edited 12/2/2009 9:55:32 AM.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

It sounds like it's a wonderful cat, and you both really feel for it. It sounds like the cat really enjoys your company, and your house. :)

I have to say I dont think it's anyone's cat and well if it is, too bad...they should have a collar on her/him.

Me personally, I would adopt the cat as my own after all that. I have to say odds are if you are allergic, you will have a reaction pretty quickly as cat allergies are often harsh.

I would take the cat to the vet, get him or her checked out, fixed, etc...then let him/her live as an outdoor/indoor cat...as he wishes. I dont think he will destroy your home if you are letting him/her out to do "cat" stuff outside....I have had cats all my life so this is where I speak from.

I do think it's sort of cruel to only let the cat in once and a while...but I guess it's better than nothing. But you will see, when Winter comes, you will feel too bad to leave it outside. So I would get a jump on the vet visit now...get him or her flea meds, etc....and adopt the cat.

I really doubt it's anyone's and if it is, oh well. JMO

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

The fact that the cat is so friendly and lets you pet it and sleeps on your lap leads me to believe it's not a true feral cat.

It might have been someone's cat at one point and it either got lost or they threw it out or something. Feral cats are never that trusting.

Either way, this cat seems to want to make a home with you.
I can tell you somethign about allergies as well- I am highly allergic to cats. And I have 2 of them right now. The thing with pet allergys is that the more you are exposed to the allergan, the more your body builds a tolerance to it. It's the same concept as getting allergy shots... they inject you with the allergan so you build up a tolerance to it. I suffered for the first few weeks with my kittens and now I am fine. I am still allergic to other cats- but I have built my tolerance to mine.
So even if you did have an allergy, it really isn't the end of the world.

I really think this cat is telling you it needs a home- I know it's a big decision but cats are pretty much low maintainence.
And if you train it right with scratching posts, double sided tape, water bottles to spray it when it's bad, it shouldn't destroy your house either.

If you do decide to keep her, just make sure you get her to a vet ASAP. Outdoor cats can carry a lot of parasites, fleas, etc...plus you'll want her fixed ASAP.

Good luck!
She is adorable!

Message edited 12/2/2009 10:17:44 AM.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

I agree, he's probably not a true feral cat. Seems like a sweetie. I would take him to the vet to get checked out if u decide to maybe keep him-the snoring is a little worrisome-that may be a respiratory infection. Good luck!

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Message edited 12/2/2009 10:30:09 AM.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

thanks for the advice! I will talk to my husband and at least figure out a way I can get the cat to go into a box or something so I can bring it to the vet. I am thinking it has medical treatment at one point since its tail was amputated. But I do agree with the parasites - YUCK!

Hopefully we can come to a decision after checking cat a few nights and see if the cat likes us.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

First of all, it is very kind of you to look after her...you are doing a wonderful thing. There are a lot of terrible things that could happen to cats who live outdoors (getting hit by cars, hurt by cruel people and injured by other animals). I agree with others, sounds like she was owned at one point.

My advice would be to at least get her to a vet right away for a check-up and deworming. You don't want fleas in your house. If you were allergic you would know by now.

As far as destroying the house...I have taken in many strays and they have never destroyed the house. Have the vet cut her nails short and they can be trained. Buy a scratching post right away. Don't leave pieces of string around becasue they can ingest it.

Not to pressure you, but you would be doing a wonderful thing by giving that sweetheart a home.

PS - cats may like the taste of milk but it can give them serious upset stomachs...water is best.

Message edited 12/2/2009 10:34:50 AM.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Oh thank you about the milk thing - stubby had bad gas so that might explain it. I am going to buy cat food at target during lunch. Dh says he is considering it but he said we can see about a vet this weekend just doesn't want to have a $200 vet bill and discover its someones pet. I just feel if it was someone's pet it would go home, have a collar and not hang out with us all the time in the rain and freezing temps. So we will wait until this weekend to try to see if he/she really wants us. I know it hangs out at the deli two houses down and the deli person said its not theirs but its always around trying to get food.

I am glad to hear the cat won't destroy the house, so i think we will test out this week and figure it out. I will at least get it to a vet.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Really great points about looking for Stubby's owners if they're out there.

As a child, my dog ran away and I was completely heartbroken for a long time. When he came back a year later, I found out he had been taken in by a family less than a mile away that KNEW my next door neighbors and never tried to find his original owners or check the town shelter.

There could be other people who suffer besides the adults if he has a home that is looking for him. It doesn't take much to put in some effort there - see if he has a microchip, contact area shelters to see if anyone is on the lookout for a cat fitting the description. And if you come back with nothing, you can have a clear conscience.

Whatever happens, I think it's great that you're taking such a hand in his/her wellbeing.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

I am a true believer that animals are little angels and find you...I think this cat came into your life for a reason...it may sound cheesy and dumb, but I really believe they are a blessing and not a burden.
I think it's great you guys have taken the cat in. I believe there are vets and places like bidawee that will spay or neuter a cat for very little if they know you are doing the responsible thing. (I could be wrong) Also alot of people have indoor/outdoor cats..they keep them in, and when the cat wants to leave they let them out. Can you do that? It sounds like it was happy in your home if it layed on your lap and slept so soundly...
Good luck in your decision. (love the name by the way!)

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

I would put up signs around the neighborhood, put a post on craigslist, and bring him to the vet to see if he's chipped first.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

posted an ad on craigslist (anonymous email no phone numbers listed), made fliers that i will put up in the deli on our block and on some polls and if i'm brave i will try to put in some mailboxes. I will have her stay over the next following nights and put her out during the day for now, finding cheap vets for cat spay/neuter and to get shots etc. SO far found two, for this weekend.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

AWESOME!!!!

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

Years ago, I adopted a stray cat (my ex-h now has custody of him ). Anyway, when we brought him to the vet for his shots and whatnot he gave us a discounted rate due to us taking in a stray (he had a program for people who took in strays). Ask around if they will give you a discounted rate.

Good luck and God bless you guys for taking in that beautiful baby! You will get so much joy from him/her.

Re: Stubby (the stray) slept over last night

awesome.. she loves you guys. if she was going to shred your house she would have already.... Thats so great of you guys..

PS be carefull of milk isnt that good for cats...