Neighbours feeding my cat – what should I do?

Hi again,

You're right, it’s quite rare for an adult cat to change their habits; they really are the ultimate creatures of habit. So, here are a few possibilities:

- NEKO might have struck up a real friendship with a cat outside who’s been coming around in the evenings—yes, it does happen!

- Even though he’s been neutered, he might feel there are too many entire males roaming around outside and wants to be there to 'mark his territory'. Toms are incredibly territorial, even after they've been done. This could also be the reason for his odd behaviour around your table; his usual routine has been disrupted and it’s affecting everything, even his appetite.

- He’s found a five-star canteen at a neighbour’s house who lets him up on the table and perhaps treats him to prawns and tuna. A cat will always follow his stomach!

In any case, one thing is for sure: something outside has completely fascinated him and is drawing him in like a magnet! He won’t forget his mum because of it, though, so don’t worry too much. It’s likely just a phase he’s going through.

Mialissa

I’m not trying to be judgmental, but you aren’t allowed to feed a cat that doesn't belong to you, whether it's a stray or not...

If it really is a stray, usually you’ll recognise it straight away because it'll be starving and in a right state – believe me, you can't mistake them for anything else.

If you feed them, depending on local council rules, it might actually be illegal. Plus, if you want to get it trapped to check for a microchip or for adoption, neither the council nor the local rescue charities will take your request because by feeding it, you’ve technically become responsible for it (it’s true!).

And if it isn’t a stray, then you really shouldn’t be feeding it, whether you like it or not. Otherwise, you’re likely to get a visit from an angry owner who’ll give you a proper earful, and I certainly won’t be the one to talk them out of it...

Moving on, I’ve already replied to you on the dog forum regarding the "private ad regulations" thread.

And I’ll say it again: if you want a cat or a dog, then adopt one, but stop going on about people's supposed "mistreatment".

NO, letting a cat roam outdoors isn't mistreatment, even if that cat has digestive issues.

By feeding it, YOU are the one mistreating it, and that’s why I told @Noneko that sooner or later, they’re going to have to lose their rag!

As for the second dog forum topic, yes, a private individual isn't technically allowed to demand reimbursement for microchipping and vaccination costs, but if you have any common sense, you’d see it’s only logical!

I think the truth is you want a cat but don't want to pay the basic costs... like I said, a pet costs money, just like a kid does. You have to send a child to school and get them vaccinated... and it wouldn’t occur to you to say you aren’t schooling a child because it’s too expensive... unless you don't have kids!

It’s the same here. If you don't want to pay a rescue like the RSPCA (as you said yourself) or a private seller who isn't trying to pull a fast one, then you definitely shouldn't be getting a cat, dog, mouse, or even a goldfish...

I think it’s only natural to feed him too, because how are people who see him outside meant to know he belongs to someone and has a health condition?

PERSONALLY, when I see an animal, I assume it’s been abandoned, and I’ve occasionally given them a bit of food myself – not at home, but if I’ve got something on me.

I reckon if he’s got health problems, he shouldn't be allowed out because he might eat any old thing outdoors, which could be even worse than what that little girl gave him.

It’s probably for the best to keep him inside, even though I know it’s hard when a cat loves to roam.

@centpedigree....

If he’s a boy, he’s going to be pulling a right face about being called Daisy! 😀😀😀

I’m probably the wrong person to ask because my cats rule the roost here, so I can’t really help much since what’s bothering you is just everyday life for me...

As long as your cat stays healthy... the lack of cuddles is frustrating, but as mike said, it could be down to the time of year for going out, and the heat affecting how much they want to snuggle or eat their dry food...

Don't hold back on the wet food at the moment as he needs to stay hydrated, and make sure he's up to date with his worming if he's out hunting...