For the past few days, my cat has been turning his nose up at his dry food, yet he’s actually putting on weight...
At first, I thought he might be ill, so I took him to the vet, but he got a clean bill of health. She did point out, however, that he’s got a bit of a pot belly for his age (18 months).
So, I did a bit of digging and noticed that the kids in my block of flats love playing with my cat, who is very – perhaps too – sociable with people.
While looking for him one evening around 7pm, I spotted a little girl from the estate who was desperate to take him back to her house.
I explained to her that he belongs to me and that she really mustn't let him inside or feed him, as he has a sensitive stomach and is on a special diet. I also told her that I get very worried and sad when he's taken away because I'm out looking for him everywhere.
She let him go, and I went home.
My cat didn't show up until about 11pm, looking absolutely stuffed; he didn't even touch his bowl and just went straight to sleep.
My talk with the little girl clearly hasn't changed anything.
He spends all day sleeping now, and when it's time for his dinner in the evening, he’d rather bolt out the door (presumably to go and eat elsewhere).
Has anyone else had this kind of problem? Is it better to have a word with the parents? Or should I write them a note?
Thanks
Translated from French
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Well, obviously! I mean, they’re called Bandit and Voyou, aren’t they?
So of course they’re waking you up at 5 am like clockwork just to be a nuisance and then refusing to eat their dry food... it’s all in the name! You should call the next one Daisy! Especially if it’s black and white!
Mind you, I’m only saying how I reacted when I found myself in the same boat... this morning, for instance, I swiped the bowl of dry food the neighbour leaves out for my cats... I’ve told her to stop it fifty times now! I’ve tried every possible way of telling her...
If I’m wrong, you’ll just have to apologise to the neighbours, but if I’m right, your cat might not get a second chance...
No, it’s definitely not because he doesn't want you anymore... in my opinion, he’s just out living his best life as a cat, and the nice weather certainly helps.
In my view, trying to stop him will only make him miserable and might even push him away further... he’s had a taste of the great outdoors now and he’s making the most of it. And you mentioned 11.30 pm—most people are fast asleep by then, so he isn’t necessarily hanging around someone else's house...
Mind you, I could be wrong. 🤔🤔
A little personal cat story... Bandit is 3 years old, neutered, and he’s a completely different cat in the winter compared to the summer. In the winter, he only goes out for short spells and sleeps in the house... but in the summer, he spends most of the night outside doing God knows what, often coming back in during the night (via the cat flap) and eating much less at home. Is it the neighbours? I doubt it; I reckon it's more likely down to his night-time escapades and his hunting.
I’m sharing this because, as others have already said, I’m not sure if you’ve considered that other people in your estate might be "looking after and feeding" your cat... obviously it’s not the countryside, but he could still have a playground nearby... some woods, a forest, etc.
Sorry, but I’m going back to my original assessment...
i.e., a neighbour you haven't spotted yet must be feeding your cat... otherwise he wouldn't be turning his nose up at your dry food!!...
My fellow forum members were right to calm me down at the time, telling me not to accuse anyone without knowing for sure, but we shouldn't be too naive either...
There are only two things that lure a cat away from its owner: mating and food... since one of those possibilities has been ruled out, there’s only one left...
And I stand by what I said: once you’re certain you’ve caught the culprit, you mustn't show any mercy or weakness (if it’s a kid, speak to the parents obviously, but if it’s some little old man or lady, don’t be soft!).
Don't overdo it, but frankly, if you aren't at least a bit firm and cold, they’ll just keep doing it on the sly...
I’ve just reread the whole thread from the beginning to get back into the swing of things...
Unless I'm going blind, you haven't mentioned anywhere whether the cat has been neutered... if he’s still entire, then you don’t need to look any further.
It’s the time of year when they become less affectionate, stay out all night, and even go missing for weeks!
As for the rest, I’ve agreed with @Bapt Noug from the start... even if you can’t make any formal accusations, I still reckon there’s a neighbour like that involved!
Hi everyone, I’m coming back to this thread as you already know a bit of the story.
Since my cat was poisoned, his behaviour has changed; he makes a real fuss every night to go out, even though he used to come in around 11.30 pm, finish off his bowl and go to bed with me.
Now, it’s a completely different story—he meows, climbs everywhere and scratches at the door to get out.
He’s jumping onto the kitchen worktops even though he’s never done that before.
He’s refusing his dry food and only wants wet food.
It’s almost like he’s trying to escape the flat; he just wants to be outside all the time.
Usually, he’d pop in every so often and be happy to see me, but now I have to go out, call him and look for him just to see him. I feel like he doesn't want me anymore...
It’s so frustrating, that! An old friend of my parents had a cat; he lived on an estate where there were loads of cats and kids around. The neighbours’ kids used to take him into their house and feed him... Anyway, after a while, they basically claimed the cat as their own and now he hardly ever comes home...
@Mike 64 cats are never satisfied, are they! ^^
Oh definitely, but since I’m surrounded by gardens, my cat could be eating absolutely anything without me really knowing.
He’s still turning his nose up at his dry food but eats his wet food okay; he must be having some trouble digesting it. Plus, I found some grass in his stools even though he was wormed just a week ago.
