Neighbours feeding my cat – what should I do?

Noneko

15/06/2020, 18:07

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Hello,

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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Blue_cat

17/06/2020, 23:13

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Hi there,

So glad to hear things are looking up. Something just occurred to me: outdoor cats can sometimes eat some really nasty plants. My cousin had a cat who was secretly nibbling on one of her houseplants and it was making her feel quite poorly... It took my cousin months to identify the 'culprit'. Since getting rid of the plants, there’s been no more tummy trouble.

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Mike64

17/06/2020, 21:52

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I don't want to dampen your spirits but... even with a big garden, they still wander further afield...

It’s just like some people with money—"the more they have, the more they want" 👎

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Noneko

17/06/2020, 21:40

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If I could give him a big garden, I wouldn't hesitate.

Mind you, he’s got his cat mates here too, and his little routine (which has been a bit disrupted over the last few days, admittedly).

We’ll see how things go; I’ll keep you all updated if he has another episode.

Have a lovely evening too and thanks!

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Mike64

17/06/2020, 21:32

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I hope everything goes well from now on. We’ve all been through this kind of mishap at some point, but cats do love having their own little life outdoors – at the end of the day, it’s important for them.

As for moving house because of this, I’m afraid you’d only be moving the problem... there are children and hazards everywhere, but your cat is clever, and whatever it was that upset your little companion’s tummy, he’ll learn from his mistakes, don’t you worry.

The other solution would be a flat where he doesn't go out anymore, but that’s hard for a cat who’s known freedom. It might be better for his safety, but not necessarily for his well-being.

Have a lovely evening

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Noneko

17/06/2020, 21:28

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Yeah Mike64

From tomorrow, my cat’s going to have to get used to his new collar with my phone number on it, just in case...

The same goes for the poster, it’s all ready! 😌

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Mike64

17/06/2020, 21:20

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So glad to hear your cat is doing better.

As for making his outings as "secure" as possible... it's going to be tough to stop him from going out in the long run. Maybe you could try what was suggested before: a quick-release collar with a name tag so people know he's not a stray, and a little poster with his photo asking people not to feed him because of his stomach issues...

That’s a start at least, and you'll have to give him a proper talking to so he stops eating rubbish! 😉😉😉

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Noneko

17/06/2020, 21:14

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I’m not blaming the neighbours, I’m just guessing, but all the kids on the estate love my cat because he’s so sweet and gentle. You know what it’s like when you’re a child and a cat comes to say hello every day – you get carried away and give him a treat here and there, or a bowl of milk... I still don’t know why my cat had that episode today; maybe it was a bug, or some food left out somewhere... anyway, he’s gone off for a wander tonight and I’ll just have to see if it happens again. A cat’s going to go where he wants to go at the end of the day, even if it means risking another trip to the emergency vet. If this continues I’ll move house; my cat’s health is too important and I couldn't bear to lose him. It would be better for my own health too – I’m anxious and stressed 24/7 and I’m sleeping with one eye open to watch over him every night. Anyway, thanks to everyone for asking after him, it really cheers me up.

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

17/06/2020, 21:03

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I really hope so too, from the bottom of my heart—and especially for your cat's sake! Do you have any idea what caused him to feel unwell? Anyway, I’m so grateful to the community here for making me realise there were other ways to look at your problem. I’ll certainly be more careful before jumping to conclusions in the future; if you’d listened to me, you might have ended up having a real falling out with your neighbours.

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Noneko

17/06/2020, 20:55

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After two days of rest, my cat has really bounced back and is starting to eat and move around again.

I’m still feeling really anxious about the thought of letting him out again though, just hoping it was a one-off and that it won’t happen again...

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

16/06/2020, 21:18

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