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Showing Original Post only (View all)I need some advice from people who are cat savvy (UPDATED WITH PICTURES) [View all]
Last edited Sun Mar 3, 2013, 07:42 PM - Edit history (2)
I know quite a bit about dogs, had at least one most of my life, bred dogs for awhile, but I have never owned a cat. I am ignorant about cats.
A strange thing happened about a week ago. A cat started staying on my front porch stoop. I opened the door, and there she was. She immediately started whining at me. I was very startled -- I couldn't imagine why a cat would choose to come to my place.
This cat is small but beautiful. I asked someone that day what does that cat want from me (yes, I am that stupid). The answer was food. Also added in was do not feed the cat or she will never leave.
I am not barbaric. I can't know that an animal is hungry and not feed it. I went out and got some canned cat food, hoping it was okay. I brought it home and put the bowl down on the stoop. She came right up and ate it right away, even though I was standing nearby. I had been told by then that this was an "outdoor" cat, not an "indoor" cat.
Then I was advised not to give the cat wet cat food - feed her the dry cat food. I bought a big bag of that. I also have been giving her clean water everyday. I asked at the pet store what kind of treats do cats eat, and I was told I could give her the treats I was buying for my dog - sweet potato fries. I was not too sure of that, so I have not done it. Any thoughts on that? Any recommendations?
So everyday the cat is there and everyday I feed her. I have a dog that is almost blind. She has lived here for almost twelve years, and she means everything to me. Outside, the cat puts her nose up to the screen door, and inside my dog puts her nose up to it as well. She must sense the animal is there, but I know she cannot see it. It seems like they could tolerate each other.
It is really cold outside tonight. My neighbors have told me the cat will be okay, but I am not too sure about that. And guess what, even though she is not yet 1 year old, she is probably pregnant. I noticed she was looking bigger after a few days, and I asked someone from PAWS to give me some advice. That was her observation. She believes the cat is pregnant.
I need to ask anyone reading this post is that cat okay outside for tonight. It seems to be pretty cold to me, I think it is about 38, but I can't quit worrying about her. I also need to figure out what to do to get ready for the "big event." I can't understand how a cat can have kittens outside and newborn kittens will not be adversely impacted by the elements. I have found a website which shows different shelters that can be improvised, but they require materials and tools and a little know-how.
So tomorrow I am going to start making some changes, but please let me know what you suggest. This is really upsetting me. I want to protect the cat but I am at a loss to figure out what to do. I have put a blanket out there which she is lying on, but that seems pretty lame.
I think the problem is I am getting conflicting advice. Additionally, I have been told that an outside cat cannot become an inside cat. Is that true? This cat, although not there yet, allows me now to pet her. She walks between my legs and brushes herself on my pants. The night before last when she knew I was coming inside, she put her paw on my shoe as if to get me to stay. I think she is starting to feel trusting of me and eventually could be very comfortable if I keep working at it, slowly but consistently. Is that true or false? Could she be trained to live inside and use a litter box?
Sam
PS I am really starting to love this cat and want to do the right thing by her, but I need some expert advice for that.
UPDATE: If you have been participating in this thread, please see post 111 for pictures. If anyone can take a look at her right ear and let me know if that a "tipped" mark, that would be great.