FabSwingers.com forum: Chosen...by a Cat...HALP !

By *oubleswing2019 OP Man
over a year ago

Colchester

Background

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It would appear a cat has decided to use some shelter in our garden to sleep.

It was spotted late last night wandering around, and then left. Tonight it came back and nestled down. The shelter is warm and covered (mostly).

We don't have any pets and we are not familiar with cat behaviour.

I know cats are free-ranging kind of beasts when out hunting, but I would have thought they'd return to their home to their known environment, with food and water nearby.

So this behaviour seems quite odd to us.

Can any cat owners shed any light on this please ?

I feel sorry for the poor thing, it IS cold out there, and despite not owning any pets, I'm now looking through Amazon for enclosed fluffy cat beds.

OTOH, I'm concerned that putting one down might encourage it further, and suddenly I'm a cat owner which I neither want nor relish. However I cannot abide animal suffering and feel a bit responsible that its chosen our garden to lodge in.

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By *nightsoftheCoffeeTableCouple
over a year ago

Leeds

You could always pop it to the vets see if it's got a microchip.

A bed itself might not encourage return visits, if it's anything like my cat it'll sleep anywhere but the given bed.

Feeding the cat is likely to make it return though.

Mrs

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Some are hardy. There’s one in my street is out all hours no matter the weather and they have their back door open regularly for their other pets. Don’t feed the wee one in your garden but a wee blanket wouldn’t do any harm and if you can figure out who the owners are have a word.

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By *oubleswing2019 OP Man
over a year ago

Colchester

Thank you both of you.

I agree, feeding is clearly not a good idea. It looks well-cared for, and is a most beautiful fully black cat. (Which is one of my favourite cat colourations. I'm not superstitious in the slightest, and from cat-living friends I'm well aware of the bad rep and treatment they have received from fearful folks.

Personally, a familiar would be right up my street)

However, it's not mine and I also suspect it's owner may be worried. I'll check on it in the morning (later today), and see if it's still there.

Er...how does one approach a cat ? I assume slowly and no sudden moves ? I assume cats can recognise their owners, so won't it just scarper ?

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By *nabelle21Woman
over a year ago

B38

Oh bless you ..that is kind, looking for a warmer for the cat.

If I were a cat, I know I'd head home to food and warm. Maybe it's owners have gone away and left it out!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thank you both of you.

Personally, a familiar would be right up my street)

However, it's not mine and I also suspect it's owner may be worried. I'll check on it in the morning (later today), and see if it's still there.

Er...how does one approach a cat ? I assume slowly and no sudden moves ? I assume cats can recognise their owners, so won't it just scarper ?

My wee cats pure black! And he is the best, loveliest wee cat I’ve ever known.

It is lovely you’re looking out for the wee dude.

Be slow and gentle in your approach, crouch rather than loom and put your hand out and let them approach you.

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By *nabelle21Woman
over a year ago

B38

Approach a cat slowly, with no sudden moves to startle it.

I wouldn't take it to the vets air anything like that just yet.

Maybe ask around if you become really concerned about it.

As you say, it looks well looked after so hopefully it will just go home.

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By *oubleswing2019 OP Man
over a year ago

Colchester

The cat had a rest for about 3 hours. I checked on him/her and they've gone. I played back cam footage and watched which way they left the garden and which direction they headed. I'll pop a blanket out tonight and see if they come by in the wee hours again.

If they come about Tue night, then Wed morning I'll check with their neighbours.

Who knows, perhaps they have kids and their house is chaos and the cat just wanted somewhere peaceful and warm for a good snooze, bless the thing.

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