lost/unlost cats

[eub]

Under a truck on the street where I'd parked was a glimpse of fur, which proved to be a very affectionate cat. Shaggy coat, though, which made me wonder if it was used to being outdoors. (I asked a jogger passing by, who was inconsistent.) I have a vague idea I've seen a "lost cat" poster somewhere in the area, but I couldn't find it along the route I regularly walk. In the mean time the cat hid itself somewhere. No matching "lost" ad in the Times.

What's the right procedure for a questionable cat? Any tips for guessing whether it's supposed to be out?

I wouldn't let a cat run outdoors in the city, but I'm suppose some people would on this side street. I'd certainly give it a tag. But maybe bundling what might be some unwise person's outdoor cat into my car and driving off is too much. Or maybe it wouldn't have been.

Comments

[rubricity.livejournal.com]

That's a tough call. I've been involved in a couple of cat "rescues" of varying clarity.

If it was without tags and seemed healthy, I'd probably leave it be. But, if it's condition seemed questionable, I'd probably go back and try to coax it out for closer examination. Possibly taking it home and making a bunch of "found cat" signs and return to where it was found and post them.

[jinian.livejournal.com]

You've probably read my post from last time something like that happened to me. To summarize, I am of the opinion that cats oughtn't to be wandering in the city, and I tend to take them someplace and have them scanned for microchips. If the cat's person ends up having to pay to get it from Animal Control, I think they can consider that one of the lesser risks of letting the cat out where random people can make off with it. (Better me, and $50, than some very nasty person, and no more cat.)

meow

[girlieaction.livejournal.com]

wow, that is a truely excellent point. we've had all our cats microchipped, but so many things have happened to them at the hands of strangers over the years that they're now strictly indoor cats.

[chaoticgoodnik.livejournal.com]

Having a cat wondering around outside, even if it is used to it, is not so good. If it's not spayed/neutered, it could add to the unwanted cat population, and if it's spending much time outside, its days are teh numbered. Steal this cat. (And take it to a no kill shelter if you can't keep it.)

[indigodove.livejournal.com]

If you can, take it to the shelter and get the microchip scanned -- if it has one, it can then be returned easily (I hope).

Or, it might be an "outdoor cat." Ours stay inside, and I like it that way (safer), but many folks in our neighborhood let them roam. So, the owner may not care if s/he goes out "catting around." Tags and a collar are usually signs that the cat has a human, but if the owners let the cat roam your neighborhood, they may not care enough to keep kittycat tagged >:-(

If you can't find the owner, consider the many benefits of a cat in the house :-) Like right now, Ella is standing over the keyboard, meowing and headbutting my hand in an effort to convince me to pet her instead of typing. She is very convincing.

Good luck!