Remember I posted about that black and white cat a few weeks ago?

Well, I have since then found out where he lives and that he has an owner.

I am posting because I dont know what to do now. Each night this week, I have come home from work to find him sat outside my front door. Last night we was just about to let Smudge out (She dont go out unless we are there as she is not used to the area yet!) and along came this black and white cat so we couldnt. Smudge was hissing and attacking the window trying to get out. I have come home tonight and found her scarred to witts end on the windowsill, my glass vase on the floor along with the radiator airer (So im assuming she has tried to get at the black and white cat again) meowing like i dont know what!

I emailed our local rescue centre who say that the owners have tried to keep him in but he doesnt like being an indoor cat. I asked if I could take him to the RSPCA where they could find him a home where the owners actually give a **** about him, but I cant do that either aparently. Im getting quite fed up with it because he is a lovely cat but its unsettling Smudge. We havent fed him and try to avoid him, but when he is sat on your doorstep meowing its hard to avoid!

Anyone got any suggestions?

xxx

Block off the windows Smudge uses to look at that cat, just at least for a couple of weeks or whatever til he forgets about him - and another good way to help is spray a citrus-y smelling thing around the door and window to neutralize any smells coming in (even if we can't smell them). And try to keep Smudge in other rooms as often as possible.

Maybe you could put something outside where the black and white kitty normally hangs out. Cats have a strong sense of smell so if you put out something like mothballs that has a really strong odor, it might make the black and white kitty go away.

Originally Posted by Baby-Freckles

We haven't fed him and try to avoid him, but when he is sat on your doorstep meowing its hard to avoid!

Anyone got any suggestions?

xxx

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Have you tried shooing him away?
Using cat deterrents may also affect Smudge when she goes out. Maybe you can try putting some used litter around what you consider Smudge's territory. The b/w cat will hopefully keep away then.

Just because the owners don't want to keep their cat locked up inside doesn't mean they don't care about their cat! It's possible it's not the most enriching home for the kitty if he's constantly hanging out around your house instead of going home, but I don't think the owners need to be forced to keep it inside.

Also, considering you don't know the cat's home environment I think it would be inappropriate to give it to the RSPCA.

I think the best thing you can do is continue to shoo it away. Cats are pretty smart, and usually when shoo'd away enough they'll stop coming back (or at least bolt every time they see you coming.)

In my experience as long as my kitties can't see the other kitties outside they don't really take notice, so I'd ditto the window blocking plan.

I really hate shoo'ing away nice kitties, but you have to do what's best for your cat at the end of the day!

Good luck!

You could always call the RSPCA if you are really concerned - not to give the cat away, but rather for them to do a home visit to just ensure the cat is in a safe, happy environment. It can be a bit freaky for the owners, but at the same time, it might help your peace of mind.

This happened to my husbands family. Unfortunately, I was house-sitting at the time so I was the one who had to deal with the RSPCA (with my husband on phone). His family had a very old cat who we had taken to the vet numerous times - who was loved and cared for but was absolutely miserable if left inside. She HAD to be outside for at least a bit of the day. Anyway, a neighbour called the RSPCA and an officer came over for a chat and a visit. He inspected the living situation - looking at her access to the house as well - and though he agreed with the vet (3-6 months left to live) he also agreed that she was overall a happy and well-taken care of cat - just old.

He didn't inform us which neighbor had called (though we knew) and he was very kind and reassuring to me.

This is a scary thing for a truly loving cat owner, but if you are really concerned about the well-being of the cat, you might want to call. They might at least be able to give you some advice.

I dont want to call them because of I think that they aint looking after it properly, the rescue centre confirmed he doesnt go home much - if at all, until someone takes him there and then he is back with us within a matter of days. I just dont want him upsetting Smudge as it has taken her a while to get used to me and my partner, and as we aint letting her out much because of this cat, I just dont think its fair. Thanks for your advice anyway, I might just have a word with teh RSPCA to see if there is anything I can do...