Update on Mister (Genever's boyfriend)

Update from my thread in the pictures section...Well, I hadn't seen Mister for a while, about a week actually. Then he showed up in the backyard this morning, so I went out and was petting him and loving him and talking with him, and called to see if the vet is open today (they are), and they told me I can bring him in to be scanned for a chip. So I got him in the carrier with no more difficulty than getting G-cat in there, and off we went.

OH MY GOODNESS the noises he made in the car! He HATED it! It was making me laugh almost. So dramatic.

He was quiet again once we got to the vet and out of the car. The office girls were hesitant to tell me what to do when I told them the situation and asked what I should do- keep him or let him go? No one could really give me answers, but the office girls and techs leaned more toward me keeping him.

We went back in a room and a tech scanned him, no chip. So then I opted to wait 15 minutes or so and get him an exam. Genever's vet isn't in on Fridays, so we had another vet who I think is new at that office. I never saw her before anyway. Mister was not having any of the examining, he was squirming a lot and MEOWING, or really just making noise, like a long, continuous moooowwwwwwwww.. I imagine it's the kind of cursing that otto's Jennie does.. Anyway the vet brought in a tech to hold him so she could poke at him and whatnot. They think he's at least 5 years old, he's 12.5 pounds, neutered, has bad teeth and gums. Poor guy. Otherwise looked pretty good and was not agressive at all despite all the noises.

So I talked to the vet for a bit about what to do about him. She thought he's probably someone's, not only because he's not scrawny, or because he's friendly, but mostly because he's not scratched up or beat up at all. I basically had to pry it out of her asking What would YOU do? She said SHE would put up signs around the neighborhood asking if this is someone's cat, because i want to adopt him if not. And also she said I would have a very hard time keeping him indoors. She wouldn't really tell me whether i should take him in or not. No one could tell me. She sounded like she was leaning towards me letting him go.

So in the meantime she got me a list with prices of all the tests and shots he would need, as well as the dental cleaning, so I could decide what to do, if I'll keep him or not.

So we came back home, howling away the whole car ride. I talked to BF, and we just don't know!! We are torn. And not exactly prepared at the immediate present to have a secluded cat in our house. So I let him out of the carrier. He's been in our backyard ever since, for over an hour. I gave him some wet food.

Just now though, he came up to the screen door and must've surprised Genever cos she ran up and puffed up and hissed!! So I closed the door. I don't know what to do!!! I think Genever is sensing something's going on, that might be why she got upset.

So I guess I'm in the same situation as a week ago. If you want to judge me for letting him stay outside, at least for now, then fine. I know some would be just as critical if I took him in. So... this is what I had to do (or not do) for the household at the moment. I hope he keeps coming around though, if we can figure out a better solution then perhaps we'll act on it. SIGH. I feel like poop right now.

Most people are out spending a ton of money at the stores today; me, I avoided the crowds and just spent $50 for an exam for (probably) someone else's cat.

Genever probably puffed up because Mister smelled different....like vet.

Why did the vet think you wouldn't be able to keep him inside? Many a stray has been turned into an indoor cat.

The fact that he disappears for long periods makes me lean toward he has a home. His condition could also point toward that, because if he'd been abandoned two weeks ago or more he'd be looking more scrufty by now I think.

I really think that either knocking on doors or putting up flyers is the way to go. You have to settle this one way or another, because otherwise you're going to go crazy over it.

Mister

I believe I know what the vet is saying about him not being able to turn into an indoor cat. Cats tend to be happier outdoors. When they have the right to roam, and then that right is taken away from them, they feel bad. Wouldn't you feel bad if you had to stay inside constantly, only being able to look at the outdoors from a window? If he has owners that let him out, and someone keeps him in, then he probably would enjoy living with them more than someone who kept them in. That's just my opinion, as that is how I would be thinking if I was a cat.

I hope everything works out for you and Mister.

Awww Mister
I can see how you are thorn... What I don't agree with the vet though, is her assumption from a 15 minutes exam that you would have a very hard time keeping him inside... That makes no sense to me
My Hope was a stray, caught pregnant, semi-feral, and you show her the door, she wants nothing to do with it. She is one happy camper inside. There are SO many ex-outside kitties here at TCS that are fully happy inside!
I personally believe it is fun for the kitties to have company, and Genever seems to like him and Vice-versa, so they would be a great pair from the get go, which is fantastic!
I don't think anyone here would be judging you... this is purely your decision with what you can deal with, afford...
Also, what if this kitty belongs to someone else? IMO this is an important consideration... I wouldn't like to hurt someone... What if it belongs to a child? Gosh, when I was about 10 years old, my inside/outside kitty Charles disappeared for a week and just about broke my heart in a 1,000 pieces... You don't want to do that to someone... Do you know your neighbors well? Maybe if you start asking them, they will know who it belongs to?
What if put a collar on him with a little message attached to it - put a little folded paper with a message saying you are trying to find the owner, and to contact you when he gets the message. No call back, no owner.
Just some thoughts...

You certainly won't get any judgement from me sweetie! This decision is your's and your DH's, no one else's. I support you no matter WHAT you decide.

For what it's worth, I really respect your concern for this sweet boy and willingness to help him. You did a good thing!

Just based on experience with tame cats in my feral colony, I think this boy sounds like someone's indoor/outdoor cat. That's been the case with several cats in my colony who appear to be good shape and only come around periodically. At least he's already fixed! That's a plus. I agree with putting a safety collar on him and attaching a note asking his owner (if there is one) to call you. I've done this a couple of times and have, in fact, heard from the cat's owner or caretaker. Really eased my mind.

We're certainly not going to judge you for letting this cat back outside. You've already done more for him than most people would. I do have to respectfully disagree with the poster who noted that cats are happier outside. All of the stray cats I've rescued/fostered who were struggling to survive outside never wanted anything to do with the great outdoors again once they came in. Smart kitties!

Originally Posted by eilcon

For what it's worth, I really respect your concern for this sweet boy and willingness to help him. You did a good thing!

Just based on experience with tame cats in my feral colony, I think this boy sounds like someone's indoor/outdoor cat. That's been the case with several cats in my colony who appear to be good shape and only come around periodically. At least he's already fixed! That's a plus. I agree with putting a safety collar on him and attaching a note asking his owner (if there is one) to call you. I've done this a couple of times and have, in fact, heard from the cat's owner or caretaker. Really eased my mind.

We're certainly not going to judge you for letting this cat back outside. You've already done more for him than most people would. I do have to respectfully disagree with the poster who noted that cats are happier outside. All of the stray cats I've rescued/fostered who were struggling to survive outside never wanted anything to do with the great outdoors again once they came in. Smart kitties!

Click to expand...

I was just saying that some cats are happier outside. I know that other cats are perfectly content to stay indoors, and that's fine. I just know that if I was a cat, I would be happier outdoors.

Hi, honest opinion (please don't beat me )
There could be a few options-

1.If you haven't seen him for a few days he could be someones cat and he has been at home.

2.Could be a semi-feral or someone has dumped him

I think you definetely should put up posters to see if he is anyones, I know he is in not great health but people do have outdoor kitties and he could be somebodys who will miss him greatly. I definetely agree that if you can take him on then do if he isn't cared for, thats a fab thing to do for him and I admire you for taking him to the vets. I just wouldn't want anyone mourning the loss of him.
Please don't take this the wrong way, as I am only stating what I think, I have so many kitties that come into my garden and I would love to pick every one of them up and bring them in, some I really think the owners obviously don't care just by looking at them but I would hate to think that if I did someone ay miss them terribly.
He is a gorgeous kitty and judging by his health then no he isn't being cared for how he should be and like we on here would expect a kitty to be cared for. I just wouldn't want you getting any problems further on down the line.
I hope this all works out well, I think if you do end up adopting him then Genever will be fine. Good luck.xx

I didn't see this suggested, but one idea is to put a (safety) collar on him with a note attached. I just wrapped a little piece of paper around the collar and attached it carefully with tape when I was wondering if Francis (our porch kitty) had a home. If he has a home, surely the owners would notice if he came home with a random collar on. This worked for me, although it was actually another concerned neighbour who called me.

I also placed an ad on Kijiji (on online classifieds site, like Craigslist) and surprisingly got a response from his owner.

Originally Posted by Carolina

Awww Mister

What if put a collar on him with a little message attached to it - put a little folded paper with a message saying you are trying to find the owner, and to contact you when he gets the message. No call back, no owner.
Just some thoughts...

Click to expand...

That's a terrific idea Carolina!

Erica-We all know you want what's best for Mister. Please keep us posted.

Thanks everyone for the replies and support. I am just so conflicted in my head! I can't relax! I guess I have to agree though that it seems more like Mister is someone's, since he's not ALWAYS around, though I haven seen him at night a few times, but mostly in the afternoon (or morning- today).

I like the collar idea, I guess I could try that. What do i say in a note though? Just that I'm wondering if he has a home, and if not I'll take him in? If I would get a call, what do I say? Sigh. In any case it will have to wait a few days at least- I am NOT going near any kind of store this weekend.

I will also say I wasn't crazy about the vet who saw Mister, like I said Genever's regular vet isn't in on Fridays. I'd have liked to talk to her about him. But I guess I don't really need to now.

Relax Erica!!! Deep breath! Maybe we will have to visit the SPCA this weekend, and who knows, we might fall in love with one of the residents there and just have to take one home with us. It's definitely time, overdue really, for us to add a kitty. SOON.

Originally Posted by DarkMavis

Relax Erica!!! Deep breath! Maybe we will have to visit the SPCA this weekend, and who knows, we might fall in love with one of the residents there and just have to take one home with us. It's definitely time, overdue really, for us to add a kitty. SOON.

Click to expand...

I think that is a WONDERFUL idea!

Hey, you've done more for Mister than most people would have already. And, it's a tough call as he's obviously not a total stray/feral. I like the idea of a collar and a note as well. Maybe you could write something like, "I have seen Mister several times, and I am wondering if he's someone's pet. If he is, I will just let him be. If he is not, I would love to adopt him. If Mister's is yours, please contact me at (phone, email, whatever you're comfortable with) and let me know. Thanks."

Originally Posted by myfamiliars

Hey, you've done more for Mister than most people would have already. And, it's a tough call as he's obviously not a total stray/feral. I like the idea of a collar and a note as well. Maybe you could write something like, "I have seen Mister several times, and I am wondering if he's someone's pet. If he is, I will just let him be. If he is not, I would love to adopt him. If Mister's is yours, please contact me at (phone, email, whatever you're comfortable with) and let me know. Thanks."

Click to expand...

Thats a fab idea.Couldn't agree more, I know our RSPCA website do a printable paper collar, wonder if I could find you something like that you can use. x

Oooooh found this, will it be any good??xx

http://content.www.rspca.org.uk/cmsp...&ssbinary=true

I don't care what the vet or vet techs said. I go with what my heart tells me. And that boy would be inside with me in a split second.

If I saw signs, I would call, but I wouldn't go out of my way to run around posting signs.

So far as a 15 minute exam determining it would be hard to keep him inside? Pffft! Assumptions! Any outdoor cat can learn to be an indoor kitty. Until Chynna adopted me (she was an indoor kitty put outside when her previous family moved and left her behind), all of my cats were strays living outside. They all learned to live inside and were happier and healthier for it.

You say this kitty has bad teeth and is only about 5 years old? That kitty is not being looked after.

My advice is to take him inside and let him be part of your loving and caring family. Listen to your heart. You are concerned for him enough to take him to the vet to be checked out. I'd say your heart has already given you the answer that you are seeking.

Congratulations! It's a boy!!!

Note on the breakaway collar: I took this cat to the vet and to check for a microchip. He seems healthy, but is he owned by someone? Please call XXX-XXXX.



And if you can print out FOUND CAT posters with a picture and put a few around (don't mentioned he's neutered, that's how you can help find real owner), do so if you can.

for caring and trying to do right by this guy!!!!!!

Originally Posted by LDG

if you can print out FOUND CAT posters with a picture and put a few around (don't mentioned he's neutered, that's how you can help find real owner),

Click to expand...

Superb advice worth repeating.

Erica....I am tossing in my 2 cents cuz I wuv miss gcat. Take him in!!! She would probably love having her outside bf inside plus I'm playing favorites cuz he looks very similar to my fatman.....but you do what's best for you guys but I agree with natalie_ca. Its what I would do.

I am just going to say for you to do what you think is best for your kitty, yourself, and the outside kitty. That you figure out what is best for all of you.