How do you know if it's a feral cat?"

goosegoose

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Hey everyone, 

Today when I went outside to get something from my car I noticed there was a black cat sitting on one of the chairs under the porch. So at first I thought it was my own black cat, but as I got closer I noticed it was the same black cat I saw a few nights ago. I am not sure if this c

cat is a stray or not. It was sitting on the chair and I went up to it and pet it for a few seconds but then it tried to swat at me, and it even hissed at me once. So then I went back inside and decided to get some dry food for it, and it ate some of it, but it didn't seem like it was starving like most feral cats would be like. The last feral cat I rescued was STARVED when I brought it inside, this one didn't seem so. 

But this cat did eat some of it. And it wasn't interested in the water I gave it either. It then hung around a bit, and when I called out to it, it would come up to me. Thing is, as it was eating, it has watery eyes. And usually that means it could have a coming infection of some kind.

Last time my own cats had the watery eye thing, it had a cold or something. And it is getting colder outside, and was raining today. Which is why it was sitting on our chair outside.  So I have no idea if this cat is a stray or not. I think It might even be declawed as for a moment there it didn't look like it had claws when it stretched out. (But I am not 100% sure about this either) So I have no clue if this cat belongs to anyone. Another reason why I 

don't know for sure if it's a stray or not, is when my own cat went up to it outside at night once, it allowed him to sniff him and be around him. Seems to get along fine with my cat. So I think it either might belong to someone, or maybe it's an abandoned or lost cat? It seems

pretty healthy except for the fact it's eyes are a bit runny. Like it could just be the start of an infection? Anyways, It's gone now and left on it's own. Didn't seem too interested in hanging around...so maybe it's not a stray? I am just worried about it because it looks like it could be getting sick. I wish I knew if it belonged to someone? 
 

StefanZ

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It may be difficult to know. Successfull semiferales are may be in good shape. In fact, being in good shape helps them to be successfull...

And they may be decently used to people. Them feeling off if the people seems friendly or hostile.

Many semiferales are quite used to other cats company, and thus, know how to be if not friends, to at least to co-exist.

There are two  three ways to get knows if a straying cat is home cat talking his walks about, or if it homeless:  1. You can ask the neighbours around.  2. Set up messages Found around. 3. Set up a breakable cord around the neck, with a message capsule in. Where you write your tel nr, and as the owner to phone you.

If unsure, help him as you can and wish, AND seek after the owner.

Are your cats fully waccinated against cat flu and such?  I understand they are decently used to roam outside?  If yes, you dont need to overdo the quarantine.

I see they had already met and were friendly with each other.

Good luck!
 
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goosegoose

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I saw the same cat again today. It was outside and sleeping on top of a neighbours car. I saw it sleep on top this same neighbours car twice now. I went to go pet it and and it followed me back to my house. I fed it and it ate hand fulls of cat food. I then pet it a bit more. It seems really timid cat. It would follow me around and rub against my legs, but at the same time it would swat at me. It doesn't seem to like to be manhandled very much, but I did manage to pick it up for a few seconds, but then it tried to swat at me again. It was purring though. It seems it's only on his terms when I can pet him and when I can't pet him. He comes around three times today and just left again, and was looking for food, so I had fed him again.

I can't let him inside my house because I have more than one cat, and not all my cats get along with strays. Also, I have two cats that are overdue for their shots, so I don't want them to get sick from this cat. And then there is the problem where my dad would just freak out if I brought another cat into the house. We already have 8 cats. And they are all adults. So I don't know what to do about this cat. It has an infection in his eyes, it's very watery eyes, and they tear up every time he eats, It looks like he's crying, but it's not. I think he might have a cold or flu, or the beginning stages of an infection, I see him outside, all night and then all day and it's cold outside, and raining. So I don't know if he's a stray or not. I am really worried about him and I think I might want to try and grab him and put him in a cage, maybe keep him in the garage and then take him to the vet to get him fixed up, After that I can always let him back outside. Unless I find a no kill shelter, no way I will be sending him to the humane society. This cat isn't exactly the friendliest cat, and so it would be hard to find him a home if I bring him to the shelter. They only keep the cats alive for so long before they are put down.  And so I don't want to do that to him...any suggestions? Maybe I can take a picture and put his photo up here? Will I be able to do that in this section?
 

sugarcatmom

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They only keep the cats alive for so long before they are put down.  And so I don't want to do that to him...any suggestions?
Where in Canada are you located? Perhaps there's a rescue organization nearby that can help you find out if he has a home, and also look after his health needs if it turns out he doesn't have one. I agree with StefanZ about putting up "Found Cat" posters in your neighborhood, and at local vet clinics. You could also put a post on PetLynx to see if there are any matches.

Good luck! And thanks for looking out for this little guy.
 

feralvr

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Hi GooseGoose!!! Thank you for taking an interest in this stray kitty who seems to need someone to help him. He is definitely not feral. The reason he probably swats at you is due to him being a tom cat and once he is neutered this behavior should dissipate completely. I had a black male stray cat once that did the exact same thing and would even lash out at my legs as I walked along with his food bowl. I could not pet him other than on his head because it overstimulated him and he became aggressive. He is now living the good life indoors with his new family and not once has he ever shown that type of behavior. The watery eyes could very well be the herpes virus. I would do what you can to get him some help. A member just recently posted the following list of resources in Canada!!!! Hope this helps you find a place for him. :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/247508/canadian-feral-cat-resources
 
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gibbly

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If it were a truely feral cat you wouldn't even be able to get within eyesight of it, as soon as it saw you it'd be gone.

it's likely a cat someone dropped off, because even a stray cat that's been on it's own for a while wouldn't be willing to let you get near it
 
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goosegoose

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It came by today again and I gave it some food and water. I think I will put a collar around it's neck with a note on it, but I can't

figure out what what to write on the note?

"How does this sound?'

"Does this cat belong to you? We think he might be a stray, but if he belongs to you, please give us a call?

What do you think?
 

StefanZ

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Yes,  something  like that. I  you  just  write please  phone  me,  thereis a danger the owner thinks you  want to suit  orsomething...

Good luck!
 

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I agree - try a note on a collar. He is defintely a stray. not truly feral from his behaviour. Have you asked the people whose car he slept on? They might have some more info on how long he has been around. If you get no answer from your note then phone all the shelters, vets and animal orgs in the area in case he is reported missing. Vets here have to check for microchips/tattoos on found animals free of charge - I don't know if they do that near you, but you can ask. Also local schools and libraries may let you put up a notice. But id anyone contacts you do not give him back unless they can provide you with some 'secret' information to prove they are the owner - try to decide on some feature of him you will not advertise. Good luck with him and thank you for caring.
 
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goosegoose

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Okay so the cat came by a few times again today. Only thing is I found out from my step dad that he chased the cat away a couple of times today. Just when my parents were leaving to go somewhere I heard my step dad chase the cat away and of course my mom yelled at him, but he's paranoid that we will soon end up with 9 cats. He is also a bit allergic... Anyways, after they left, the cat stuck around in the bushes and I came out just in time to feed it and tell it it was okay. So it hung around a bit, rubbed against my legs and then left again. 

But just now, it's about 1:30 am and everyone is asleep. The cat came back, and I fed him again. Now he jumped up on his own again to sleep on the chair that's on my porch. I pet him a bit again and he's been purring ever since. He's still there now sleeping. 

I feel so bad for the cat. Out all day and all night, being chased away by people... and this cat probably likes to sleep on people's furniture outside so I can only imagine how many people chase him away and scare him. No wonder he's a little timid around me. But he's still pretty friendly. He seems to like me a lot. I'm very gentle and patient with him, so I think he likes that cause he always rubs against my legs. But yeah, I feel really bad for this cat. He's sleeping on my porch right now and I want to bring him inside so badly, but my parents would freak. Especially since I have 8 other cats, and two without updated shots. My cats would just beat him up. And they have claws. So It would be a huge cat fight. 

So what I plan to do is next time I see him I will take him to the vet, keep him there for a bit and try and get him all looked after, I really don't think he belongs to anyone. He's a thin cat too. And my mom is pretty certain he's a stray. He comes by here way too often and we see him out all day and all night now. Poor thing is catching a cold though and I really want to take him to the vet. So I Am hoping I can keep him at the vet for a few nights until he gets better. I will have to tell them it's a stray and I can't really bring him inside yet. 

PS Does anyone know how I can post a picture in this thread so I can show you guys the black cat? I just took a picture of him sleeping on my chair outside. So I would love to show him 

to you? 
 
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goosegoose

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Hey, I think I figured it out! Here's a picture of the kitty I found, I named him, 'here kitty kitty,' lol But yeah, I know it's not that great of a picture but I only have my ipod touch for a camera. Hope it's okay...
 
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goosegoose

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Now I am even more confused...what is the difference between a feral cat and a tom cat? And also, is this CatFlu curable? Because I am nervous that he could pass this onto my cats. I keep trying to tell my parents not to let my cats outside because this cat keeps roaming around. So maybe next time I see him I will try and capture him and bring him to the vet, I can't let him inside if he's got an infection. 
 
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goosegoose

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Okay never mind, I just read up online that there is no cure for this kind of virus in cats. Now I really need to make sure this cat stays away from my cat. But I will still try and help him and take him to the Vet and try and find some kind of shelter. 
 
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goosegoose

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Oh also, I checked online about the Flu virus in cats and I think this cat is in the early stages of it. So it's a good thing I found it now and not later when the infection would spread. So I really got to get this guy to a vet and find him a shelter to go too. It will only get worse for him as it gets colder. And I also got to keep him  from my cats cause I have two cats that are overdue for their shots. So I really need to get them vaccinated. Oh man, this is going to be expensive. 
 
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goosegoose

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Now I am a little nervous and worried that he is a tomcat. I really got to get him to the vet and have this guy neutered! I hope he does not have any serious infection. I am 

really worried now...sorry I keep posting, I got a lot on my mind. Just worried about the kitty. 
 

StefanZ

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As your  cats ARE normally going outside, they should have their  shots anyway. So this is really  no extra  cost.  Possibly  you  can  save by  some planning.

I mean,10  years  ago  it  was  said they should be vaccined every   year.  After it thay  said it  is enough  every  second year. Some vets even accepted  once  in three years,  if the first shots  were  done  properly...  I  suppose it  also  depends on exactly  which  brand  your  vets do uses.

Anyway,  as your  cats often  go outside, they  do probably have acquired  some natural immunity too.  Not  all  strays  and neigbours cats  are  perfectly healthy,  you know. :)

Cant you  make some quarantine room inside?  It  doesnt need  to  be anything fancy.  If you  have  access to a dog  cage, you can have it almost anywhere... (yes,  I  agree with you  before he had  a vet  OK,  deparasited, etc, he shall  not be let  inside  free  to meet your  residents)

Easy  with  letting him go  to a shelter.   Strays  with touch of semiferale,  seeming to be  sick  at  that - death  chamber in many - most,  places...  

You  ask  also diff  between tom and ferale.    None  and  all.  No  real connection.   Be  happy it is not an fertile girl.  It is cheaper to neuter a tom.  Also lesser risk for complications.  Handsome boy  he  is. Seems to  be in good shape.

Good  luck!
 

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A tomcat is a male cat.  Most of the time this is an unaltered male, but I refer to all my males as tomcats and they are fixed.

A feral cat is a cat that has never had human contact or any type of human socialization.  Think of a bobcat in the wild or a lion or a tiger.  They are feral.  They run away or attack if cornered.  Their goal is to get away from humans.  They teach their babies the same mannerisms.

A semi-feral is a cat that at one time was possibly owned, but after being dumped, they can revert backwards to feral but can also become tame again with the right human.  These cats have feral babies that in turn have more feral babies who teach their babies to not trust humans..

A feral cat would NEVER allow you to approach it.  It would run.  You would be lucky to even see it.  And to see it would be at a distance.  And if it saw you looking, it would hide.  It would never stay and hiss iwth a route of escape handy.  If there is a route of escape, it will go.  It will not walk up to you.  it will not drink out of the water if you are anywhere in the vacinity.  it wil not eat out of the food bowl if you are around.  It will not bat it's little paws at you. It just won't happen even after you have been feeding it for a year (just an example.) unless you take measures to make sure it knows your presence.  It could even take years (plural).   It all depends on the patience of the human.  The feral will never seek out human companionship.  NEVER. 
 
 

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I know you are trying to do the right thing with this kitty, and bless your heart for doing so. It seems to me that he is not owned by anyone and the only way is to get him somewhere to check if he has a micro chip. In fact, I am dealing with the exact same thing right now at my house. A new, friendly cat has been coming around and is already neutered though. I will soon take him to see if he is chipped to find his family. It is possible that this cat has been abandoned. He sounds very, very sweet and loving and I hope that you will be able to find a safe place for him so he can find a new home. I am sure that because he is so friendly, that a shelter would try to find him a home, even if he comes in sick. Most kitties get the kitty cold when they are in a shelter anyway, so I can't imagine they would just do away with him because he is sick. At least, where I live, they would not. He would be given a good chance at finding a new home. Good luck with all of this!!! Keep us updated. :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:
 
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goosegoose

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Good news guys, my mom found out from a neighbour that he does belong to someone on our street. His name is George. So he is not abandoned or a stray. So that is good news! I was getting worried about him, but he seems to be long to someone after all. I guess some cats have more than one home sometimes and likes to go to neighbour houses looking for food. I just wonder about his watery eyes and if the owners know he'' has watery eyes? Maybe they don't notice it yet. His eyes watery when he eats and shakes his head sometimes. But maybe that's normal? His eyes look healthy and normal otherwise and it's not noticeable. But only when he eats he tears up a bit. Maybe it's nothing? And I am still curious if this cat is neutered  or not? But oh well...he's not my cat and he does belong to someone, so I guess they will take care of him. At least he does have a home and I no longer have to worry about him. He still comes by looking for food and a cuddle. He's a cute cat and he seems to be the neighbourhood cat since others have seen him around and know him too. So George has a home and all is good :) Thanks again for your help! 
 

feralvr

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AW George.... And I do agree that when people let their pets roam, then tend to make friends with the neighbors. I have a new cat coming around and found out it belongs to someone a block away. :sigh: BUT this cat keeps coming over to eat from the feral shelter. What can we do? Well, I did talk with the owner gently and they say that the cat drives them nuts to go outside so they let them out everyday. SO I guess I have a new friend too, and a new part time outdoor cat. :lol3:
 
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