Our story

Hi there. I'm new to actually owning a cat. I've pet sat cats before and for the past couple years of my life. But I've never actually owned a cat.

about a week ago While on a Facebook page, I saw a post about a cat that was abandoned and the owners moved and left him there because they didn't want him anymore.... She had been taking care of this cat on her front door step for the last year or so. Shed put blankets in a box, some food and water out and check on him every time she went for a smoke. She noticed one day that it was really cold and it was only going to get colder. She had previously tried bringing him into her home before but the two cats she already had did not like him at all. They would his claw and everything else. The SPCA would not out him,for adoption... The most they offered was to take Elmo and put him,down to end the possible misery..... So though I've never actually owned a cat before, I picked him up and brought him into our home. My daughter is three and she loves him and he loves her. I cannot get over how relaxing purring is when youre trying to fall asleep, etc.

he's very calm, relaxed, and content with having a warm safe place to call his own home.
I just thought I would share our story...

he is an unfixed male cat a little over a year old. If you have any advice on what I should look out for, let me know I've never actually watched a male cat that wasn't fixed. Thanks in advance.

First and foremost, thank you!  Sounds like Elmo found a good home.

Second and even more important, get Elmo to the vet.  He needs to be checked and NEUTERED ASAP.  Unfixed males will spray (stinking concentrated urine) to mark their territory.  They will also tend to want out - especially if a female is in heat out there.  All kinds of diseases he could get out there, too.

Speaking of - have the vet test him for FIV (feline AIDS virus) and feline leukemia.  If he is positive, these are challenging conditions.  FIV positive cats can live perfectly normal lives - just like HIV positive people.  Leukemia is another story.  It is highly contagious and the cats don't last long, usually.  There are sanctuaries for leukemia positive cats but of course, they are usually full.

With these tests, the tests for worms, neutering and shots (rabies and distemper), your vet bill will not be pretty but it will be well worth it for all of you.

BTW - with the exception of rabies and some worms (ask you vet), none of the stuff I mentioned is contagious, so don't worry about your daughter.

Vibes he tests negative for everything.  Good luck!

How wonderful that you rescued this sweet boy!  As Ondine suggested, please get him to a vet really soon.  You will want him neutered right away.  The urine they secrete is very strong.  Also all of the testing she recommended as well.  Since he lived outside for a time, he probably has some worms.  You will want to get him treated for fleas too.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things.  Enjoy your new pet!

Your story made me cry.  :-)  Thanks for giving this sweet boy a second chance.  May you have many wonderful happy years together.