Stray Cat or Someone's Outdoor/Indoor Cat

Hey all!

I've come seeking your professional opinions on stray cat behavior.  The story goes.... back in June when my indoor cat Mikey got outside, I had set up surveillance camera's to see if he was still coming around the house at night, while also leaving food out for him. During this time, I saw on the camera that an orange and white cat was coming up on the doorstep to eat the food. Now, I've been putting out food for this kitty every night since June, but I've always had the feeling that this was someone's cat and not a stray, but I can't be sure. I've seen the cat in real time often, but if I make an attempt to go outside, he/she runs off, so I have yet to get an up close look.  So, I will describe this cat to you, and look forward to any feedback you can provide.

*The cat is not at all skinny/malnourished looking. Not fat at all, but more like a normal average cat

*Only comes around at night - after dark (but the outdoor light is always on)

*Never shows up on nights that it rains

*Walks with his/her tail down

*Sticks around only long enough to eat, then walks off into the woods in the same direction every time. 

*Has heard my voice (through an open window) and didn't run away

*Eyes don't appear goopy (from a distance) and fur seems clean enough

Any thoughts? All help is appreciated!

xoxo Melissa

There's really no telling. He could have been abandoned, but not so long ago that he's become wild, he could be a confident feral, or yes he could be someones outdoor cat. If he was abandoned it could be that he's a really good hunter.

The cat that I took in a week and a half ago had been being spotted by my neighbors hanging around the property for a good month or two before I finally spotted him, called to him, and had him come confidently come trotting up to me. He did so even though my neighbors had been doing their best to scare him off. Like your stray his coat is clean and parasite free, he's in good body condition not skinny or malnourished, his eyes are clear and his ears clean. He's even wearing a collar BUT I've been to all the people who live on my dirt road and no one claims that he's theirs. He's either lost or he was dumped wearing a collar. I'm still trying (I don't drive and need to get a ride) to get him to the vet and have him scanned for a chip. I think his good body condition is because he was a successful hunter.

Have you tried putting up flyers and going to your neighbors to ask if he belongs to anyone? You could try putting up a live trap and if you catch him the vet or shelter to see if he has a chip.

Successfull semiferales do look reasonable healthy, and with good meat on.

The most probable is he is homeless semiferal, but as said above, you never know.  You must seek more actively if you want to know for sure.  Especielly, if he DOES belong somewhere, it is better not to give food.  Treats yes maybe, but not food...

Tx for caring!

Good luck!