We adopted a feral kitten, Java, back in July (our first cat in 21 years now that we're empty nesters). The vet estimated that he was born around April Fools Day (April 1, 2013) which would make him about 7.5 months. He's now indoor only except for the hour or so each day outside on his leash and harness. He's had all his vaccines, been neutered, and even had a major surgery already (ate the shoestring off my tennis shoe).
Recently, a neighborhood tom cat that I've seen hunting over the last year or so has adopted us and taken up residence on our covered deck. (Or maybe he just likes the 3 meals/day of canned food, the warm bed with the heating pad, and the petting and affection!) He doesn't even leave except for bathroom breaks. I have no idea of his name, age or health status. Actually, I don't even know if he has any family but I plan to get a flyer out to our 15 or so neighbors in our rural subdivision to hopefully learn more. I don't think he has been neutered due to his size. He looks like a blue pit bull in a cat suit with his huge head and thick back muscles! He's at least twice the weight and width of my 8 pound baby.
So, here's the problem....
My Java meows and trills through the door and window at Tom Cat all day long. He wants to play. They've smelled of each other and played "retracted paws" with the door cracked. Java is a little fearful but begs for more. Tom Cat could care less but doesn't growl or hiss.
I would like to let Java onto the deck, supervised of course. However, I'm concerned that Tom Cat might transmit some disease to my fur baby. Is that a real possibility or am I being paranoid?
Recently, a neighborhood tom cat that I've seen hunting over the last year or so has adopted us and taken up residence on our covered deck. (Or maybe he just likes the 3 meals/day of canned food, the warm bed with the heating pad, and the petting and affection!) He doesn't even leave except for bathroom breaks. I have no idea of his name, age or health status. Actually, I don't even know if he has any family but I plan to get a flyer out to our 15 or so neighbors in our rural subdivision to hopefully learn more. I don't think he has been neutered due to his size. He looks like a blue pit bull in a cat suit with his huge head and thick back muscles! He's at least twice the weight and width of my 8 pound baby.
So, here's the problem....
My Java meows and trills through the door and window at Tom Cat all day long. He wants to play. They've smelled of each other and played "retracted paws" with the door cracked. Java is a little fearful but begs for more. Tom Cat could care less but doesn't growl or hiss.
I would like to let Java onto the deck, supervised of course. However, I'm concerned that Tom Cat might transmit some disease to my fur baby. Is that a real possibility or am I being paranoid?
