Need some advice on a stray cat.

slj1

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Hi everyone,
 

I need some opinions/advice on what to do about a stray cat. I'm sorry if this is long. I hope somebody takes the time to read it.<3
 

Back in November, I heard a cat meowing in a bush next door to my house and it sounded like he was in need of something. So, figuring he was hungry, I got a little food and put it in a bowl for him. I know they say you shouldn't feed a stray but I couldn't just leave him there with an empty tummy. So I set the bowl out and when I was far away enough, the cat came out to eat it. He was quite a scared cat, very untrustworthy and didn't seem to want anything to do with humans. He began to stay on the side of my house and would hiss at me for the first two weeks every time I would go to feed him but over time, he got used to me and began welcoming me.
 

Fast forward 5 months and he now cuddles in my lap, lets me pet him, follows me whenever I'm outside, comes running to me from wherever he is when I call out and allows me to give him kisses. I have really grown to love this little guy and spend as much time with him as I can. I think he loves me, too and I'm so glad he trusts me. He still is pretty timid around most everybody else, though.
 

The problem is that I feel guilty and so sad that he does not have a home. Although I have set up some shelter for him in the backyard & I feed him and everything, I still hate that he is outdoors where he is open to all of the elements. I'm scared he will get hurt someday. I don't want him to be lonely.

I put up fliers to find his owners only to have them taken down (don't know why) soon after. I showed his picture and asked around if anybody knew who he belonged to. I tried asking people I knew that loved cats if they'd be willing to take another in or if they knew somebody who could help. I talked to a woman who deals with adopting out animals. I contacted Stray Cat Alliance who gave me helpful tips but not quite enough to solve the issue. I have tried getting help from everywhere I could think of to no avail.
 

He deserves a home. Somebody who will be patient with him until he learns to trust them. He is such a sweet, playful and good boy. He comes in at times and I really wish I could let him stay as long as he wants inside but very unfortunately, I live with somebody who will not allow another cat in. It breaks my heart when he sits outside my window or by the front door like he wants to come in. I would take him to the shelter but being as he's not a kitten and that he's pretty scared of people at first, I know that he might not get adopted and I don't want them to put him down. I just feel so helpless.
 

Does anybody have any suggestions on what to do? Should I just continue to let him be an outdoor cat? Where can I go to find him a home? What would be best? I'm just so lost. I love this cat and I want the very best for him. Even though I'd miss him so much, I'd be so relieved if he could find his forever home.
 

Thank you to anybody who reads this whole thing. lol. Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to give.
 

ritz

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First, thank you so much for caring!
Maybe I missed it, but has he been neutered? That will go a long way to protecting him--he won't go roaming, looking for love in all the wrong places. He should also be vaccinated against rabies, perhaps dewormed/defleaed.
I would continue to feed him, make sure the shelter is accessible and out of the rain and sun.
It is difficult to find homes for adult cats. You might try posting on PetFinders, but be prepared for spam replies. My twin sister works for a large government agency and she's posted ads for me on their intranet, with a fair amount of success. I would also visit your local PetCo/PetSmart, which has frequent adoption events and talk to them about sponsoring this cat at adoption fairs.
Good luck.
 

shadowsrescue

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How wonderful that you are taking care of this sweet soul.  As mentioned above, I really would make sure he is neutered.  It will keep him healthier in the long run. It sounds as though you are able to handle this cat, so I would get him a vet for neuter and check up.  The vet may have some suggestions for his placement.  If he is truly socialized, he could be placed in a no kill shelter and put up for adoption.  This time of the year is often hard to find places for adult cats.  If you cannot find placement for him, neuter him and bring him back to your yard.  He can adjust and adapt to the outside.  I know it is not ideal, but if you provide him shelter and food it may work.  Are you not able to bring him inside your place? 
 

cass

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I had similar with a stray :) In the end I organised with my local vet for them to adopt him out if I caught him. So I did. I felt mean because he sat in the vets for a good month but finally he found his forever home! I was so glad. The vets done the same adoption deal as the kittens and advertised him via Facebook.
Everywhere else I rang told me he would be pts. It was frustrating. I hope you can do similar :) Good luck!!!:clover:
 
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