Outdoor pet or Stray???

cianna

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The other morning I heard a kitten crying outside. When I went to look, I found a kitten that looks to be about 4 months old. He was very friendly and followed me as I went door to door looking for an owner. He repeatedly tried running into my house and clawed at the door crying. He is lean, but not too skinny, clean, and not injured. I left for school and 8 hours later came back to him sitting in my backyard. I want to think he is someone's outdoor pet, but he is so desperate to get into my home? No collar and I don't feel a chip, not nuetered. I fed him (before I read you shouldn't do this with possible outdoor pets) and he was RAVENOUS! Is this a growing kitten or a hungry stray? The first time he came back was before I gave him any food so I am not sure why he would still be hanging around. I've lived in this neighborhood my whole life and am very familiar with the usual cats that prowl around, but I have never seen this kitten before. I gave him water in a dish and he was completely confused as though he has never had water in a bowl. I'm going to put a note with my number on it and see if I get a call, in the meantime and in case no one calls: do you think he is a stray?
 

Kieka

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Either stray or a really friendly pet with outdoor access. 

My indoor/outdoor cats have collars to prevent that kind of a mix up. But one of mine would be just like that kitten once he got comfortable so I wouldn't really say one way or the other. In your situation I would put on a breakaway collar with a note to call me if it has a home. If I didn't hear from anyone in a week or two I'd keep him inside until he was a little older, neutered and trained. Usually mine don't get to go outside by themselves until 6 months old and consistent coming when called, have a collar, and have met the neighbors. Yes, I introduce my cats to the friendly neighbors to prevent any confusion. I also ask they try to keep the cats from eating any food they might leave out for their own cats since my cats are grain free and the neighbors with outdoor pet cats feed grocery store brands.

I wouldn't worry about feeding him and that you typically shouldn't feed outdoor cats with known homes. He sounds hungry and is young enough that extra calories won't hurt if he does have a home. Also the short period before you confirm if he has a different home shouldn't make much of a difference in the grand scale but could make a huge difference to him if he doesn't have a home. 
 
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cianna

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Kieka Kieka

Thank you for the reply! I attached a note to a breakaway collar with my number and will wait for a call.
 
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cianna

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Update: the kitten is sitting outside my bedroom window and has not left. It's very late at night and he has been there for hours. Does this mean he doesn't have a home to go back to? I am really worried and don't want to leave him out in the cold all night.
 

ondine

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If possible, let him in for the night.  He seems to have decided your house is where he wants to be.

Perhaps you can let him out tomorrow and see if he finds his way home.  I have a feeling he already has, though!
 

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Update: the kitten is sitting outside my bedroom window and has not left. It's very late at night and he has been there for hours. Does this mean he doesn't have a home to go back to? I am really worried and don't want to leave him out in the cold all night.
I'd bring him in. Even if he has a home it sounds like he can't go in at night and if it cold in your area that can be dangerous. If you decide to bring him in probably go the route of found cat flyers in the neighborhood. If you haven't gotten a response within two weeks I would consider it fate.
 

IndyJones

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I'd take him in and keep him inside from now on. Just put up fliers with your phone number and ask people who call to describe the cat.

Outdoors is too dangerous he could be hit by a car or picked up by a hawk or killed by dogs or wolves.
 

1CatOverTheLine

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Update: the kitten is sitting outside my bedroom window and has not left. It's very late at night and he has been there for hours. Does this mean he doesn't have a home to go back to?
I wouldn't worry too much - I think the kitten has a home

now.

;)

It's sounds like you've been Chosen, and also as though there's room in your Heart for this little one.  Congratulations !

.
 
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cianna

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Thank you for all the care and concern
 

IndyJones

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I would not let him out he could be hit by a car or killed by wild animals indoors is the safest place for kitties
 
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cianna

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Stray or not, this kitten has a warm bed, food and water, and two girls who love him endlessly! If no one calls to claim him then I would consider this an incredibly picturesque adoption story.
 

1CatOverTheLine

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I would not let him out he could be hit by a car or killed by wild animals indoors is the safest place for kitties
I'm with Indy; please don't take a chance on letting any cat - especially a kitten - outside.

.
 
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