The Interloper

Hello all. I need advice because I (really the whole office staff) have befriended a stray cat that has been hanging around our office for a couple of years (Trip). The history of our relationship spans from October 2014 to present. I was setting on the steps outside when I heard a tiny meow and turned to see this precious, almost completely black kitten poised near the under skirting of the deck. I estimated its age to be between 3 - 4 months. This cat was starving for human contact; it would rub against my legs and ‘talk’ to me. Over the next few weeks we made enough progress that I was able to pet it and it would set on the steps near me; rub against my arm, my back, my leg, whatever it could reach. And then he disappeared - just gone.

Circle around to April 2015, I’m setting on the steps, having a smoke break when I hear this not-so-tiny meow and look over to see… the same cat. Since then our friendship has progressed to the point that Trip sleeps on my desk during the day, insists on petting and kisses before I start work, if I go to another office he follows, if I go to the bathroom he pokes his paws under the door or just meows until I come out. My co-workers call him my little shadow. I’ve never in 49+ years had a bond with a cat like this.

About a month or six-weeks ago, another cat appeared, to take up residence under the hedge near our deck (Interloper). I wouldn’t mind this except Interloper is chasing and tormenting Trip. Trip has taken to staying inside at nights, even over the weekends. This is not a problem. However, during the day whenever Trip goes out, he sinks low, becoming hyper-vigilant, constantly watching for the other cat. When he gets his nerve up, he darts away from the building to make his neighborhood rounds. The return trek is the same, slunk low watching for the other cat.

I have begun talking to this cat so that it hears my voice and becomes accustomed to it. I’ve not fed this cat - which is killing me because I have a feeling it’s pregnant but, to be quite honest - if it’s going to torment my Trip, I don’t want it around. I don’t want it harmed either. I’m at a loss what the best course of action is. Ignore it and hope it leaves or befriend it and hope the two cats can become friends. In reality, I believe the two to be related, they are almost identical.

I would really appreciate any advice you might have on this. Thank you very much.


This is the Interloper, notice the ear is not tagged.


This is my pal, Trip. Hard to see but his left ear is tagged.

It is not uncommon when you feed/take care of one that others show up.  Cats can smell that other cats are around and getting fed.  

It would be great if you could see about trapping this one and at least getting it spayed/neutered especially if you think it is pregnant.  

It is very hard to get them leave.  Once the cat is trapped and spayed/neutered and the hormones have stopped coursing through it's body, cats usually settle down.  

Maybe you could keep Trip inside permanently and then feed this one outside.  I understand the desire to not have others around.  Yet it seems to always happen.  I have had 9 over the course of 6 years.  I do my best to help them all whether with spay/neuter, warm bed/food, etc...  

Thank you for helping Trip and also for the concern over the Interloper.  I hope that you will be able to help.

I don't feed Trip outside anymore, if he stays inside there is food, water, a litter box and he's allowed to roam the building at will. I had recently talked with a woman at the business next door that was attempting to make friends with Trip. She was looking for an office cat, I told her there is another one here, you can have that one. I haven't noticed anyone attempting to socialize with it. I have considered starting the process myself, trapping it, etc. but I honestly am not financially able to do so at this time. I love animals - and some may think me cold and uncaring for saying this - but I will not put my family's welfare in jeopardy for a stray that may or may not become adoptable. I tried looking up rescue type organizations in the area that would take the cat, I would be more than willing to work with this cat until it can be trapped but I can't commit to more than that. The only place I've heard of - and I'm not even sure it would be what I as looking for - is Nashville Cat Rescue - which I don't care for due to personal knowledge of two cats adopted from them. Do you think local veterinarians would know if such a place existed?

You can do a google search on Cat rescue groups for your area. I use local low cost spay/neuter clinics for my feral/stray cats.  A neuter is $40 that includes a rabies shot and spay is $50.   You can also try contacting the local/county Humane Society or ASPCA.  

It is also worth a shot to call your vet.  Some vets that are happy to work with feral/strays will even loan traps so that you can help.

My only concern would be if this kitty is pregnant then not only will one cat be hanging around, but also her kittens.