Stray "Tom" is back...what to do?

stampit3d

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Well, the stray Tom is back this morning...starved for attention. What a lover too. He jumps up on my lap and rubs all over me....never so much as putting a single claw on me. He`s a beautiful, orange,short haired tiger with a tiny white bib....(definatly NOT fixed.)
None of the neighbors seem to know who he belong to.
I`m getting tired of all the washing and clothes changing I have to do after petting him....(to protect my 2 kitties from catching anything)....but can`t seem to resist giving him some "lovins"....I don`t know what to do about him as our 2 are all we can really afford.
My 2 have had their shots except for rabies( they are indoor-onlys)....but don`t think that can be passed on without direct contact...???
He`d make a wonderful companion if anyone is intrested. I`d love to find him a good home ....he`s too sweet to take to the shelter.
I live in Sturgis, Michigan. (Center bottom of the state) ...any takers?
 
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stampit3d

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Also...since my "boys" have had their shots...what kinds of deseases do I need to worry about them catching from "Tom" if I should "miss a spot" when washing up after petting him?
 

StefanZ

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How about distemper going now in norteast US? Now he seems to be healthy, so this danger is small.
He may have som parasites. But if you have him in one room - a quarantene - it shouldnt be dangerous. And this means the risk for infection isnt so great - it is usually sufficing to have the stray in his own room.

What you can and should do - whatever you do - is to write up him everywhere = found! - say in 15 miles rundabout - he may have a owner seeking after him! If he is in decent condition it is even probable he has a loving owner...
 
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stampit3d

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I have`nt brought him inside at all because of my two cats....and am even afraid to feed him as i don`t want to encourage him to stay around.(although he is`nt skinny at all...so either someone else is feeding him..or he is a good hunter)
He`s just so sweet that I can`t resist petting him...especially when he jumps up in my lap when I`m sitting on the porch.
I also worry about other people walking through where he has been and then coming into my house and bringing "something" in on thier shoes. Am I just being paranoid and too overly protective? I REALLY do not want to put our "boys" at risk of getting sick...or worse.
I`m sure I could shoo him off everytime he comes to visit...but that feels mean too.
 

StefanZ

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If your cats are fully vaccined the contagion danger is really very small. So dont worry about folks shoes and so on. And dont worry so much about this guest.
This cat appears healthy as you say - so he isnt especially dangerous. Others you dont see leave surely a lot of more bacteries around... And this is why also strictly indoors cats should be vaccined - as yours are... *friendly smile*

But do write him up - found. If there is a owner she will be only glad, believe me.
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by stampit3d

I have`nt brought him inside at all because of my two cats....and am even afraid to feed him as i don`t want to encourage him to stay around.(although he is`nt skinny at all...so either someone else is feeding him..or he is a good hunter)
He`s just so sweet that I can`t resist petting him...especially when he jumps up in my lap when I`m sitting on the porch.
I also worry about other people walking through where he has been and then coming into my house and bringing "something" in on thier shoes. Am I just being paranoid and too overly protective? I REALLY do not want to put our "boys" at risk of getting sick...or worse.
I`m sure I could shoo him off everytime he comes to visit...but that feels mean too.
The first thing you should do is have him vet checked....the vet will be able to tell you whether he has a clean bill of health. Definately have him checked for FELV/FIV and distemper. Since no one else is taking responsibity for him...it would be best if you could at least get him neutered and a rabies shot. Here is a list of low cost clinics, scroll down until you come to your state:

http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html
 

gailc

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I wonder either someone dumped him or it could be someones pet. If he is not neutered a male tom can have a territory of 1 mile radius!!
Before Bobber was fixed when she would come into heat a beautful longhair tuxedo male would hang around for a week. We would never see him otherwise and have no idea who he belongs too.
Do you have a local animal shelter that you could contact. Plus post on petfinders.com too.
 
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