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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO
Created:Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5089
Total number of notes:60366

1906.0. "Errant cat...What would you do?" by MQOS02::N_CARDELLA (Meet me at the Bluenote Cafe...) Sun Oct 23 1988 19:36

    Hello,
    
    There is an errant cat in my neighbourhood that I will call "Teddy".
    
    Teddy is your typical seemingly homeless cat.  He looks bad.
    His coat is generally grey from dirt and much of his fur has
    disappeared.  He has bare patches all over his body.  He seems to
    have trouble with one of his eyes, which is bloodshot.  It breaks your
    heart to see him.
    
    I have followed him around many times this summer with a bowl
    of milk in one hand and a handful of IAMS in the other.  Teddy won't
    let anyone get near him.  Other neighbours have tried to approach
    him as well.
    
    No one knows who the owner is and we wonder how he finds food and
    stays warm.  Winter is approaching in Montreal and I just
    don't know how he can live through the cold.
    
    If I knew my cat would get used to him, I might try and tame him,
    but I suspect that would be a long-term project... and I am not
    even sure he wants to find a home.
    
    One of my neighbours has called the S.P.C.A., and they said they
    would come and get him only if we caught him.  But by the looks of him,
    Teddy would surely be euthanized.
    
    What would you do in our shoes?  If we catch him, the S.P.C.A. would
    certainly put him to sleep.  To leave him out in the cold seems
    so cruel.
    
    Any ideas?    
    
    Norman
                                                             
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1906.1Do the best you can for him...HILLST::MASONExplaining is not understandingSun Oct 23 1988 21:466
    Unfortunate, but millions die the hard way every year.  If you can
    even help him die humanely, that is what I would advise you do.
    If you catch him, he will at least have a chance (should you decide
    to try), or can be spared the winter outside.
    
    Bon chance...Gary
1906.2CIRCUS::KOLLINGKaren, Sweetie, & Holly; in Calif.Mon Oct 24 1988 17:225
    Can you leave food and water (milk often gives cats diarrhea) where
    Teddy can get it?  From your note it sounds like you are staying
    nearby and he won't approach the food while you're there -- first
    things first -- first food and water, then try to gain his trust.
    
1906.3Thanks for your comments.MQOU06::N_CARDELLAMeet me at the Bluenote Cafe...Wed Oct 26 1988 19:4115
    
    Leaving food is a little tricky, as their are several outdoor/indoor
    cats in the neighbourhood.  One time, I saw Teddy sneak under a fence,
    so I left the food there, hoping he would find it the next time he
    came back through the fence.
    
    I can't imagine how he lives through the winters... maybe he
    lives in someone's garage or something.  Next time, I will be more
    diligent and at least see if he takes me to his home (if he has
    one).
    
    Thank you both for your comments.
    
    Normand,
    father of Tiger                  
1906.4My experience ...EDUHCI::SHERMANBarnacle 1Tue Nov 01 1988 18:3424
    Here's my experience.
    
    We also had a stray hanging-around (we already had about 6 cats
    at that point), and being animal suckers, we fed everything stray
    during the winter (an oppossum, a pheasant, several stray cats,
    etc. -- btw, oppossums seem to prefer Nine Lives dry, while pheasants
    like Tender Vittles -- we were fresh out of Purina Possum Chow).
    The stray cat in question wouldn't be approached. Finally, on one
    particularly cold and windy day, we coaxed him into the kitchen.
    When we closed the door, he went ballistic -- flying off the walls
    and furniture, flinging himself at the windows. We opened the door
    again and eventually he flew out.
    
    However, after several more weeks, we finally got him into the
    basement. From that point, he sort of calmed down but remained nervous.
    Then we had him neutered -- and he turned into the sweetest marshmallow
    you can imagine. Nowadays all he wants to do is sit on your chest
    and rub his slimy gums all over your face. Flattering, but disgusting.
    However, he has worked-out as a former stray. Be patient.
                                                                 
    Moral? I guess a stray's brain is in his testicles.
    
    kbs