What would you do...

[trinity]

My husband and I have been adopted by a lovely beige and white cat that we have named Oatmeal. Because of having our 4 we aren't able to bring him inside but we feed him and play with him outside on the proch and in the backyard. He is a sweetheart and a half, loves to get tummy rubs and so forth. Here is my question: he is to sweet to be an outdoor cat but we haven't been able to establish if he has an actual home. We live on a hill and people have a really bad habit of flying up over the top (despite the stop signs...) and I am really concerned that he could end up as a speed bump in which case I would be devestated. He is just so sweet....I have been thinking about taking to a no kill shelter near us but if he does have a home I will feel hoorrible thinking that the people are wondering where the cat has disappeared to. At the same time, for the amount of time he spends outside, on our porch and stuff, I wonder if they would even notice....thoughts?

[JGuitaristR]

It sounds like you love this kitty very much. If I lived closer, I'd take him. But I would definitely try to find another home for him. It may be the best thing for him and you, to avoid all the devistation it may cause if Oatmeal were to get hurt.

[sasvermont]

Have you asked around the area, to see if someone owns him? Some cats like to be outside. Does he looks well cared for? He sounds like a real love!

Keep us posted!
SAS

[tikeyas_mom]

question: "he is to sweet to be an outdoor cat" but we haven't been able to establish if he has an actual home.

Not to be rude, but are you implying that outdoor cats are not as nice as indoor cats? .. you should take him in and put an add in the paper that says, found cat then state your adress along with what the cat looks like.

[Cataholic]

Why can't you take him in? Not everyone is meant to be a multi-cat house, but, you have four now...will one more really make a difference? And, if so, and I respect that, then I think you (rather than a shelter) should try to re-home him. The problem is the shelters are soooo over populated, understaffed, etc., to burden them ......that it might be 'easier' for you to do it? Ask friends, neighbors, etc., if anyone is interested.

Good luck with your decision.

[K & L]

I would first inquire with your neighbors if they own, or know if anyone owns him. I would also put fliers around the neighborhood asking the same thing. If you're unable to keep him, I would then start inquiring at the no-kill shelters in your area if they have space, or try and find him a home through other means. Sounds like he would make someone a wonderful pet!

[jenluckenbach]

I say he needs an indoor home before he becomes a statistic. If that means a shelter, then it is better than DEAD. If he has a home them let them find him in the shelter and have to pay to get him out. (Because he should have been inside in the first place). If you can re-home him yourself, all the beter. or if you can find his real home....good. But don't just let him outside to get hurt.

[batgirl1980]

Well, I have to ask too..
If you have 4.. what is one more going to matter? I mean, you've established he's a lover boy, and sweet.. and he LIKES YOU.. so I guess I'm at a loss.. but if you really can't take him in yourself.. then I agree with Jen and the others..
Get him to where he can be inside IMMEDIATELY! Even if it can't be with you, it would be better to know that at least he will be inside and not getting any chance of becoming another outdoor cat statistic! That way, even if you can't take him in, you'll know you saved his life from that, and that you've set in motion for him to have a good home.

I wouldn't worry about trying to see if he belongs to anybody. If he does, let them go to the shelter for him. He shouldn't have been outside... period.

[moosmom]

I also agree, what's one more? I'd rather take the kitty in and isolate him from the others until a good home can be found rather than find him dead on the street.

We have now come into kitten season which means the shelters will be overwhelmed (yet again!! ) with abandoned and abused cats, as well as unwanted kittens. It's a vicious cycle and will ALWAYS be, as long as we have stupid, idiotic people on this earth that don't spay or neuter their cats.

BTW, in SOME states, if you feed and care for a cat, inside or out, whether it's yours or not, it automatically becomes YOUR responsibility.

Please keep us posted.

[trinity]

As far as the "what's one more" line of thinking...our max was actually 5 a few years ago. When we lost two due to liver/kidneys problems a year apart, we weren't going to take anymore in for a while...it just kind of happened.....so I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. As I've said he is such a sweetheart. And my "he is to sweet to be an outdoor cat" just meant he is too used to people and attention to be a wild/stray cat. In fact, last night when I went out to get his food bowl I almost caught his whiskers in the door as I was going back out. He wants in the house in the worst way.At one point, Zingo was inside with his nose against the glass and Oatmeal was outside in the same position. Oh I wish I had the camera at that moment. I am going to try to call the shelter today and see what they say and if that doesn't work out, I'll try our Vet and see if they know of anyone that might be interested. If THAT doesn't work...well, maybe our magic number is 5?

[Cataholic]

Trinity, I like your thinking....I know you will do what is best for YOU and the KITTY, with your living situation in mind. You have to...I sense that you 'want' to take this kitty in...but, that doesn't mean it is what is best for all concerned. I am glad you didn't take offense at all of our ,'what is one more'....attitudes. Everyone has a magical number...not right, not wrong..good luck.

[Logan]

I think you are wonderful for caring enough to feed him and give him some attention, and to make attempts to find a loving family for him, even if it isn't yours. I could not take in another one, myself, so I completely understand where you're coming from, and I only have two! The second one is one I said I could never have.........but I learned that no one else would have him either, so I gave in.

You do what is right for you and your family, and if he can stay, great, but I know that you will do the right thing. I hope he is street smart. I trust my two to be that way, and they do come and go freely which I know must be appalling to many of you. Mimi will be 14 years old next month and she still enjoys going outdoors, but she doesn't even leave our yard anymore. Butter actually spends more time inside than outside, by his own choice, which makes me very happy too.

[trinity]

Well just heard back from what I thought was a no-kill shelter close to home. I was wrong. They don't turn animals away but they won't make promises about keeping them alive either....aaarrgghhh. Talked to my mothier-in-law who told me where the no-kill shelter is. The problem is they have a LONG waiting list. I'll try to vet next...and keep my fingers crossed. It seems as if Oatmeal is spending his days on/under our neighbors porch. They moved and left an easy chair on the porch. He seems very comfy in the chair. When he hears us come home I'll see him flying thru the yard to come over to say "Hi! Feed me..." which of course we do....told my hubby we may have to build a little enclosure next to our garage.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Could he maybe have belonges to your ex-neighbours - maybe they left more than the chair on the porch when they left???

Have you had him scanned to see if he is chipped?

He sounds gorgeous - I really hope you keep him!