Please, some help with the stray cats and neighbors

**lady_zana** · 08-05-2006, 05:24 PM

Hi:

If anyone knows of any advice, I would be grateful for it.

Here is my problem:
Outside my apartment lives at least 2 stray cats. One had a family but they moved away and dumped him (yes, I know....don't get me started). The other one probably had a home because she's so friendly but I don't know.

I have been feeding them because I can't stand the thought of them going hungry. However, I got a note from a neighbor mentioning that the strays are bothering their cars and if they are our cats to please control them.

They truly aren't our cats but they have no one else to care for them. I called the shelter about them but since one of them is not very friendly, he may not get adopted and may have to be put down.

The note didn't say who it was from but they were not rude at all. It was a very friendly note and I understand what they are saying but I can't explain the situation because I don't know who is having the problem with the cats.

I feel very nervous about the situation because I have anxiety disorder so any advice would be appreciated. I thank you for reading this.

-- Zana

**catmandu** · 08-05-2006, 05:53 PM

I have the same problem, as there are people who dont take care of thier Ctas, and I have set up feeding stations.
I dont know what I would do if the neighbors thought they were my Cats.
Maybe you could expalin why you are feeding those poor Cats, and they would understand.
If the note was friendly, there hope.

**momcat** · 08-05-2006, 06:05 PM

First of all, thank you so much for keeping these kitties fed. As for the note from a neighbor, I'm wondering why, if they felt it necessary to say something about this, chose not to sign the note or approach you directly about the "problem". Is there any way of confining them to your yard until a better solution comes along? Is contacting the Humane Society an option for you? I certainly don't want them going to a kill shelter. Are there any rescue groups nearby? I realize these suggestions might be way off base for you. Wish I could be of more help. Please take care of your own self and let us know what happens?

**lady_zana** · 08-07-2006, 03:38 AM

Thank you both for your suggestions. I appreciate you helping me; it means a lot

The last time I contacted the Humane Society, they were only taking animals from the county they were located in because they were so overcrowded. (We live in the county next to them.) I will try calling them again and see if they have room for the cats now.

I think everything will be okay. I am going to continue to care for the kitties as long as they are outside so you don't have to worry about that!

If the neighbors don't like it, then poo!

Anyway, thank you both for your advice. It was very helpful to me and made me worry much less. -- Zana

**moosmom** · 08-07-2006, 09:28 AM

the strays are bothering their cars

Zana,

Bothering their cars how?? Revving up the engines and burning rubber in the parking lot???

I admire your spunk. Poo on them is right. These cats wouldn't be strays if it hadn't been for their stupid, irresponsible owners.

Stick to your guns, girl. The cats need you!!

**Killearn Kitties** · 08-07-2006, 10:55 AM

If you don't know who the note came from, would it be feasible to print a little circular and deliver round some of the close neighbours? You could briefly explain the situation and say you are working to get them placed elsewhere. Maybe that way someone would help you out with them.

Of course you may feel that all that would achieve would be to alert more people to the presence of the cats.

**Randi** · 08-08-2006, 12:42 PM

Ugh, don't you just hate it when people are more concerned their cars than poor homeless kitties!

I've been dealing with the same problem here. We formed a group who fed the kitties every day, and as the kitties were here before the people who complaned about them, we came to an agreement that they could stay as long as they lived, we had already built houses for them. It's a sad situation though, because you don't want to loose your flat and end up in the street. I don't know whether you live in a house on private property or not, but if you do, it will be easy to keep them there most of the time, if they have what they need concerning a house and food. I don't think they'll wander too far then.

Hopefully there are others living in you area who will support you!

If this is out of the question, I hope you'll find a no kill shelter to take them - or perhaps, get a pictures of them and put them up, who knows, someone might want them.

Best of luck!