Neigbours Cat Keeps Coming to Our House. How to Take Care of It What to Do

AlienC on 26/02/2022 - 23:52

I love my neighbours cat he is the cutest thing ever but I have no experience with cats.

He is a cute fairly medium to big sized cat.. the average normal one you would see say in a lofi picture or any artwork that is not egyptian.

So far I have just kept the kitchen light on and put out a huge tray of milk which he took two sips from then just kept exploring the house.

I have no idea what to do for say kitty litter or even food for a cat.

I guess what should I avoid giving him or stuff he might like.

Unfortunately I don't have any fish to give him just milk.

He must have come through the back door as the rest of the house is closed but we keep the downstairs basement sliding door slightly open for venitliation.

So yeah cat tips?

It is full cream dairy milk.

Do they eat biscuits or cold vegetables?

Pets Cat

Comments

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 01:23
      +7

      I am sure someone in ukraine could use this information you never know!

  • John Kimble on 26/02/2022 - 23:56
    +14

    Ask the owner

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 01:22
      +45

      But that requires social interaction

      • John Kimble on 27/02/2022 - 07:43
        +1

        Via text or email or social media?

        • AlienC on 28/02/2022 - 12:33

          I have neither unless you are asking me to do a sting outside their place in a van and take pictures and then run facial recognition then study his life and try figure out one of his many online aliases and then see if they add my fake alias as friend and then ask them "how would you like me to take care of your cat?"

          I dunno about you or me but that all sounds creepy and a death threat but you know that I would watch that movie or TV show and you know what I would name it oh God it's so good.. Guess guess..

          [spoiler] Catfished [spoiler]

          Sign me now Australiawood we can get Hugo Weaving to play as the cat

      • shreav on 28/02/2022 - 12:07
        +1

        I dub thee a cat person.

      • zzznomadzzz on 28/02/2022 - 16:12

        Attach a little pouch to the collar of the cat (small enough so it doesn't bother the cat), then write a message to the owner and put it in the pouch. Something like "Hi I am your neighbour a few house down, your cat come here awfully often and I love it! Do you want me to feed it anything? If so, please give me the name of the product and put it back in the pouch".

        This way they don't know who you are. If you don't see any replies and pouch is gone, just don't feed the cat.

        • AlienC on 28/02/2022 - 16:39

          This is a genius idea but now to source a cheap pouch.

          I dont want to start financially heavy investing into this idea i just dont want the cat to die and get proper hospitality.

          • Dontdoit on 28/02/2022 - 18:33

            @AlienC: Why do you think it will die? It has an owner.

  • Mechz on 27/02/2022 - 00:00
    +87

    Cats are lactose intolerant. Don't feed it anything, it's not your cat. Just leave a bowl of water out if you must. It will go home if it needs anything.

    https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/are-cats-lactose-…

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 01:23
      +3

      Yeah I won't. Don't worry it has been raining a lot recently plenty of water to go around.

    • Daabido on 28/02/2022 - 20:17
      +1

      If you don't like your neighbour, give them milk. Then laugh when you hear them scream because the cat has done projectile diarrhoea.

  • nfr on 27/02/2022 - 00:05
    +16

    I'm not sure it's a good idea to give milk to cats, but 2 sips is no biggie. You don't need to do anything, just enjoy his presence. Or just play with him. Sounds like the cat got enough food at home, just bored.

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 04:00

      True

  • Davo1111 on 27/02/2022 - 00:09
    +70

    Dont feed someone elses cat.

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 01:15
      +1

      makes sense

    • Lord Fart Bucket on 28/02/2022 - 07:28
      +2

      In other words… keep your hands off someone else's (profanity).

  • Quantumcat on 27/02/2022 - 00:13
    +44

    Don't feed him, he might be on a special diet. You don't need to provide anything, just make sure if you let him in you are around to let him out when he wants to leave. Just provide gentle pats, a warm lap to snuggle on, and some string to drag around to play with him if you want to encourage him to continue visiting.

    You can also consider posting pics on the Facebook group "my house not my cat"

    Oh and last thing if you have absolutely no experience with cats here are some basic tips
    - if you want pats, let him approach you, don't chase him
    - stroke gently, shouldn't be pressing hard enough to move his body at all or push into it. Just lightly enough to press down the fur and lightly have contact with skin
    - Stroke in direction of fur
    - nearly all cats' preferred patting places are forehead, cheeks behind the whiskers, chin and throat. Most like their back patted, only a fraction like their belly patted so don't try that. And don't try and pat their legs or paws
    - pay attention to body language. If they don't like something they may just give you an annoyed look or swish their tail. If you stop then they won't need to bring out claws. Most will also instruct you where they want to be patted by placing that bit of their body in your hand

    Enjoy your kitty friend and enjoy the lack of responsibility 😊

  • ShortyX on 27/02/2022 - 00:24
    +10

    Don't let it in the house and don't feed it.

  • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 00:46
    +7

    (profanity) ok so abort feeding cat and leave door open gotcha

    this is why i ozbargain thanks all for the wise words

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 27/02/2022 - 01:02
    +11

    My neighbours cat goes roaming all the (profanity) time and has on 3 occasions in 12 months found it’s way into my tool shed. The last time it managed to get stuck, head first behind a set of shelves. While it was in there it took an almost obscenely large poop I’ve ever seen for an animal that size.

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 01:15

      wow damn so far no poop or urine as far as i can tell but yeah have not checked all the nooks and crannies.

    • Hellcrusher3304 on 27/02/2022 - 01:52
      +1

      You got a picture?

  • MrThing on 27/02/2022 - 02:02
    +41

    Cat owners who let their cats roam are super irresponsible. the amount of native fauna which gets killed by cats in Australia is disgustingly and so preventable

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 02:14
      +1

      responsibility in australia.. who nah mate

    • Mikuji on 27/02/2022 - 07:58
      +8

      We have two - one is not a roamer, and while she happily walks around our yard, she chooses not to exit and has no interest in fauna. She’s a good girl.

      The other is a young boy who does climb over our fence and move around our property - very limited time outside of the immediate surrounds, I’ve been monitoring (he spends most of his time lying in the dirt about 10cm away from our back fence, go figure 😅).

      He is collared with a bell, and the local birds keep an eye on him when he jumps up and over the fence and the bell rings.

      Both cats are only allowed outside during the day time, and must come inside well before the sun starts to set - I consider this approach quite responsible.

      Letting cats roam the neighbourhood at dusk and overnight? Agreed, that’s a big no from me

      • Daabido on 28/02/2022 - 20:20
        +1

        Those first three sentences read completely differently if you didn't know it was about cats.

        • Whisper Quiet on 01/03/2022 - 03:39

          Sounds like you've got a slave girl in your yard just like me lol

    • leelemon on 27/02/2022 - 18:52

      This and it's not good for the cat either… outdoor cat's live significantly shorter lives on average (something like 2-5 years) and are far more likely to get hit by cars (cause accidents), get into fights or catch something. That, and there are some sick people out there that do horrible things to them.

  • Empharand on 27/02/2022 - 02:23
    +2

    Call the bikies

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 02:47
      +5

      i did they said they are on holidays

  • AustriaBargain on 27/02/2022 - 02:32
    +2

    Sounds like you want to buy a cat.

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 02:47
      +1

      these are not the cats you are looking for

  • Ocker on 27/02/2022 - 07:36
    +1

    Go to your local animal shelter and adopt a cat you can call your own

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 16:26

      I'm not in good health or have enough energy and time for a pet unfortunately. Work is priority.

  • Trekky on 27/02/2022 - 08:53
    +4

    Ask your neighbour for tips.If they go away on hols, you could be their Cat Sitter.

    • AlienC on 28/02/2022 - 12:47

      Wouldn't mind getting paid to cat sit as long as I don't have to wash it.

  • DemocracyManifest on 27/02/2022 - 09:03

    As above, don’t feed a neighbour’s cat or it will move in

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 16:28
      +2

      Yeah trying not to steal someone else's cat.. Having said that it is very friendly it always comes up to rub against me

  • morse on 27/02/2022 - 09:09

    Don’t feed it! That’s up to the owner.

    It will probably still come over if it likes it at yours. Cats like exploring and if allowed will roam all over the place.

    Is it bothering you? If not just let it roam. If so speak to the neighbour (nothing wrong with practising social interaction, you never know when you might need to again).

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 16:29

      It's not bothering us he is just very friendly with anyone that passes by

  • GordonD on 27/02/2022 - 09:42
    +1

    I made the mistake of making friends with and putting food out for a cat that it looked like the neighbors who were its nominal owners were leaving to live in the street and weren't feeding. Cats are good as persuading you of that. The neighbors came round and accused me of trying to steal THEIR cat, and threatened me.

    • Rayzorback on 27/02/2022 - 10:40
      +8

      Your a cat burglar

    • timthetoolman on 27/02/2022 - 12:44

      Probably because they heard you like to drown pigeons and a variety of other animals

  • [Deactivated] on 27/02/2022 - 10:47

    We have a kitty cat that started visiting about 2yrs ago. She lounges on our back verandah and regards us from afar. No pets as she never approaches us and we do not feed her.

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 16:29

      This one is the opposite comes close to everyone the whole street knows him lol

      • [Deactivated] on 27/02/2022 - 16:56

        'Our' floofster visitor is very aloof. You've got the very sociable version

  • juzza87 on 27/02/2022 - 11:03
    +2

    Couple of random things:

    • If it's a three coloured cat (white, orange, black) it's very likely to be a girl cat.
    • Cats with completely white coats are commonly deaf and can get sunburnt easily.
    • Cats are amazing hunters and will bring in (living) small birds, giant praying mantis and other horrifying things. They're not trying to disrespect you, it's either a gift or something they've brought to play with.
    • Speaking of playing, they love laser pointers. Nothing expensive or powerful, just a cheap $2 shop pointer will do the trick and try not to point in their eyes.
    • They're free spirits but if it has a collar be considerate of diet, you don't know if it's on special food (they can get cat diabetes). If it doesn't have a collar it could still be a pet and have lost the collar or just doesn't have it. Play it by ear, if it's a chonk try not to feed it too much.

    • Yola on 27/02/2022 - 11:09
      +1

      and male if all ginger.

      • Quantumcat on 28/02/2022 - 09:42
        +1

        3/4 of ginger cats are male, so still plenty of females

    • payless69 on 27/02/2022 - 13:15

      Did not know that colour determines gender. But if the ear has a tattoo or small clip you know it is desexed. Else bring it to the shelter for free neutering.

    • noxas on 28/02/2022 - 19:49

      My 2c on the laser pointer. Try to end the game with a physical toy where the cat can touch and claw. Otherwise the cat will pent up frustration over time when they can't get the 'prize'.

  • FreeUyghur on 27/02/2022 - 13:57

    i do the same thing. Loves milk, fish, chicken, meat, mince, chicken wing, water

    • greggyp on 27/02/2022 - 17:46

      I thought that said feed it Uighur for a moment there….lol…make sure it is well fed and fattened first.

  • OzHunterNSW on 27/02/2022 - 14:08
    +1

    It is not your cat… stop feeding it. It is not your responsibility

    • AlienC on 27/02/2022 - 16:30

      Yeah

  • MikeKulls on 27/02/2022 - 17:04
    +9

    Give him a bath, cats love water and it will be a fun experience for you

    • FiDad on 27/02/2022 - 17:11
      +1

      dont know much about cat but this seems like a trap to me lol

  • greggyp on 27/02/2022 - 17:45
    -1

    How many cats have you seen on the nipple of any cow ?

    How about letting the owner care for the needs of this cat.

  • greggyp on 27/02/2022 - 17:49
    -2

    My doberman used to love it when strays came to visit, he was a great wild bird preservation philosopher. So we gave him milk.

  • gromit on 27/02/2022 - 18:05

    I despise people that let their cats roam. Our neighbours do this and cat has learnt the hard way our property is off limits and the neighbour got our vet bill for the dogs ear.

    • DemocracyManifest on 28/02/2022 - 20:25

      Lmao what the dog beat the cat?

      • gromit on 01/03/2022 - 08:55
        +1

        A Chihuahua lol, she is quite large for the breed at 4kg and is fiercely defensive of our back yard. Cat will occasionally get up on the fence but never in the yard again, I have a water pistol as well which the cat will get soaked with for annoying the dog by sitting on the fence.

  • pompompom on 27/02/2022 - 19:52
    -5

    Milk is fine. Not all cats are lactose intolerant. Just water down the milk.

  • the4thzodiac on 27/02/2022 - 20:51

    Pics?

  • SoapyWooder on 27/02/2022 - 21:17
    -2

    Careful it can carry germs & virus

  • ayeleeyas on 27/02/2022 - 22:10
    +1

    This is highly dependent on how you interpret "how to take care of it" 1. Bikies or 2. Ask the owner first, maybe they don't want people feeding their cat…

  • jonagrah on 27/02/2022 - 22:44

    I made friends with a neighbourhood cat. A few months back we put up a photo on the local 'lost pets' Facebook page because we don't know who the owner is.

    It basically lives in our yard now. This morning I opened to the front door to leave for work and it invited itself in. Friendly little bugger.

  • Cheesysmiles on 28/02/2022 - 00:18
    -2

    Time to get a big dog….

  • StalkingIbis on 28/02/2022 - 07:41

    I'm sick of dirty cat footprints on my car. Cat poop in my yard and the security light going off at night making me get out of bed to go check.

    If it's cruel to keep a cat inside, then they are not a good pet. The neighbourhood is not your cat's yard.

  • jerjergege on 28/02/2022 - 07:54
    +1

    Full cream milk! Diarrhea fun for the owner to clean up.

    Cats are lactose intolerant, cows milk =/ cat milk.

  • Carmen Sandiego on 28/02/2022 - 08:47

    Definitely no food or milk unless you want it to move in.

    On a related note - have seen, and pet, a super friendly cat on my walks around my neighborhood - however, it's literally all skin and bones.

    Any ideas? Will let me pet and cuddle. Can't take it with me as I share 2 cats with the SO, and I live with my parents who both dislike indoor pets.

    • Quantumcat on 28/02/2022 - 09:46
      +2

      If you can catch it, take it to a vet who can scan for a microchip. It could be someone's long lost cat and they would be delighted to be reunited. If you can't catch it, feed it, and when it starts getting cold you could consider setting up a small dog kennel with some blankets. Would be rough being skinny and living outside in the winter.

      • Carmen Sandiego on 28/02/2022 - 09:59

        Thank you for the advice!

        I can definitely catch it - the last time I pet it, it started following me until I literally said "bye bye". It sat down and watched me sadly - broke my heart.

        The other hesitation is that it lingers around a set of units and the house next to it so, I think it's owned by one of them…I don't know how to feel honestly

        • Quantumcat on 28/02/2022 - 10:32
          +2

          Yeah that's tricky, you don't want to look like you're stealing someone's cat if it is owned by someone there. But it may only be there as there is rubbish to dig through. I think it is still worth trying to see if there's a microchip. If it is owned by someone there and it is microchipped then no harm no foul. If no microchip and you take it to the rspca - it has a chance of a better life.

        • Pidapipo on 28/02/2022 - 15:55
          +2

          I was in the same situation before. If the cat seems to be in poor condition with no collar, please don’t hesitate to bring them to a vet. The vet can inform the owner at least so they take better care of their cat. You can also look for a tattoo on the left ear which means the cat is desexed; no tattoo means the cat is intact and definitely shouldn’t roam around. You shouldn’t feel bad about assisting an ill looking cat, if they are not lost and indeed have an owner then the owner should be ashamed for not taking proper care of their cat.

          • Carmen Sandiego on 01/03/2022 - 08:40

            @Pidapipo: and @Quantumcat Thank you both for your comments and advice. I will definitely try and catch the poor kitty and take it to the vet!

            I feel so angry on behalf of the cat with its' condition! I have 2 very healthy and happy kitties with my SO and every time I see this gorgeous kitty, I am so sad and angry at how people could leave this one in the state it's in. Again, if I had the capacity, I would adopt it.

    • pompompom on 28/02/2022 - 21:15

      Plz feeds the hungry cat. It needs food and pets.

      • Carmen Sandiego on 01/03/2022 - 08:36

        Oh for sure!

        I see it once a week, so, I will take food on my walk.

  • Herbse on 28/02/2022 - 09:23

    What state are you in? I was under the impression that cats are not allowed outdoors now days

    • Carmen Sandiego on 28/02/2022 - 09:57

      If OP lives in VIC, the laws, off the top of my head, re. cats outdoors - they need to be fully chipped and registered

      • Herbse on 28/02/2022 - 12:25
        +2

        It might be per council rules. In Knox there's a 24hr curfew. Cats are Only allowed indoors or within the proper boundaries.

  • DiscoJango on 28/02/2022 - 10:15

    Cat

  • Hangryuman on 28/02/2022 - 11:08
    +1

    a UK TV program using GPS tracking of cats movements found they often got food at 5 different houses

    and may tend to linger longer where they get the most treats - who would ever have expected

    we have 2 visiting cats we know have owners in our complex or around the corner - the male screeches if he sees the female - and milady buys them treats so they keep coming back - typically multiple times every day

    germs ? - oh yeah there was that thing about cats carrying a human brain parasite - that affects humans behaviour - and make them keep buying treats for cats …

    https://www.livescience.com/can-cat-parasites-control-human-…
    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121206203240.h…
    https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/cat-brain-parasite-immune-…

  • Butt Scratcher on 28/02/2022 - 12:05
    +1

    Why are you feeding someone else's cat? It keeps coming back because you keep feeding it

    • AlienC on 28/02/2022 - 12:44

      I have only fed it once and seen it in the house a few times but thanks for trying.

      • Butt Scratcher on 28/02/2022 - 12:53

        You're leaving out food for the cat and wanting to give it even more, and for whatever reason want to treat it like it is your own cat.

        I'm sure you only fed it "once"

  • Drakesy on 28/02/2022 - 12:35
    +1

    A bullet.
    But seriously

    I've seen these decimate bird life and native animals first hand, bird's have a hard enough time trying to survive without people bringing in unnatural predators and letting them roam free.

    If the owner isn't in control of their cat then they shouldn't own a cat. Councils are cracking down on this for a reason, trapping and putting them in the pound seems to be the only solution whilst fining the owner.

    • AlienC on 28/02/2022 - 12:46

      I understand my family used to own dogs that did that in our backyard it was horrible but I as a child did not know anything.

      Afaik this cat is pretty harmless. Have not seen it kill anything yet or try bury anything.

      • Drakesy on 28/02/2022 - 13:04
        +1

        Might want to read up on them here

        each day cats are killing over 3.1 million mammals, 1.8 million reptiles and 1.3 million birds in Australia

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