Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 9:12:53 GMT -5
There's a cat curled up on one of my patio chairs, napping I guess. I've been seeing cats hanging out in my bushes and lounging on my patio and front porch for a while now. I can barely tell cats apart and I rarely see more than 1 at a time, but I think there are at least 2 big ones and a kitten. I've never fed them or anything, I don't know why they like my house.
I'm a dog lover and don't know much about cats. I assume they're strays that haven't had shots or anything (do cats even get shots like dogs do?). I don't know about diseases stray cats may carry...... are they possibly contaminating my patio furniture? I have 2 small grandchildren, but the cats run when they hear the door open, so I'm not really worried about direct contact at this point.
I'm inclined to just leave them be. Is there any reason I shouldn't? Now that I think about it, if there's a kitten now, there may be more in the future. I don't really want to end up with a gang of cats in my yard.
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Mar 24, 2015 9:32:48 GMT -5
Yes, cats get shots. they get rabies, FVRCP (a bunch of diseases) and feline leukemia vaccinations. The only possible disease you might get is ringworm, a fungal skin infection easily treated with OTC meds. However, it is unlikely if they are sleeping on covered patio furniture and you remove the cover before sitting on it.
Cats can carry rabies but you are seeing normal cat action so I doubt you have to worry about that, and that is only if you are bitten. Cat scratches can be nasty, but it does not sound like you can get close enough to get scratched.
Is one of their ears clipped? If so, they may be in a catch, spay and release program.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 9:37:53 GMT -5
My patio chairs aren't covered. The surface they lounge on is the same surface I'd be sitting on.
I can't see the cat's ears that's out there now. The back of the chair is in the way and if I open the door he/she will likely run off. I'll try to get a look when I can.
ETA: No clipped ear on that one.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:43 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 9:45:39 GMT -5
They're probably harmless except to any birds or baby rabbits you might have about. We get strays all the time. They come and go. We're down to 1 barn cat, so I kind of wish a couple would stick around. Going to make an appointment with the humane society pretty soon to get a couple.
|
|
CarolinaKat
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 16:10:37 GMT -5
Posts: 6,364
|
Post by CarolinaKat on Mar 24, 2015 9:52:49 GMT -5
I have had strays all my life and hand-raised several litters of kittens. Mich covered the health topics pretty well. Outdoor cats are great if you live in an area where 'vermin' are present. They will hunt the area down for you. I feed my outdoor barn cats 2x a day to encourage them to stay at my house and keep it 'vermin' free. I only see the 'decorative' ones for every meal, the others come and go. I'm a big believer in TNR (Trap Neuter Return) for strays/ferals. This keeps them from having many babies they can't take care of and there aren't homes for. I also use the feeding to get close enough to the feral ones so I can get them spayed/neutered. I wouldn't be concerned with outdoor cats being around. But be careful, they might decide they like you.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:43 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 10:07:54 GMT -5
There's a cat curled up on one of my patio chairs, napping I guess. I've been seeing cats hanging out in my bushes and lounging on my patio and front porch for a while now. I can barely tell cats apart and I rarely see more than 1 at a time, but I think there are at least 2 big ones and a kitten. I've never fed them or anything, I don't know why they like my house. I'm a dog lover and don't know much about cats. I assume they're strays that haven't had shots or anything (do cats even get shots like dogs do?). I don't know about diseases stray cats may carry...... are they possibly contaminating my patio furniture? I have 2 small grandchildren, but the cats run when they hear the door open, so I'm not really worried about direct contact at this point. I'm inclined to just leave them be. Is there any reason I shouldn't? Now that I think about it, if there's a kitten now, there may be more in the future. I don't really want to end up with a gang of cats in my yard. you should see if your community has a TNR program. cats will be spayed/neutered, given a rabies shot, and have their ear 'tipped' (which lets people know they are part of a TNR program). I know we have a number of programs here that offer this service for free (or you could make a tax-deductible donation). now is the time to get it done as kitten season is coming and cats can have multiple litters a year. and no, they can't contaminate your patio furniture.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 10:10:58 GMT -5
If they're helping to keep my yard vermin free, I'm cool with that. I do get birds and the occasional rabbit in my yard, but I hope they all stay away from each other. It's ok if they decide they like me. I don't have anything against cats. I considered getting one after my dog died. But after asking questions, I realized I'm not a good choice for a cat to share living space with. Thanks for the responses.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 10:19:36 GMT -5
There's a cat curled up on one of my patio chairs, napping I guess. I've been seeing cats hanging out in my bushes and lounging on my patio and front porch for a while now. I can barely tell cats apart and I rarely see more than 1 at a time, but I think there are at least 2 big ones and a kitten. I've never fed them or anything, I don't know why they like my house. I'm a dog lover and don't know much about cats. I assume they're strays that haven't had shots or anything (do cats even get shots like dogs do?). I don't know about diseases stray cats may carry...... are they possibly contaminating my patio furniture? I have 2 small grandchildren, but the cats run when they hear the door open, so I'm not really worried about direct contact at this point. I'm inclined to just leave them be. Is there any reason I shouldn't? Now that I think about it, if there's a kitten now, there may be more in the future. I don't really want to end up with a gang of cats in my yard. you should see if your community has a TNR program. cats will be spayed/neutered, given a rabies shot, and have their ear 'tipped' (which lets people know they are part of a TNR program). I know we have a number of programs here that offer this service for free (or you could make a tax-deductible donation). now is the time to get it done as kitten season is coming and cats can have multiple litters a year. and no, they can't contaminate your patio furniture. Lol, I figured the contamination might be a silly question, but I wanted to know anyway. TNR programs, how do they get the cats? I don't know if they're in my yard all the time or not and I'm sorry, but I don't see me trying to catch them myself.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:43 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 10:22:33 GMT -5
you should see if your community has a TNR program. cats will be spayed/neutered, given a rabies shot, and have their ear 'tipped' (which lets people know they are part of a TNR program). I know we have a number of programs here that offer this service for free (or you could make a tax-deductible donation). now is the time to get it done as kitten season is coming and cats can have multiple litters a year. and no, they can't contaminate your patio furniture. Lol, I figured the contamination might be a silly question, but I wanted to know anyway. TNR programs, how do they get the cats? I don't know if they're in my yard all the time or not and I'm sorry, but I don't see me trying to catch them myself. Live traps. They work pretty well. The humane society here will loan them out to people to catch strays.
|
|
CarolinaKat
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 16:10:37 GMT -5
Posts: 6,364
|
Post by CarolinaKat on Mar 24, 2015 10:23:36 GMT -5
you should see if your community has a TNR program. cats will be spayed/neutered, given a rabies shot, and have their ear 'tipped' (which lets people know they are part of a TNR program). I know we have a number of programs here that offer this service for free (or you could make a tax-deductible donation). now is the time to get it done as kitten season is coming and cats can have multiple litters a year. and no, they can't contaminate your patio furniture. Lol, I figured the contamination might be a silly question, but I wanted to know anyway. TNR programs, how do they get the cats? I don't know if they're in my yard all the time or not and I'm sorry, but I don't see me trying to catch them myself. It depends. For mine, I spend time earning their trust and then shatter it by sticking them in a cage. They tend to forgive me while they're recuperating and getting canned food. Most places will loan you a trap that you can use to catch them. You put a little food in it and *BAM* kitty in a cage. I can't do this with mine, because I will catch my on of my 'decorative' barn cats 100% of the time. They will wait for me to let them out. They look so pathetic.... ETA: My 'decorative' barn cats are my group of cats who don't actually do anything but hang around my porch and look pretty... they maybe caught a grasshopper once.... They are also much friendlier than the other barn cats which is why they're very easy to catch
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 64,544
|
Post by Tennesseer on Mar 24, 2015 10:36:06 GMT -5
you should see if your community has a TNR program. cats will be spayed/neutered, given a rabies shot, and have their ear 'tipped' (which lets people know they are part of a TNR program). I know we have a number of programs here that offer this service for free (or you could make a tax-deductible donation). now is the time to get it done as kitten season is coming and cats can have multiple litters a year. and no, they can't contaminate your patio furniture. Lol, I figured the contamination might be a silly question, but I wanted to know anyway. TNR programs, how do they get the cats? I don't know if they're in my yard all the time or not and I'm sorry, but I don't see me trying to catch them myself. PC-in my area, the Mid-South Spay and Neuter Services on the corner of Park and Goodman St will spay or neuter cats outdoor/feral cats for about $40. This also includes a rabies shot. I have outdoor cats living in my garage and backyard. I brought about 35 cats, or 90% of them who live/lived on my property, to the Mid-South Spay and Neuter Services. If you are interested in trapping them and getting them fixed, Mid-South Spay and Neuter Services will lend a live trap for a fee to catch the animals. Your fee is returned upon returning the trap. Due to unknown reasons for disappearances, dog attacks, illness, and an extremely cold winter this year and last, I only have about 15 cats left living in the garage and backyard. None are kittens or small. So we are not neighbors. Look for the left ear to be tipped/snipped to determine if the cat(s) have been spayed or neutered. For the most part, they are not comfortable around humans. The non-indoor housed cats I take care of do not run away from me as they are used to me being the one who feeds them. I wear shorts indoors year round so they are used to seeing me bare legged when I go outside or into the garage to feed them. But on occassion, I do wear pants and some will run away if I come out to feed them wearing long pants. They have no idea who that long-pantsed person is. I get a laugh out of that.
|
|
CarolinaKat
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 16:10:37 GMT -5
Posts: 6,364
|
Post by CarolinaKat on Mar 24, 2015 10:37:22 GMT -5
Lol, I figured the contamination might be a silly question, but I wanted to know anyway. TNR programs, how do they get the cats? I don't know if they're in my yard all the time or not and I'm sorry, but I don't see me trying to catch them myself. you set a humane trap..... @pinkcshmere We're talking about these things:
|
|
CarolinaKat
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 16:10:37 GMT -5
Posts: 6,364
|
Post by CarolinaKat on Mar 24, 2015 10:45:05 GMT -5
And this buddy has a tipped ear:
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 64,544
|
Post by Tennesseer on Mar 24, 2015 10:45:31 GMT -5
I put a large, plastic bag over the traps because I put them out at night and in case it rains. Plus cats like a bit of privacy when they eat the food at the back end of the trap.
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on Mar 24, 2015 10:48:20 GMT -5
In our area, the cats who were treated under TNR don't have the entire ear tip snipped off, it's more like a notch cut in one ear so it's not as obvious as the picture above.
|
|
lexxy703
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 26, 2011 13:52:17 GMT -5
Posts: 13,771
|
Post by lexxy703 on Mar 24, 2015 10:51:25 GMT -5
Also you can check out Spay USA. They give voucher coupons that participating vets will accept & do the spay/neuter at a reduced price. It used to be $25 but that was many years ago so I'm sure it has increased but should still be reasonable.
|
|
CarolinaKat
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 16:10:37 GMT -5
Posts: 6,364
|
Post by CarolinaKat on Mar 24, 2015 10:51:46 GMT -5
In our area, the cats who were treated under TNR don't have the entire ear tip snipped off, it's more like a notch cut in one ear so it's not as obvious as the picture above. It's not a universal standard. The feral clinic here actually takes off a bit less than picture I chose. My MIL's cat has an ear tip that looks exactly like the photo. I just wanted Pink to know what she might be looking for. I"m guessing yours look more like this:
|
|
CarolinaKat
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 16:10:37 GMT -5
Posts: 6,364
|
Post by CarolinaKat on Mar 24, 2015 10:53:11 GMT -5
I put a large, plastic bag over the traps because I put them out at night and in case it rains. Plus cats like a bit of privacy when they eat the food at the back end of the trap. But how do you not catch the 'tame' ones over and over? I swear i will catch Glaze like 80% of the time and Moa the rest of it!
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on Mar 24, 2015 10:53:16 GMT -5
Like this:
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on Mar 24, 2015 10:58:27 GMT -5
Pink, if you want to trap the strays, it might help if you lull them a bit by first feeding them peacefully in the same place for a week or two. Just put out a little inexpensive cat food (or tuna, whatever good smelling stuff you have on hand) in the same place at the same time every day. Then, when they're used to being fed there, put the exact same food inside the trap you've set up.
With the really skittish feral cats, they avoid the traps. We found it worked best to do the "set up" feeding and then set the traps in a place that's secluded so they feel safer. For the trap, if you put a layer of newspaper on the wire on the bottom, then they won't avoid it because the wire feels weird on their feet. Make sure it's level and doesn't tip when they creep in. Some cats also are more comfy going in if you cover it with a towel or some other heavy cloth that won't flap around in the breeze.
Sounds like a PITA and it is a little bit. But it's worth it to know you're not going to end up with litters of kittens. And once you're done, you're done. As someone else mentioned, feral cats don't tend to live a long life in the wild so unless someone starts dumping them - a risk with the TNR programs - the ones you have won't be around a long time.
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 64,544
|
Post by Tennesseer on Mar 24, 2015 10:59:59 GMT -5
I put a large, plastic bag over the traps because I put them out at night and in case it rains. Plus cats like a bit of privacy when they eat the food at the back end of the trap. But how do you not catch the 'tame' ones over and over? I swear i will catch Glaze like 80% of the time and Moa the rest of it! It happens that sometimes you get an already fixed cat in the trap. I just release them. I have also caught raccoons and oposums in the traps too. Opossums are too dumb to leave the trap when I open it, so I have to them out. I have to be careful with the raccoons as they are pissed off they were trapped overnight. I have been able to catch all the females except one. And she just had a litter of three last week in one of the backyard dog houses. She knows how it works. She has seen everyone else trapped. I almost had her one time-she entered the trap cautiously and extended her self all the way to the back by the food-when she tripped the trap, here ass stopped it from locking tight and she backed out. She knows how it works. It is hard to trap the one remaining cat out of many. I have asked the vets to give me a sedative for her so that she falls asleep and I can put her in a cat carrier and bring her in to be fixed. But the vets won't give me a sedative for her without seeing her first. I cannot win with the female cat.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 11:19:29 GMT -5
Oh boy, I was looking for something a little clearer than a tiny notch in the ear. I hate to say this but given where I live, I doubt these cats have been a part of any kind of TNR program. I don't think most people even spay or neuter their pets, let alone some strays. That's just what I think, not necessarily true.
And honestly, it didn't occur to me to take responsibility for getting them spayed or neutered. It was either find out how to discourage them from coming around/call someone to come get them if they were going to be a problem or not bother them and maybe feed them if they looked skinny or whatever. I'll have to think about this.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:43 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 11:22:44 GMT -5
In our area, you can get feral cats spayed or neutered for really cheap or maybe it's even free...not sure. I know I can take my barn cats in and they'll do them for $25/each.
|
|
CarolinaKat
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 16:10:37 GMT -5
Posts: 6,364
|
Post by CarolinaKat on Mar 24, 2015 11:42:07 GMT -5
Oh boy, I was looking for something a little clearer than a tiny notch in the ear. I hate to say this but given where I live, I doubt these cats have been a part of any kind of TNR program. I don't think most people even spay or neuter their pets, let alone some strays. That's just what I think, not necessarily true. And honestly, it didn't occur to me to take responsibility for getting them spayed or neutered. It was either find out how to discourage them from coming around/call someone to come get them if they were going to be a problem or not bother them and maybe feed them if they looked skinny or whatever. I'll have to think about this. nobody is going to come and get them. animal control will only trap stray dogs (if even that in some commmunities). so basically you can take on the responsibility for getting them fixed or they continue to reproduce and the cats/kittens meet an untimely demise. and to me, it would never occur to me NOT to take responsibility (which is why all my charity donations go to animal rescue/volunteer transport). I understand YMMV. She's never had cats before, let alone ones that've wandered up and taken up residence on their own. Cut her some slack
|
|
CarolinaKat
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 16:10:37 GMT -5
Posts: 6,364
|
Post by CarolinaKat on Mar 24, 2015 12:08:01 GMT -5
Oh boy, I was looking for something a little clearer than a tiny notch in the ear. I hate to say this but given where I live, I doubt these cats have been a part of any kind of TNR program. I don't think most people even spay or neuter their pets, let alone some strays. That's just what I think, not necessarily true. And honestly, it didn't occur to me to take responsibility for getting them spayed or neutered. It was either find out how to discourage them from coming around/call someone to come get them if they were going to be a problem or not bother them and maybe feed them if they looked skinny or whatever. I'll have to think about this. To address your point: 1) I wouldn't bother them, they're probably not going to bother you at all 2) If you want to *keep* them as 'outdoor kitties' or 'barn cats' or 'vermin hunters' or whatever I would suggest feeding them 3) If they're going to stay around, I strongly encourage TNR though a low cost program
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on Mar 24, 2015 12:43:41 GMT -5
Oh boy, I was looking for something a little clearer than a tiny notch in the ear. I hate to say this but given where I live, I doubt these cats have been a part of any kind of TNR program. I don't think most people even spay or neuter their pets, let alone some strays. That's just what I think, not necessarily true. And honestly, it didn't occur to me to take responsibility for getting them spayed or neutered. It was either find out how to discourage them from coming around/call someone to come get them if they were going to be a problem or not bother them and maybe feed them if they looked skinny or whatever. I'll have to think about this. I totally and completely understand your feelings on this one. Mine were similar to yours when I walked into a really awful stray cat situation at an organization I'm involved with (former employee was a hoarder.)
But here's the thing - if they've moved into your yard as their territory it's highly unlikely they'll leave on their own. So you can try to shoo them off, but that's going to be even more work than the TNR thing and also unfortunately unlikely to be very successful. Also, if you don't go ahead and do the TNR, not only are they likely to hang around but multiply as cats can have a couple litters a year. So bite the bullet and google "TNR" or "Feral Cat" in your area to see how you can get some help with the traps and low cost TNR. It's a PITA but less of a PITA than the alternatives.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:43 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 13:17:49 GMT -5
Apologies if anyone already said this, but are you sure that they're strays?
At our house in OK, we get a tons of cats ambling by or napping around it or on the porches. We're one of the very few houses that doesn't have dogs, and our acreage is next to a patch of woods, so it's a prime hunting location and relatively peaceful and safe for naps.
I always assumed they were all pets. At least two were confirmed to be; a massive orange one and a little brown one. They all tend to zip away from humans they don't know, like our cat does if we're not around. It seems to be a method of caution for indoor/outdoors cats or outdoor cats. Our cat was a feral kitten, very cautious as an adult. He always hides and watches unknown humans from behind a corner or from very far away. If we're talking to the humans, he'll come back and allow himself to be pet after a couple minutes of assessing from a distance. If we're gone, apparently it took the house sitters several days to spot him. He's pretty polite and lets the vet really mess with him without raising a paw or even mewing (stoic guy), but he's super cautious if we're not in the mix vouching for safety in a situation.
Just tossing it out there, because not all pet cats come bopping up to humans they don't know, even if they've taken a liking to your yard/porches/outdoor furniture.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:43 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 13:25:04 GMT -5
Yeah, one of my barn cats I think has a second home somewhere. She disappears for weeks, even months at a time and comes back just as fat and healthy as ever. The other people might just think she's a homeless stray.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 13:26:01 GMT -5
Thank you CarolinaKat. I understand some people get touchy about animals and that's ok. Somebody has to look out for them. I'm sure some people would and have gotten cats off their property by any means necessary. If that was me, the cats would've been gone a long time ago. Instead, I see a cat on my patio again, think about it's getting warmer and my grandson will be on my patio and playing in my yard more often and I tried to find out if there was anything I should be concerned about since I don't mind the cats being around. So one of the concerns that came up was trying to help make sure they don't reproduce. It was unexpected, but I didn't reject the idea outright, I just said I'll have to think about it. There's a reason I haven't gotten another pet after my last dog died. I haven't gone this long without a dog since I was in elementary school. I've thought about getting another dog, a cat, I even thought about a bird, but in the end, I don't want any extra work or responsibilities right now. I can't be any more honest than that. If me needing to think about the TNR program makes me a bad person in someone's eyes, so be it. But the ire would be more appropriately directed at whoever had these cats before they ended up wandering around and reproducing. Just my opinion. I know about dogs. I don't know much about cats. Or the rabbit (s?) I see in my backyard. Or the squirrels that run across the utility lines. I leave the rabbits and squirrels alone to do what they do, but I've never seen them lounging on my porches or patio furniture either. Forgive me for not knowing anything about a TNR program and having the idea that being helpful could be as simple as letting the cats hang out in peace and maybe feeding them. So anyway, thanks for all advice. I do understand the concerns about spaying and neutering and I agree they're valid. If all the traps are as big as the one in the picture above, I don't even think I could get that in my car. I can just barely get my grandkids' carseats through the opening to the backseat of my car. Something else I'd have to figure out if I decided to do that.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 23:31:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2015 13:32:09 GMT -5
@copperpouches, no I'm not sure they're strays. I just assumed they are. I don't mean to step on any toes if it's a common practice, but I always thought that people that considered a cat "theirs" wouldn't let them roam around. Like how you protect your dogs by not letting him/her roam around.
|
|