What can I do for this cat?

[luvmycavies]

So, if any of you know cats, they have a mind of thier own. Our neighbor owns 3 cats but one of them has completely adopted us. She sleep outside under our front bush, she eats and drinks and gets loves here. My boys and I have always had a way with animals and understanding them. I would own a farm and have an animal rescue if I could convince my husband of it. I feel bad because this cat so obviously loves us but my husband is allergic to them. I want to make a cat bed or condo or something to put on our front porch so she can be protect and warm. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do here? What I can build or how to love this cat without offending our neighbors?

[SnowFlower]

I would look around at garage sales for a cat condo...or craigslist. I got mine (6 foot tall with all the ammenities) for $20 at a garage sale. As for offending your neighbors? They obviously are doing something the kitty isn't liking. If you are close, I would ask them if they minded kitty coming over for visits, and if the food you are feeding kitty is different then the brand they are using - it may just be kitty likes your restaurant better than home food. If you aren't close to the nieghbors - I'd just keep doing it on the sly, kitty obviously loves you!

[AnimalHouse36]

This is your neighbors cat. Therefor your neighbors responsibilty.

It's a known fact that if you feed an animal it will keep coming back. This cat is most likely also getting fed by your neighbor. The two diets may not be good and for all you know this cat can't have a certain food.

I would stop encouraging this cat and talk to your neighbors. You wouldn't want somebody feeding your dogs when you already do that would you?

[Paula]

Originally Posted by AnimalHouse36

You wouldn't want somebody feeding your dogs when you already do that would you?

I wouldn't have an animal wandering off to my neighbor's house to begin with. This person doesn't seem to care enough to keep the cat in his own yard, I can't imagine this owner really giving a hoot about the kind of food someone else has the kindness to share with "his" pet.

I suggest picking up a cat condo on Craigslist or maybe even Freecycle, or garage sale like SnowFlower suggested. You can get lots of cat supplies at these places for not much money, and since it's going to be outside I can't see any reason to go all out or get anything new. For warmth you could maybe even find a used dog house or something and put some old blankets in there.

I wouldn't bother mentioning it to the neighbor. If they haven't had a problem with the cat camping out on your porch for this long, I can't imagine them having a problem with you attempting to make her stay at your place more comfortable.

[AnimalHouse36]

Even so, I would talk to the neighbor about proper cat care.

[Paula]

Keeping your cat safe and on your property, I'd say, is something that proper cat care encompasses.

That aside, the cat is already spending time at the OP's home/porch. I don't see that there would be any harm in getting a cat condo or other shelter for the cat to stay in since she's there anyway.

And I still don't think it's worth mentioning to the neighbor because it's lmc's porch to begin with. If the neighbor were to take notice, at that point she could mention it, maybe. But I think the path of least resistance would be to just build a shelter or whatever the OP chooses and not make an issue with the neighbor regarding the situation as it already exists (and she doesn't want to change, I don't think).

[Dazzle Versace]

I had new neighbors move in next door with four kids. Then I notice a Himalayan kitty and another long hair kitty following right behind it in my yard. I checked for collars and they had nothing. For three days they were on the patio furniture. Kids next door were calling them. I felt happy knowing they were theirs and they just got loose. I asked their mom to come over and get them, she said I can pick them up and hand them over fence. I don’t understand how she didn‘t want to come get them herself.

Now I noticed the cat’s outside again as the days grew colder with it being mid Fall. I’d sit outside pet them no food no water I knew they had a nice home next door from the outside at least. I noticed their family seemed to be going away for a few days cause of all the bags. Well what a family this turned out to be, they left their two cats outside and they were gone for 4 days. I’m sorry, but how can you do that to your family animals?!

Long story short, my mother and I figured we should take care of them considering we have a cat and food to spare. They slept on our patio. When it rained for a day we put them in our spare bedroom with a blanket and food and an extra liter box and closed the door. Neighbors returned I told them what happened. Their mother goes.. ‘Oh thank you, I thought my husband locked them in the house’ and so on. I believed it kind of.. Then about 2 weeks later same thing.. I was getting mad at this family because how can you do that?!

My neighbors didn’t seem to care then again any family not checking to make sure the animals were inside never probably cared in the first place. So basically after failed attempts of telling the husband and wife how they were constantly in the yard which was not a problem at all, I had my own cat and the neighbors cats adopted me. I bought them a decent size cat condo for the spare bedroom for the bad weather days that I saw them in yard, kept extra food, and liter. I took care of them up until I moved. I told the couple buying our house about the neighbors cats, turns out they love cats and would talk to them about the situation.

Sorry this is so long, I just figured I’d explain my situation I had with neighboring cats. I know its of no help, but it’s what I did in the situation, maybe it'd help. I’d have to agree talk to your neighbor, I hope for the best because the kitty seems to have an awesome neighbor such as yourself to take care of it!

[luvmycavies]

We are actually fairly good friends with our neighbors but as far as cats go.....they don't really seem to care if they are all outside for days on end. They also own 2 dogs that are babied beyond belief and thier other fish and frogs and crabs are well cared for. It is a known fact that Saphire (the cat in question) is always in our yard and the kids have seen that she comes into the house on occassion and I put out food. They seem to be happy she is happy. For the time being we have put out a carpet remnant, basket and warm blanket next to her food and water dish. I intend to make a pillow like I made for my guineas out of fleece, batting then a waterproof mattress pad then cotton then fleece. Here is a photo of her and my older son who has mental disabilities......she is siamese and persian mix.

[Paula]

I can't imagine that putting out some blankets and shelter would upset your neighbor in this situation, honestly. Especially since the cat's rather taken up residence at your place already.

Great picture!

[Toadies]

lmc, I agree with Paula, there should be no further need to discuss the situation with the obviously unconcerned (uncaring?) neighbor. You're not forcing the animal to come to your house, nor are you holding her hostage. At least she has a place to go to get out of the weather. You might check with your animal control authorities, as here, if you harbor an animal for 30 days, you are legally responsible for them. 2 cats wouldn't be so bad and I'm sure that she would get vastly improved care at your haven.

[Peggysu]

Cute picture! The cat obviously enjoys your family over it's own.

[AnimalHouse36]

Okay..so the neighbor knows and doesn't care. I'd say do whatever needs to be done! You said they had other cats? Are these cats okay?

[luvmycavies]

They built an outdoor house for the dominant male cat to sleep outside in but he hordes the food and will not allow the other 2 female cats to come near the food or shelter. Ever since we moved here Saphire has had a connection to us and especially our oldest son. Whenever he is outside the cat appears from nowhere to get loves and will stay here for days. She seems happy with the blanket and basket but now wants to come inside......I wish I could let her. I am continuing to look for a cat condo or something in second hand stores or on Craigslist or Freecycle. I hope we can figure out something better for her before fall and winter.

[Toadies]

Depending on how ambitiuos you feel, you could take a large plastic storage bin (with lid), cut an entrance in one end, line it with carpet remnants and put in some blankets. Being plastic, it would withstand moisture and be easy to wipe down. Kitty condos have carpeting on the outside but the interior is mostly bare. Putting the carpeting on the inside would be warmer for the girl. You might make it big enough for two. I'm thinking that when girl #2 discovers that girl #1 has found a safe haven, she may show up too.

[luvmycavies]

Do you think she is happy here? She hasn't gone "home" in days....here she is with my youngest.

[Peggysu]

She seems like such a lover.

[Toadies]

It looks like you now have two kitties. Cats definitely know what side their bread is buttered on. If she's there, she's deemed you worthy of her presence and affection. It is an honor to be so worthy, seriously. Cats are my passion but don't tell he piggies.

[PixieStix]

She is adorable, and I'm glad she seems happier. I agree, if the cat is not being welcomed at home, and is already living with you, there should be no problem with you putting out a bed for her. You're not chaining her to your porch or anything, she's free to come and go (though it seems she prefers your family!).

[blessedbeingmom]

We've been adopted by a neighbor's cat in the past. After he started coming in our house, sleeping on our bed, and eating our cat food, and after DH attempted to take him back home twice, eventually we accepted that he was ours. They knew where to look if they really wanted to find him, and once when DH was talking with them in the yard, they said (to DH), something like, "Oh, look, there's your cat." Not long after that, we took him to get neutered.
Your younger son looks so much like my son in that picture that it was rather eerie. I couldn't find a picture that shows his hair all curled & ruffled like that, but that is how it usually looks, depending on how long it's been since we last cut it. How old is your son? My son, Michael, is nearly 5 & 1/2.

[luvmycavies]

Update on the cat.....I need to find a better solution. The original owners, my neighbors are gone for a few days, and I have been house/pet sitting for them. Saphire has slept and stayed here and had no contact with even going into thier yard. Tonight I heard a huge scuffle on the front steps and walked out to find 3 raccoons and Saphire......they were not scared of me and it took alot to get them ran off. After that I took Saphire to the neighbors house and put her inside with food water and a blanket...after checking to make certain she was OK. When the neighbors get back I might have to work something out. I would have brought her inside my house but my husband is incredibly allergic. If she truly won't stay with them then I might have to set something up in our garage for night time for her. Meanwhile I will figure out how to humanely trap the raccoons.
Yes Blessed, your son does look like mine. Ty will be 6 in September...funny isn't it?