What should I do about stray cat, if anything?

BookNerd

We have had a little visitor over the last month or so. A black and white older kitten, almost fully grown but not quite. He comes up to the back patio door and sits there but when we open the door he scarpers. Won't let anyone near him. I'm saying him but honestly, I've not gotten close enough to look.
He seems in good shape, healthy coat, healthy eyes and no obvious injuries. A bit underfed I'd say as he's quite scrawny.
We've been putting out food when he's around and fresh water. He'll happily come up once we're the other side of the patio door and has even taken a shine to a box we have outside for naps.
We don't see him every day.

Anyway, I'm all too aware of the issues about stray cats not being neutered.
But can't get near this guy at all to get him to a vet, checked out and neutered if necessary. His mistrust of people coming close to him makes me think he's not someones pet.

Any advice? (Never had pets or cats so wouldn't know where to start or if I should leave well enough alone)

Graces7

BookNerd wrote: »

We have had a little visitor over the last month or so. A black and white older kitten, almost fully grown but not quite. He comes up to the back patio door and sits there but when we open the door he scarpers. Won't let anyone near him. I'm saying him but honestly, I've not gotten close enough to look.
He seems in good shape, healthy coat, healthy eyes and no obvious injuries. A bit underfed I'd say as he's quite scrawny.
We've been putting out food when he's around and fresh water. He'll happily come up once we're the other side of the patio door and has even taken a shine to a box we have outside for naps.
We don't see him every day.

Anyway, I'm all too aware of the issues about stray cats not being neutered.
But can't get near this guy at all to get him to a vet, checked out and neutered if necessary. His mistrust of people coming close to him makes me think he's not someones pet.

Any advice? (Never had pets or cats so wouldn't know where to start or if I should leave well enough alone)

You are doing wondrously..

Contact a cat rescue group near you. They will lend you a humane trap so you can get it to the vet. worked with me for a very very aggressive feral. and yes neutering is needful,

RubyK

Graces7 wrote: »

You are doing wondrously..

Contact a cat rescue group near you. They will lend you a humane trap so you can get it to the vet. worked with me for a very very aggressive feral. and yes neutering is needful,

I was going to say exactly what Graces7 has said, and if you don't know of a local cat rescue, the ISPCA will also come out and help with catching the cat. Continue to feed him, but a day or so before the rescuers call out, don't feed him so he is hungry and will be easier to get into the trap. Also, if you can get him used to eating in the box you let him nap in, this will also make trapping easier. Best of luck :-)

aonb

sit nearby when you put out some food for him. chat to him. do this every time he comes around. eventually he will allow you to get closer. give him a tiny stroke on his head when you can reach. Do this every day that he comes to the house. talk softly. hold out some choice piece of meat in your hand. Eventually he will realize that he can trust you. You might have found yourself your first cat :):):):) *and yes, definitely get him/her neutered

decky1

Forget about the cat rescue+rspca keep feeding him and try to win him over you'll have a lovely pet at some stage when he knows he can trust you.,

Graces7

decky1 wrote: »

Forget about the cat rescue+rspca keep feeding him and try to win him over you'll have a lovely pet at some stage when he knows he can trust you.,

The neutering matters.

decky1

Graces7 wrote: »

The neutering matters.

I do agree, but that can be done when you can get his trust .:cool:

Graces7

decky1 wrote: »

I do agree, but that can be done when you can get his trust .:cool:

from long experience, needs doing as a priority. he will be more amenable etc when neutered. .

Knine

Plus if he is a she, he will soon drop a few little surprises!

Graces7

Knine wrote: »

Plus if he is a she, he will soon drop a few little surprises!

and best to do all the vet stuff then form a relationship else the poor cat is going to feel very betrayed!

BookNerd

Puss hasn't been seen in a few days. Am hoping he's found someone new to mind him or is off in the wild living his best life.....

And that he shows up again so we can get him/her sorted

Graces7

BookNerd wrote: »

Puss hasn't been seen in a few days. Am hoping he's found someone new to mind him or is off in the wild living his best life.....

And that he shows up again so we can get him/her sorted

good luck! fingers crossed