I have a new cat maybe, but there are some general questions I would like to ask.?

Question

Okay, so there is this cat that lives in my neighborhood. He would not stay at his home, and eventually his owners just gave up and said they would no longer be responsible for the cat, i.e. no medical help or feeding it. So my neighbors and I have gone about caring for it as our own, and just letting it be an outside cat. Well, my dog died a few monthes ago, and I told my neighbor this. She begged me to take the cat in, and stuff. I simply told her that my mother wouldn't let me, because she misses my dog, Now a month later, my mom has decided to let the cat come into our sun room (the cat uses the doggy door). We have been feeding it and giving it water for the last few days, and now my mom doesn't know if we did the right thing, because she doesn't want to get attached and deal with the expense of owning a pet. Now, tonight we had a discussion and I told her I would pay for its vet bills and food and stuff. The cat is a lovely tabby, and has very exotic eyes. So, if we did send it to the shelter it would easily get adopted. When I told my mother this, I volunteer at the shelter so I know how it is low-kill and whatnot, she said once she has a pet she won't leave it. I am assuming the cat is here to stay, and its a sweet cat although it has a bit of aggression to it. Anyways the point is that I have a few questions.

1. Is taking it in the right thing to do? If not, why? If so, how should we go about this?

2. How much would a feline check-up be at the vet's office?

Now,you have to understand we are dog people, and having a cat is fairly new to us, so other than food and water is there anything else we can give it. And also,one more thing. Sometimes, when I play with the cat, he will get this look in his eyes and attack me by sinking his claws into my arm and biting it and when I break free, he goes at it again. Is this normal? Is there anything we can do to stop this? And other than he is sweet, he will rub his head against your face and purr. He has calmed down a bit, though, because when I came home today he was waiting by the sunroom door and was meowing very friendly and wanted to be petted.

Thanks for your help!!!

Answer 1

i am a cat person and if i could i would takein all strays i think ur doing a good thing, just keep doing what ur doing if u want to keep the cat obviously the cat wants to keep u cause it has allready stated coming in the house.(2)depends on where u live by my house its like 35.00 just for office visit that doesnt count if anythings wrong with it or not(3)i went to wal-mart and got my cats this cat tree for like 30$ ive had it for a few years and even to this day love it cause they can post and perch in the window otherwise they just lay around where they want too(4)yes thats normal they like too play when my cats get too ruff ill lightly tap them on the nose and tell them no ull have to do it a few times till he gets it. hes rubbing his scent on u marking u as his pet basically

Answer 2

Cats don't play the same way that dogs do---never use your hand to tempt the cat to chase it, because it will.

A string of yarn to chase would be better, or a ball with a bell in for the cat to bat around.

A scratching post would be good, to help the cat not scratch the furniture.  Rub a little bit of catnip on the post to let the cat know it's his.

Have your cat neutered, and not only will that help control the feral cat population, but it will make him less aggressive.

I think that taking the cat in is a great idea, because cats and dogs both are meant to be pets.  Having a cat as a pet is a good way to have a pet to take care of (condolences on your dog)

There are low-cost vet clinics that will give your cat a check-up.  You will need a little pet carrier.  Don't try to drive the cat to the vet if it's not in a carrier; it will be all over the car in a panic probably.

Your cat will need vaccinations and to be neutered.  Other than that, since it's already using the little door to go in and out, I would guess that he has already adopted your family, and you have a cat.

Answer 3

Hi

Thanks for rescuing. Taking it in is the right thing  to do of course.

Besides a litterbox, you do not need anything else. Please feed canned foods no gravy. Much healthier then dry

Same costs at a vet for a cat as it is for a dog

Now playing. Cats can get overstimulated. google feline tails to learn the signs. Eventually, he will learn not to bite down.

Instead of hands, play using a string or something to that affect. Cats also like little lite balls and bags or boxes to hie in.

Get some catnip and just watch!

Please, no shelter

Answer 4

I am allergic to cats, but i can tell much about them, well first, i think you should take the cat, it would be fine in the house. and a check up is almost the same as a dogs check up, and the biting and clawing is normal, but if you want to stop it, you can train it by taming it and petting it more, or ask your vet for some more tips about that, have fun with ur tabby!

Answer 5

You are this kitty's guardian angel. Personally I would have done the exact same thing. So yes, I think you did the right thing. As long as you follow through with what you have committed to, your chances of an easy transition are good.

As for the vet, just call the clinic (ask other pet owners to get recommendations if you don't have one, but it sounds like you probably do). Ask them how much an initial exam is, and you can go from there. The first examination is usually a standard fee and then there's shots, deworming, medications (if necessary), tattooing/micro-chipping (if not already done), spaying/neutering (if not already fixed), etc. on top of that. If kitty seems healthy, you probably won't have to deal with shots, etc. right away on the first visit but depending on his/her condition you should be prepared.

Also, there's no harm in asking the shelter where you volunteer about it. They may be able to help out with vet things; maybe they get a discount, maybe they do some of the procedures (ie. deworming) at the shelter and wouldn't mind helping you out. You never know!

The vet will also suggest a suitable food and anything else that you need to provide. As for toys, almost everything I get for my cat ends up collecting dust in a corner. They will find fun in the most unlikely things, like the plastic ring off a milk jug cap, or an empty cardboard box with a couple of holes cut in it. Get creative!

The crazy behaviour is probably nothing more than "cattitude". My cat does that all the time when he gets excited. If you don't like it, give him/her the cold shoulder. Ignoring unwanted behaviour is a good start but there's other ways of going about it. Look for a good cat behaviour book or web-site. But if you encourage their natural hunting instincts by offering your hands, fingers, arms, etc. for their chewing pleasure, it will most likely play back.

You are a sweetheart for stepping up and taking responsibility where someone else decided not to. Good luck to you and your new addition :)