Is this cat a STRAY or does it have an owner? PLZ HELP!

Question

I live in a suburban area, and in my neighborhood I don't usually see many cats roaming around. I have a deck, and a fairly medium sized backyard, and behind my backyard is a small ditch. (There are other houses across from the ditch pretty close to my backyard)

So I saw a cat across the ditch sitting in the trees near someone else's backyard. It took a while, but after calling it several times, the cat approached me, and slid under the fence to my backyard. It even came up to my deck, but wasn't very interested in me petting it. I gave it bothe milk and water, which it wasn't interested in. The cat has a white and calico coat, looks pretty groomed and quite healthy, but it's claws are extremely sharp. It also doesn't have a collar. A few days later, the cat came running to me when I called, but would abruptly get scared and run if I made a sudden movement. The cat looks to be about 2 or 3 years old or maybe even younger. It seems more interested in catching live game than eating from me. I usually see it sitting near the same trees, and usually see it at late afternoon and evening. I can't tell if it's a stray or someone else's cat. A few years ago, I had found a stray who was much more amiable and less groomed, thus I can't tell if this cat is a stray. PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

What Debbie and Ryce are saying is right on all counts.  And cow's milk is bad for cats so avoid that if you can.

The best thing I have found to get a cat to approach is tuna.  It has such a  wonderfully strong scent.  If the cat didn't like tuna, then try a canned cat food, maybe one of the fancy feast chicken or fish.

Definitely ask your neighbors first and then get the cat to a vet or humane society to check for a microchip.  If not, and no one claims the cat, then you have a new buddy!

Answer 2

Do not feed it cows milk. Cats can't digest it. Get some cat food, it isn't very expensive. Buy a small bag (but not the super cheap stuff). The cat will surely come to that. You could try putting a collar on it with a note attached saying (is this someone's cat?).

Answer 3

It sounds like a ferril cat, but if you really want to know who owns it go to the house where the tree is sitting and inquire if it is theirs, if not bring it back to your place and give it tuna or some kind of canned fish, it probubly is a female being its a caleco color, they are usuall female. give it time food and love will win ind the end.

Answer 4

I'd ask some of your neighbours to see if anyone has reported their calico cat missing. If you don't find anything out within a few days and would like to give the cat a new home, then I would go ahead and get some cat food, start feeding it and gain it's trust slowly. When she trusts you enough for you to touch her, I'd put her in a cat carrier and take her to a vet to have her checked over just to make sure she's healthy and make sure she gets flea and worm treatment and arrange for her to be vaccinated against feline diseases and arrange to spay her if she hasn't been to stop her getting pregnant. If you do mnage to get to the vets with her, it may be worth you asking the vet to check to see if she has a microchip. If not , she is  completely yours :)

Good luck.

Answer 5

just go to your local store and buy cat food give it water and milk it will eventually come also try not to let it go into your house because it could take a sh.it and p**s anywhere.

Answer 6

If you have a cat coming around to your house begging handouts, he may have a perfectly adequate home to go to, and just enjoys making the rounds. You may discover your neighbors are also feeding the same supposed stray.

If the begging cat looks well-fed and well-groomed, he's probably not a stray at all, but simply an opportunist.

Answer 7

try putting up flayers to see if someone one the cat. If that doesn't work out it's a stray.To let it come to you u have to lead a trail of cat food towards u as he eats he'll want more and the trail will lead to you.

Buy the cat food / prepare a bottle of warm milk in a baby's bottle and have a towel and a ball of twin next to you.This will attract him to come close to you.  

Answer 8

its mine! i'll send it to china...