About Dear Tabbi Expertise My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too.
Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again.
Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials ***********
Awards and Honors * One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
Question Well, there is a Siamese cat in our neighborhood that used to be a pet. Once its owner died, it got food from other cat owners in the neighborhood. My mom got some food and we are thinking about keeping it, if it warms up to us. We haven't had a cat for 13 years, and we haven't had a Siamese, so we don't know how to care for it. We also have 2 dogs, but they aren't trained to be house dogs and they have crates so that shouldn't be a problem. Can you help us learn how to care for the cat?
Answer Tori,
That is nice of you guys! Start feeding it to gain it's trust if you can't pet it yet. Make sure the cat is fixed (spayed or neutered). A Siamese is just like any other cat except more vocal and sometimes they have sensitive tummys.
I don't understand your question about how to care for it. Love it, feed it, and give it attention. I always free-choice feed (a bowl of dry food always available). Don't get 'bargain brand' food like the kind that is $2.99 for 20 pounds! Purina Cat Chow or Purina Vitamin (green bag) is good if you don't want to buy expensive brands like Iams, etc.
There are lots of books at the bookstore or a pet store like Petco or PetSmart that are good. I like the "Idiots Guide To Owning A Cat".
It is a clear book that is not confusing and too detailed.
If you have specific questions send a followup anytime.
