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Cats/Feeding a feral cat regularly

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Expert: - 2/10/2009


Question
Hi -I've been feeding some stray/cats in my neighborhood and lately there has been a young perhaps 4mos. old one that showed up regularly when I did my daily feeding. If he wasn't there when I arrived,he come running when I started to put the food out, sliding up to me like a baseball player stealing home. At first he was dirty and his fur was a mess, skinny and had scratches on his face. As I fed him over  3 weeks, he grew stronger and cleaner and even let me pet him once. Three days ago he suddenly disappeared. I've checked the area where I feed the cats three times a day. But my little red kitten is not there, though all the other regular 6 or 7 cats have come by to be fed. I was hoping to adopt him and was planning how to gently catch him. I am heartbroken and would like some advice as to what may have happened to this little guy and how could I search for him. I live in  Brooklyn NY.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Janet,

This is a tough one. In Brooklyn any number of things could have happened to him. And I don't want list all the nasty things that could have happened. Now, he may have gotten into a fight or is chasing a lady friend. Three days being MIA for a feral is not too long to start worrying alot about. I would wait a week. If he doesn't come back by then then I am afraid he may not be back. You can't do much more for him to get him back than what you are. Try calling the ASPCA and see if they have any info about him. Good luck and I hope he comes back.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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