Expert: Norman Auspitz - 12/14/2010

Question
Hello Norman,
Me and my father found a stray cat in our garage.I've asked
my father if i could keep it (I'm 14).He said maybe that he
would let me keep on Christmas.He does not quite like
cats.My mom and little brother are with me. But i can't tell
her sex but i believe she is a female.Also one day when i
went to go feed her i saw her slip under the garage door and
sneak away.Where is  she going? When she came back i noticed
she had a injury on her leg. Is she an outdoor cat because
she is quite friendly.I asked everybody in my neighborhood
if they lost a cat because she smells! Anyway she seems way
more friendlier than usual.How do you tell if she is in
heat?Its very cold outside now how do i keep her/him warm?
Thanks for all the help Sincerely Halie!

Answer
Halie,

You have not told me what age you think this cat is.  Any older mail will have testicles, females do not.  If it is a kitten and under 4 months of age, the male will look like a : under the tail, whereas a female will look like an upside down ! under the tail.

If she is in season, she could be very friendly, indeed.  Some inside/outside cats are quite friendly all the time. Feral cats tend to be rather stand offish, unless it is a female in season.  If you are going to keep the cat, I would make sure it is neutered/spayed, otherwise, if a female, you will have to be fooling with her having kittens.

I would take her to a vet immediately on two counts, one I am not sure what you mean by she smells, as cats should have almost no odor, unless there is a problem. Also, the leg injury should be tended to.  If you provide a place for her in your garage with some bedding where she can get food and water, she should do OK. Cats often grow plenty of coat in winter to stay warm.

If you can bring her into the house and make her an indoor cat, that would be ideal, but I am not sure your family situation would find that acceptable.

Please let me know if you have more questions.

Seasonal regards... Norm.