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Cats/shooing away a stray.. OH NO
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Question
We've been having trouble with a stray coming to fight with our outside males. He has been a bother and won't leave for good. Then to my dismay... today he was answering my call to my 'babies'... he let me pet him and hold him and now I'm wondering (and feeling horribly guilty) that he may be a male of mine that disappeared years ago!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure... coloring is the same, but his jowls are so much bigger!.. My question is .. As males age, especially since he's been on his own...fighting to survive, do males jowls increase significantly? I wondered if it could be a medical issue, but he's large and solid all over. I cried while he was letting me pet him...if it is him, what he must have thought as we were being so ugly!!.. I would appreciate hearing your answer! Thanks~ Marci Jones
Hi Marci,
Cats, as they get older, do fill out. It could be your little guy all grown up. Cats usually don't stray too far away from where they started out from. They usually are within a one mile radius.
Cats don't have thoughts about us being mean. Don't worry about that. He came to you because he knows you are going to take care of him and feed him. The best thing you can do for him is get him neutered and make sure he has his shots. You do these two things and you will significantly increase his chances of living longer as an outside cat. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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