I'm after some advice on a possible stray cat. Firstly I will say I like cats as an indoor pet but not overly keen on them munching through wildlife. Having said that I'm hoping this thread can concentrate on what's best for the cat.
We live with no close neighbours with fields and woodland all around. Occasionally the odd cat puts in an appearance but goes back home. Last year we noticed a big tabby about the place and cat droppings. I assumed it was an adventurous cat from a distant neighbour but noticed a road kill magpie get stripped to the bones, then the remains of a pheasant appear under an old outbuilding.
The tabby keeps it's distance but doesn't seem overly worried about us. It has no collar. I decided to put out some food to see if it is eaten and it is hoovered up as soon as I walk away. I have done this over a few days so it appears the cat is actually living full time here.
I've looked online and there's not much help or advice if the cat appears healthy. I'll ask around but doubt I'll find an owner as it is getting common for cats to be abandoned.
So what to do? I will continue to feed to at least try and stop it hunting to feed itself, and also to try and tame it to an extent I could cage trap it and take it to a vet to see if it is chipped. I'm also worried it's an un-spayed female, at what point can I take responsibility for it and get it spayed if necessary? How do you know if a cat is a stray? Any other advice?
We live with no close neighbours with fields and woodland all around. Occasionally the odd cat puts in an appearance but goes back home. Last year we noticed a big tabby about the place and cat droppings. I assumed it was an adventurous cat from a distant neighbour but noticed a road kill magpie get stripped to the bones, then the remains of a pheasant appear under an old outbuilding.
The tabby keeps it's distance but doesn't seem overly worried about us. It has no collar. I decided to put out some food to see if it is eaten and it is hoovered up as soon as I walk away. I have done this over a few days so it appears the cat is actually living full time here.
I've looked online and there's not much help or advice if the cat appears healthy. I'll ask around but doubt I'll find an owner as it is getting common for cats to be abandoned.
So what to do? I will continue to feed to at least try and stop it hunting to feed itself, and also to try and tame it to an extent I could cage trap it and take it to a vet to see if it is chipped. I'm also worried it's an un-spayed female, at what point can I take responsibility for it and get it spayed if necessary? How do you know if a cat is a stray? Any other advice?