The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsSeems I have acquired a Porch Cat ... but, maybe it is just the weather ...
Last edited Sun Mar 22, 2015, 01:16 PM - Edit history (3)
I live in a woodsy, rural area that borders a county/state/federal park and, I can't see my neighbors for the trees.
Lately (for the past few months, even) I have noticed a tuxedo cat hanging around my yard. Seems to get along with my two cats but, he (pretty sure he is a male) runs away whenever he sees me.
However, since we have had snow three times in the past week, this fellow has decided to make my porch his ... home ... ??
I have fixed up two boxes with flannel for when my cats decide to hang out all night (very rare but, they love a full moon) and evidently this fellow has decided that he really likes sleeping in one of them because for the past few mornings I have seen him coming out of one of the boxes (both are under windows) and he hangs on my front porch. The past three mornings when I open my front door he does not run, instead he meows at me in a very plaintive tone. My heart ... be still (he is gorgeous black tuxedo with a black nose that has a full circle white ring around it ... I have to get a picture and post it, very distinctive marking) anyway, he has tamed me and I must feed him.
Although, he honestly appears healthy and well fed and I really think he belongs to some nameless neighbor down the road a piece (surely, he has a home). Maybe, he is just seeking temporary respite until the weather breaks
I don't know.
But, he looks like he belongs here. Really. My female is solid black and my male is white with black markings (on the top of his head is a perfect black heart shaped spot ) So, this guy looks like he fits right in and, my two seem to be accepting of him.
Anyway, I have a visitor but, I don't know for how long.
Thanks for reading. Any comments or advice is welcomed.
pictures of my two Furbabies
Sissy Girl
Brother Man
sabbat hunter
(6,835 posts)they are telling you "we like you hoomin for giving us food and warm place to sleep. we shall stay a while and perhaps after a while allow you to pet us"
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)I have to get a picture. You guys just have to see this face
cwydro
(51,308 posts)I think I've told you about my "porch possum" out at the farm...
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)cwydro
(51,308 posts)Hey, I got that book Possum Living!
I love it.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)of is there more to it?
cwydro
(51,308 posts)The subtitle is "how to live well without a job and with (almost) no money."
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)magical thyme
(14,881 posts)asking if anybody is missing a black and white male cat who has turned up in your neighborhood.
If somebody calls, ask them to describe the markings to make sure they aren't just trying to scoop up a cat for nefarious purposes. If nobody calls, then feed him and take him in.
But honestly, if he looks well fed, he probably is. My cat was stolen 3 months after I adopted her because she was beautiful and friendly. Then the neighbors who stole her moved away and dumped her, so she spent 9 months living feral again and hanging out at that place. She came back bony and exhausted after a fairly harsh winter. And after I'd gotten her all her shots and fattened her up again, she disappeared again. I still think it was the people renting that place. They started out with 2 cats, then apparently one died and the other one was hanging out in an open window meowing all spring and summer...and suddenly fell silent again. They knew she was my cat and had initially told me they'd help me catch her since she hung out at their place all the time (including walking inside "like she owned the place", but then never did. And when I got her back, I made the mistake of letting them know and the wife seemed unhappy about that.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)Seems I remember you posting about this incident some time back.
That is a good idea about the signs. I guess I could post them on the main road and the closer side roads and see what happens.
Thanks for the comments and advice.
JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,365 posts)Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)and just look at that fluffy tail
are they both yours?
JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,365 posts)My car is much more, uh, practical. And sensible. And boring.
My cat might like the warmth of a car hood, but the car would have to be in the living room. She will not go outside, except under protest on her way to the vet's office.
No Porsche Cat for me!
brer cat
(24,605 posts)Cats know when they are welcome. Enjoy him and hope he gets nose-to-nose soon.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)you guys just have to see this face
eppur_se_muova
(36,289 posts)in cold or wet weather, animals can burrow into the hay, pile it up between them and the weather, etc. Also, it doesn't carry human/househole scents.
Something I learned *after* adopting a couple of feral kittens, having done a few things wrong ...
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)I didn't see him this morning and the snow has all melted now.
Yesterday, he napped in my side yard all day long, looked like a black meatloaf out there in the yard
There is a barn across the road and I know they all hang out over there with the horses so, there is hay available.
Honestly, I was kinda surprised that he chose my porch.
GOLGO 13
(1,681 posts)She comes & goes as she pleases. During the winter nights she stays in our basement. Our house cat will fight her on site. I'd trade if I could. Haven't seen a mouse in or out of the house in 2+ years that she's been hanging.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)I finally put a bell on SissyGirl ... give the little critters around here a fighting chance
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)She hated Mr. Mickey so much. He used to stalk her, and she'd slap him down
which is why it was hard for him after her loss (the sparing kept them both sharp and active).
meow
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)meow
SissyGirl and BrotherMan are litter mates. So they tolerate each other and get along for the most part. However, they are both jealous of me and demand equal attention or they get pout-y, especially BrotherMan