A furry visitor showing up at your doorstep can be a delightful surprise. But what happens when that casual visit turns into a daily occurrence? A cat persistently coming to your house can be a complex situation, raising questions about responsibility, the cat’s welfare, and how to handle the situation ethically and practically. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to respond when a cat makes your property its regular hangout.
Identifying the Visiting Cat and Understanding the Situation
Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to gather information. Is this a stray, a feral cat, or does it belong to someone? Accurately assessing the situation is the first step towards finding the best solution for both you and the cat.
Determining the Cat’s Status: Stray, Feral, or Owned
Distinguishing between a stray, a feral cat, and an owned cat is essential. A stray cat is a domesticated cat that has been lost or abandoned and is generally accustomed to human contact. They might be approachable, meow, and seek attention. A feral cat is a cat that has either never had human contact or has reverted to a wild state. They are often fearful of humans and may avoid interaction. An owned cat, despite its visits, may simply be an outdoor cat exploring its territory.
Observe the cat’s behavior. Is it skittish and runs away, or does it approach you confidently? A friendly, well-groomed cat is more likely to be owned. Look for signs of a collar or tags. If the cat appears well-fed and healthy, it’s another indication that it has an owner. A thin, dirty cat with matted fur is more likely to be a stray or feral.
Assessing the Cat’s Health and Condition
A visual assessment of the cat’s health is important. Look for any obvious signs of injury or illness, such as limping, open wounds, discharge from the eyes or nose, or difficulty breathing. Check the cat’s overall body condition. Is it underweight or overweight? A healthy cat should have a defined waist when viewed from above.
If you notice any concerning health issues, it may warrant contacting a local animal shelter or rescue organization. They may be able to provide medical assistance or advice.
Considering Your Own Circumstances and Preferences
Your personal circumstances and preferences play a significant role in how you respond. Do you already have pets? Are you allergic to cats? Do you have the time and resources to care for another animal, even temporarily? Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically offer.
Also, consider your neighbors. Are they cat lovers or are they likely to be bothered by the presence of a cat in the neighborhood? Maintaining good relationships with your neighbors is important.
Investigating Whether the Cat Belongs to Someone
If you suspect the cat might be owned, the next step is to try to identify its owner. This is crucial because taking in someone else’s pet, even with good intentions, can lead to legal and ethical issues.
Checking for a Collar and Identification Tags
The easiest way to identify an owner is to look for a collar with identification tags. The tags may include the owner’s name, address, and phone number. Approach the cat cautiously and speak in a calm, soothing voice. If the cat allows you to approach, carefully examine the collar for any information.
If you find a tag with contact information, reach out to the owner immediately. Explain that their cat has been visiting your house and inquire about their intentions.
Using Social Media and Local Networks
If the cat isn’t wearing a collar or the tags are missing, you can use social media and local networks to help find the owner. Post a picture of the cat on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and other online platforms. Include a description of the cat’s appearance, behavior, and the location where it was found.
Ask your neighbors if they recognize the cat. Someone in your neighborhood might know the owner or have seen the cat before.
Taking the Cat to a Veterinarian or Shelter to Check for a Microchip
A microchip is a small electronic device implanted under the cat’s skin that contains the owner’s contact information. Taking the cat to a veterinarian or animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip is a reliable way to identify the owner. Vets and shelters have microchip scanners and can access the database to retrieve the owner’s information.
Contact the veterinarian or shelter in advance to inquire about their fees for microchip scanning. Once the cat is scanned and the owner is identified, you can contact them directly.
Setting Boundaries and Discouraging Visits
If you’ve determined that the cat is not owned or you’ve contacted the owner and they are unable or unwilling to take the cat back, you may need to take steps to discourage the cat from visiting your property. This is especially important if you have existing pets or are unable to provide long-term care for the cat.
Making Your Property Less Appealing
One of the most effective ways to discourage a cat from visiting is to make your property less appealing. Cats are attracted to food, shelter, and comfortable resting places. Removing these attractants can help deter them.
Remove any potential food sources, such as pet food left outside, spilled birdseed, or accessible garbage cans. Secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
Avoid providing shelter, such as leaving boxes or other containers outside. If you have a porch or deck, consider blocking access to prevent the cat from sleeping underneath.
Using Cat Deterrents
Several cat deterrents can help discourage cats from entering your property. These deterrents work by appealing to the cat’s senses, making your yard less inviting.
- Motion-activated sprinklers: These devices spray a short burst of water when they detect motion, startling the cat and discouraging it from entering the area.
- Citrus peels: Cats dislike the smell of citrus. Place citrus peels around your garden or areas where the cat frequents.
- Commercial cat repellent sprays: These sprays contain ingredients that cats find unpleasant. Apply them to areas where the cat is visiting, following the product instructions carefully.
- Noises: Cats have very sensitive hearing. Startling noises such as shaking a can filled with pennies can deter cats from returning.
Communicating with the Cat’s Owner (If Applicable)
If you’ve identified the cat’s owner, communicate your concerns to them politely and respectfully. Explain that the cat is visiting your property frequently and that you are unable to provide care or are concerned about the cat’s safety.
Work together to find a solution that works for both of you. The owner may be willing to keep the cat indoors or take steps to prevent it from wandering onto your property. Be open to compromise and try to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Caring for the Cat (If Necessary and Feasible)
If you’ve exhausted all other options and the cat continues to visit your property, you may consider providing some level of care, especially if the cat appears to be in need. However, it’s important to remember that providing care can create an expectation that you will continue to do so, and it may encourage the cat to keep returning.
Providing Food and Water
If you choose to provide food and water, do so consistently and in a designated area. This will help prevent the cat from wandering around your property in search of food and water. Choose a high-quality cat food that meets the cat’s nutritional needs. Provide fresh, clean water at all times.
Be mindful of the potential for attracting other animals to your property, such as raccoons or rodents. Clean up any leftover food promptly to prevent attracting unwanted pests.
Offering Shelter
If the weather is cold or wet, consider providing the cat with a temporary shelter. A simple cardboard box lined with blankets can provide a warm and dry place for the cat to sleep. Place the shelter in a sheltered area, away from wind and rain.
Be aware that providing shelter can make the cat more dependent on you and more likely to return.
Seeking Veterinary Care (If Needed)
If you notice any signs of illness or injury, seek veterinary care for the cat. Contact a local veterinarian or animal rescue organization for assistance. They may be able to provide medical treatment or advice.
Be prepared to cover the cost of veterinary care. Depending on the extent of the treatment needed, the costs can be substantial. Consider setting up a fundraising campaign online to help cover the expenses.
Considering Long-Term Options
If the cat continues to visit your property and you are unable or unwilling to provide long-term care, you may need to explore other options. These options may include rehoming the cat, contacting a local animal shelter, or participating in a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.
Rehoming the Cat
Finding a new home for the cat can be a good option if you are unable to provide long-term care but want to ensure that the cat is well-cared for. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors to see if anyone is interested in adopting the cat.
You can also post the cat’s picture and description on online adoption websites and social media platforms. Be sure to screen potential adopters carefully to ensure that they are responsible and able to provide a loving and stable home for the cat.
Contacting a Local Animal Shelter or Rescue Organization
Animal shelters and rescue organizations are dedicated to finding homes for stray and abandoned animals. Contact your local shelter or rescue organization to inquire about their policies and procedures for accepting cats.
Be aware that shelters are often overcrowded and may not be able to accept every cat. However, they may be able to provide advice or assistance in finding a new home for the cat.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Programs
TNR programs are designed to reduce the population of feral cats by trapping them, sterilizing them, and returning them to their original location. TNR programs can help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of stray cats in the community.
Contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization to inquire about TNR programs in your area. They may be able to provide assistance in trapping and sterilizing the cat.
Ethical Considerations and Legal Responsibilities
When dealing with a visiting cat, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of your actions and your legal responsibilities.
Respecting Animal Welfare
Animal welfare should be the primary consideration when deciding how to respond to a visiting cat. Ensure that the cat is safe, healthy, and has access to food, water, and shelter. Avoid actions that could harm or endanger the cat.
Be mindful of the cat’s emotional well-being. Cats can experience stress and anxiety, especially if they are separated from their owners or placed in unfamiliar environments.
Understanding Legal Obligations
Your legal obligations regarding stray animals may vary depending on your local laws and regulations. Check with your local animal control agency or city hall to determine your responsibilities.
In some jurisdictions, you may be required to report a stray animal to the authorities. You may also be held liable for any damages caused by the cat if you are providing care or harboring it on your property.
Being a Responsible Neighbor
Maintaining good relationships with your neighbors is essential, especially when dealing with a visiting cat. Communicate your concerns to your neighbors politely and respectfully. Work together to find a solution that works for everyone.
Avoid actions that could create conflict or animosity. Remember that your neighbors may have different opinions about cats and animal welfare. Be open to compromise and try to find common ground.
Dealing with a cat that keeps coming to your house requires careful consideration, research, and compassion. By understanding the cat’s situation, exploring available options, and acting responsibly, you can find a solution that benefits both you and the feline visitor.
Is it okay to feed a cat that keeps visiting my house?
While it may seem like a kind gesture to feed a visiting cat, it’s generally not recommended. Providing food can encourage the cat to rely on you as a primary food source, leading it to consistently return and potentially neglect its own home or hunting instincts. This can create a dependency that disrupts the cat’s routine and potentially cause conflict with its owners if it already has one.
Furthermore, you might be inadvertently contributing to overpopulation if the cat is not spayed or neutered. If you are concerned about the cat’s well-being, consider leaving out fresh water instead of food. Alternatively, you can try to identify the cat’s owner or contact local animal shelters or rescue organizations for guidance. They can offer resources and advice on how to help the cat without creating an unhealthy dependency.
How can I tell if the cat is a stray or belongs to someone?
Observing the cat’s physical condition and behavior can offer clues. A well-groomed cat with a healthy weight and a collar is more likely to belong to someone. Friendly behavior, such as approaching you for attention or purring, also suggests it’s used to human interaction. Look for signs of ownership, like a collar with an ID tag or a microchip.
If the cat appears unkempt, underweight, or fearful of humans, it might be a stray. However, even seemingly healthy cats can sometimes get lost or wander far from home. Consider posting a picture of the cat on local social media groups or lost pet websites to see if anyone claims it. You can also take the cat to a vet or animal shelter to check for a microchip, which can help reunite it with its owner.
What if the visiting cat is causing problems with my own pets?
A visiting cat can create tension and stress for your existing pets, particularly if they are territorial. The presence of an unfamiliar animal can lead to fights, hissing, and other aggressive behaviors. This can disrupt the peace and harmony within your home and potentially result in injuries to your pets.
To mitigate these problems, try to prevent the visiting cat from entering your house. Close doors and windows, and consider using motion-activated deterrents like sprinklers or noise devices in your yard. If encounters are unavoidable, supervise them closely and separate the animals immediately if aggression occurs. You might also consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for advice on managing inter-animal conflict.
How do I discourage a cat from visiting my house without being cruel?
The key is to make your property less appealing to the cat without causing it harm. Cats are attracted to comfortable spaces and reliable food sources. Removing these incentives can gently discourage the cat from returning.
Eliminate any food sources, such as leaving out pet food or accessible trash. Use motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices that emit sounds unpleasant to cats but harmless to humans and other animals. Citrus scents, like lemon or orange peels, and certain plants like rue and lavender are also known to deter cats. These methods will help create a less attractive environment without resorting to harmful practices.
What are the legal implications of taking in a stray cat?
The legal implications of taking in a stray cat can vary depending on your local ordinances and regulations. In many jurisdictions, stray animals are considered the property of the community until legally claimed by an owner. Taking in a stray without making an effort to find its owner could potentially be seen as a form of theft.
Before taking permanent possession of a stray cat, it’s crucial to check with your local animal control or shelter to understand the applicable laws. Many areas require you to report finding a stray animal and give the owner a reasonable amount of time to claim it. Failing to do so could lead to legal complications if the owner later comes forward. Furthermore, ensuring the cat is vaccinated and licensed according to local ordinances is important for responsible pet ownership.
Should I be concerned about diseases the visiting cat might carry?
Yes, there is a potential risk of disease transmission from a visiting cat, especially if it’s a stray or unvaccinated. Cats can carry various parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can be harmful to humans and other animals. Common concerns include fleas, ticks, ringworm, and upper respiratory infections.
To minimize the risk, avoid direct contact with the cat, especially if it appears sick or injured. Wash your hands thoroughly after any interaction. If you have other pets, keep them separated from the visiting cat until it can be examined by a veterinarian. If you notice any signs of illness in your pets or yourself after contact with the cat, seek medical attention promptly. You can contact animal control to safely quarantine the cat for testing.
When should I contact animal control about a visiting cat?
Contacting animal control is appropriate in certain situations where the cat’s welfare or public safety is at risk. If the cat appears to be injured, sick, or severely malnourished, animal control can provide medical assistance and ensure its well-being. They can also help assess the cat’s origin and determine if it has an owner.
Another reason to contact animal control is if the cat is displaying aggressive behavior, such as biting or scratching, especially if it poses a threat to people or other animals. Animal control can safely capture and assess the cat’s temperament, and take appropriate measures to prevent further incidents. Reporting a potentially dangerous animal is essential for the safety of your community.