There’s a cat that has been loose on my street since May apparently, but only came into my yard Thursday night. I tried to catch it, but it bit me and ran away. Someone has also shaved it for some reason, and I want to catch since it’s getting colder in the evenings. I saw the cat last night too was and was friendly to me, but it had a bit of a cough, so I’m worried. Didn’t see it tonight, and it’s really cold and windy.

A couple of my neighbours have been feeding it, but no real effort in trying to trap it or check to see if it’s microchipped. I want to take it to the vet and see if it has an owner/check for diseases. Apparently the cat likes dry food over wet, so I don’t think leaving cans of wet food will work.

Any advice given from experienced pet owners/ trappers would be helpful.

  • Klnsfw 🏳️‍🌈@lemmynsfw.com
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    13
    ·
    1 month ago

    Also, avoid direct eye contact, and never ever stare into their eyes. This is the equivalent of an oath of blood and despair.

    That’s something people who don’t own a cat don’t understand: the less you look at them, the more friendly they think you are (that’s why cats love allergic persons)

    • hddsx@lemmy.ca
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      12
      ·
      1 month ago

      I mean I stare into my cats eyes all the time. The key is to long blink. You have to have built enough trust or the cat will try to attack you.

      You can build trust by just being in the same space and ignoring it.

      • Brainsploosh@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        6
        ·
        1 month ago

        I’ve also done the 'sup head jerk with cats around the neighborhood, they start in surprise the first few times, then do it back.

        It’s apparently an acknowledgement/greeting between cats.

        And yes, heed the advice to “ignore” cats until they approach. Sit calmly, do your thing, let eachother know you’re there, and then wait. Often doesn’t take more than 15 minutes.

      • Klnsfw 🏳️‍🌈@lemmynsfw.com
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        5
        ·
        1 month ago

        You’re right. The rules are not the same with your own cats. One of my cats likes long blinks (aka “eye kisses”), and for an other one it’s a call to play and cuddle on the rug.