Outside cats in the city - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

retrofan05 · 08-17-2012, 09:52 PM

There are several adult cats in my neighborhood who, I'm pretty sure have homes, because most have collars. However, they're always outside and not only do I not live in the country, I live on a main and very busy street.

To add to the problem, now there are kittens, because of course their inconsiderate owners don't have their cats spayed or neutered.

The wholes scenario is very upsetting to me, because as an animal lover (particularly cats), I hate seeing them just running around so close to the street and often across the street. I'm just waiting for the day when one gets hit. Then, there's the meowing and howling at night. I wonder if they ever get any attention.

I honesty feel helpless, because technically the cats aren't strays (they might as well be), so I can't take them in or take them to the humane society. Should I call animal control? If so, what would I say? Does anyone else have this problem?

Retro4Life · 08-17-2012, 10:01 PM

You might want to take the plunge and ask your neighbors if these cats are theirs, then gently add that it scares you to see them so close to the road. You're right; cats, particularly those in the city, should not be outside.

If you call the city council or cops, they are liable to take the cats to some sort of "pound", which may or may not end up killing them. So I can understand your hesitancy to do that. If you found a "no kill" shelter then that might be an option. They might take some or all of the outside kitties and you wouldn't have to worry about them getting put to sleep.

Is there evidence of lack of food or water? If so, you'd have more of a case to plead.

I volunteer for a shelter and have for about 13 years (it's no kill, of course). I thank you for caring about this issue; just by doing that you're more compassionate that 90 percent of the people I know.

AB · 08-18-2012, 03:40 PM

The cats also may have escaped from their homes. I've had my cat run out of the house & stay gone overnight several times. But it sounds like your cat problem is ongoing. I'd ask around the immediate neighborhood if the cats belong to anyone then I'd probably call animal control. A few cats can quickly multiply if nothing is done. I live outside the city limits & people have dumped their unwanted animals out here many times over the years. That's why I now have 2 cats instead of just one.

Ohio8 · 11-24-2012, 11:03 PM

Another way they cause trouble is when they cause your cat to go territorial and lash out at you.

08-17-2012, 09:52 PM	#1
retrofan05 Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 25, 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,111	Outside cats in the city There are several adult cats in my neighborhood who, I'm pretty sure have homes, because most have collars. However, they're always outside and not only do I not live in the country, I live on a main and very busy street. To add to the problem, now there are kittens, because of course their inconsiderate owners don't have their cats spayed or neutered. The wholes scenario is very upsetting to me, because as an animal lover (particularly cats), I hate seeing them just running around so close to the street and often across the street. I'm just waiting for the day when one gets hit. Then, there's the meowing and howling at night. I wonder if they ever get any attention. I honesty feel helpless, because technically the cats aren't strays (they might as well be), so I can't take them in or take them to the humane society. Should I call animal control? If so, what would I say? Does anyone else have this problem?

08-17-2012, 10:01 PM	#2
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	You might want to take the plunge and ask your neighbors if these cats are theirs, then gently add that it scares you to see them so close to the road. You're right; cats, particularly those in the city, should not be outside. If you call the city council or cops, they are liable to take the cats to some sort of "pound", which may or may not end up killing them. So I can understand your hesitancy to do that. If you found a "no kill" shelter then that might be an option. They might take some or all of the outside kitties and you wouldn't have to worry about them getting put to sleep. Is there evidence of lack of food or water? If so, you'd have more of a case to plead. I volunteer for a shelter and have for about 13 years (it's no kill, of course). I thank you for caring about this issue; just by doing that you're more compassionate that 90 percent of the people I know.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

11-24-2012, 11:03 PM	#4
Ohio8 Member Forum Star Join Date: Jul 29, 2003 Location: Wherever you aren't. Posts: 18,966	Another way they cause trouble is when they cause your cat to go territorial and lash out at you.
	__________________ "Shorter of breath and one day closer to death." -- Pink Floyd

08-18-2012, 03:40 PM	#3
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	The cats also may have escaped from their homes. I've had my cat run out of the house & stay gone overnight several times. But it sounds like your cat problem is ongoing. I'd ask around the immediate neighborhood if the cats belong to anyone then I'd probably call animal control. A few cats can quickly multiply if nothing is done. I live outside the city limits & people have dumped their unwanted animals out here many times over the years. That's why I now have 2 cats instead of just one.