Should I fear this kitty???

[neoteric lefty]

I was just out having a cig and finishing a beer on the front stoop of my apt, when a small black cat comes out of the brush across from my door. Now, stray cats are a common occurrence where I live (particular since I live near the complex dumpster). But they have always been very weary of humans. This one ran up to me all of a sudden which kinda freaked me out. I decided to go inside and get some small pieces of leftover chicken from dinner. I put it out there with some water and went back inside to see if would eat from the window. It ran up to the food and started to eat. I open the door to get a better look and it bolted at my door. I began to shut it b/c I don't need a stray cat in the apartment. Before I closed it all the way, it shot its paw through the crack and I had to stop before I crushed it. I opened it back up and it was sitting right there. I tried to "shoo" it away but it kept trying to come in. I had to spray some air freshener at it (don't worry, it wasn't an irritant. I checked the label beforehand) before it should run away. I have never had a stray cat act this way towards me. I've heard that sometime rabid animals can act overly affectionate and not fear humans at all. Should I be worried about this kitty.

BTW, it was probably 8 inches tall. I am a 6'2'' man. I feel a little embarrassed about fearing this kitty.

[friesianrider]

1. Well...

To be perfectly honest, he probably does not have rabies. It sounds to me personally that he likes you. I had a kitten a few weeks ago run up to me out of nowhere...he's now living inside with me and I'm convinced he "found" me. Animals often do "find" people, and it sounds like he may have done the same with you!

Also, black cats are good luck. Is there any way you'd want to adopt him? SOunds like you're a pretty good guy for feeding him :)

[iconoclastic cat]

2. Dude, *that* is not the behavior of a rabid cat.

That is the behavior of a cat that has been raise by humans and then abandoned or lost. Let it in and keep it.

[NMMNG]

3. He's probably just very friendly and looking for affection

If you're willing, pick him up and drop him off at the local SPCA. Some of them will not accept strays so if you're able to lie well, tell them he's yours and you can't keep him anymore (make up a reason). If not, just do what you can to keep him away from your home, i.e., don't feed him or associate with him or he'll cling to you.

[yellowdogintexas]

4. name it "Boll Weevil" and invite it on in. It's just lookin' for a home

lookin' for a home.
Lookin' for a ho o o o o o ome

[Hell Hath No Fury]

5. About my cat Junior...

I was walking along near a warehouse when I heard the frantic meowing of a cat indistress. I looked under a nearby car and found a black and white kitty, skinny and covered with grease. I was in a panic wondering how on earth I was going to drag that poor, terrified cat from under the car so I could rescue him. All I did was make a *kiss kiss* sound with my lips and he BOLTED out from under the car and leapt up into my arms! He greeted me like I was his long lost Mommy, purring up a storm and rubbing his head against me. He ws a very scared cat who just wanted some love and companionship.

What you came across was a human-raised cat who seems to be to be in some sort of distress, probably lost and hungry.

I would set out some food food and water, and then keep an eye out for the little nipper. He/she may need some help.