Need advice ... what would you do?

[AirmensMom]

There's a tomcat running around in the yard and has been since before we moved here. At first, he was spraying the bushes and porches and upsetting my kitties when they saw him through the windows and screens. I asked around and found out that he had been left here by previous tenants ... but no one knew if he was a pet or a feral that they fed. He looks pretty ragged, although he could be a beautiful kitty if he had a brushing and some regular meals. Some people said he was mean.

I called the local animal rescue group a few weeks ago and they brought over a trap. The plan was to trap him, have him neutered, and let my landlord take him over to her barn to be the resident mouser. I don't know if she really wants him specifically or would take any barn cat. The rescue place is always looking for barn homes for the ones that can't be kept inside (spraying problems or not-so-tame ferals), so it's not like there's a shortage of barn cats.

As it turns out, the cat was very hard to trap. He was just too darn smart! So I started feeding him a few days ago and talking to him while he ate. By yesterday, he was rubbing against my legs, purring, "talking" to me, rolling on his back, and kneading his paws. What a sweetheart! I think he's been sleeping under the bushes out front. He always shows up when he hears my voice.

I had no trouble trapping him this morning. I simply put the food in the trap and closed the door after him. He's sound asleep now while we're waiting for the rescue people to pick him up. I probably could have picked him up and put him in one of our carriers, but I'd rather make sure he's healthy before I do that.

Here's the problem. I want him to come back to our yard (and our neighbor's barn) after he gets neutered and examined. He seems to like me. And, strange, as it seems, he stopped spraying around the porches and my cats don't get upset when they see him anymore. Should I just wave goodbye to him and forget him or call my landlord and see how badly she wants him? She hasn't even called to ask how the trapping was going, so I'm really not sure how serious she is. On the other hand, I sure don't want to piss her off. This little guy has won my heart in a big way. If he's mean, he's sure not being mean around me or harleydad.
:loveya:

What would you do? :shrug:

[LadyoftheRabbits]

1. Oh goodness...

I'm such a sucker for cats... I think I'd try my hardest to keep it, especially if it seems to like me as much as yours does. :)

[AirmensMom]

3. I like that answer.

:D And he seems to have chosen me ... you know how that goes with cats. He runs the other way when my neighbor calls him. :shrug:

I wish I could have gotten a good picture of him before I trapped him. He doesn't show up so well in the cage. :(

[auntAgonist]

2. It sounds like you've made a friend

I'd call her and see what her intentions are/were (the landlady). Then I'd ask myself if I'm prepared to look after the cat myself. If you've fallen in love with the cat, you could keep him yourself if you're able to.

He probably just needs some loving attention?

:hug:
aA

[AirmensMom]

5. Thanks, auntA.

:hug: I have four indoor cats already and I'm an excellent cat mom, if I do say so myself. :) When we get our house built, we'll have 8 acres for him to run around in and we plan on building a barn or horse run-in.

He does indeed need some loving attention. I was shocked at the way he behaved yesterday and this morning. He is just dying to have a good cuddle.

[ceile]

4. I'd call your landlady just to be sure

that she wants him or not (doesn't sound like she does). If not, keep him. Sounds like he's taken a real liking to you and he could be a great addition to your family.

[AirmensMom]

7. Thanks, ceile.

I know I have to call her, either to tell her that he's ready for her or ask if I can keep him. I'm just dreading the call. I was determined to be clinical about this whole thing. The best laid plans ... :(

[michaelpush]

6. Your Heart will tell you..

Sounds like it already has...

[AirmensMom]

9. Yes, it has!

I can barely stand to have him go with the rescue guy this afternoon. And it's breaking my heart to leave him in the trap. I'm a first-class wuss when it comes to kitties.

Thanks, michael. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

8. You are a cat whisperer!

How wonderful that the cat has taken to you in this way, and so radically changed his behavior! I would definitely check with the landlady about keeping him. He has obviously adopted you, and you are giving him much-needed love and care.

[AirmensMom]

10. Apparently so.

:shrug:

A week ago, he ran from me! I'm dreading making that call. It feels like I'm backing out on a deal or something. :scared:

I can't wait till he comes home and I'll hold him on a soft towel in my lap and brush all the bad things out of his fur. Aaarrgghhh! Just listen to me! :banghead:

My kitties didn't even get upset when they smelled him on my pants yesterday! It's a sign. ;)