View Full Version : To be concerned or not to be!


scotsman1976
12-01-2009, 07:35
I'm after some views and opinions about my cat Rubeus.

The ex and I split last year, and when she moved out took both our cats. Rubeus and Lilly became unhappy, when they moved and both started to loose weight; so I took them back because I am still residing in the same house both of them have lived in for 3 years. It was clear they were both happy to be back, putting on the weight they had lost, being back in their usual territory and being able to play/ fight (like cats to) with the neighbours cats, who they have known for 3 years.

I began to be concerned about Rubeus a couple of months back, and my concerns have only grown. The problem is that he loves kids, in particular all the attention and fuss that they give him, and with my son now living with his mother for most of the time; Rubeus has turned to getting this attention from the neighbours kids. He at first just used to watch them play, seek their affection and fussing; this led to some of the neighbours feeding him and leaving food out for him. This was not a problem at first as he used to come home regular, and guaranteed every night he would cuddle up to me in bed. The problem now is that Rubeus has started to come home less and less, sometimes he only visits a couple of times a day for brief spells, and has started sleeping out, because one of my neighbours has even gone as far as putting out a cat bed for him, as she thought he was a stray.

I am after some advice and views, whether I need to be doing anything or not to ensure Rubeus spends more time at home. I am of the opinion, that because he is healthy, and that I see him at least daily whether it be at home or on the street that he is okay. I also know that he is eating because of no signs of weight loss, and when he does eat at home he does not over indulge in his favourite cat food, which he would most certainly do if he was being fed elsewhere. I am of the opinion that he is in good health and not at any risk; therefore, am I being cold hearted in respecting his desire to spend considerably more time with the neighbours that he does with me, or should I being doing anything above the usual fuss and attention that I give him, which he still adores?

Your views and opinions would be appreciated.

Emma_5207
12-01-2009, 12:18
Aragh, these "helpful" neighbours are not helpful at all!!!

If you don't have a collar on him, get one on to show people that he is not a stray (make sure you include your contact details on a tag-even put "please don't feed me"!). The next thing to do is speak to the neighbour explain that you don't mind thier kids playing with him but you don't want them feeding him, he is your cat after all and too much food will not be doing him any good anyways!!! Whether or not she can start putting him out and sending him home for you is something you will have to think about and discuss with her-then at least he'll be home at night.

Other than that there is nothing really that you can do except lock him in which wouldn't be great for him if he is used to being an outdoor cat.

Moonbird
12-01-2009, 13:58
I really think that it depends on what you want for Rubeus, and what he and the neighbours want also.

One of my cat's loves to go next door, she absolutely adores their little boy, I know they feed her go-cat because they told me, I know that she goes inside because they told me, Rosie still comes home and eats and she also comes in to sleep but does not particularly like the dogs which makes me sad.

Much as I love Rosie if the neighbours asked to keep Rosie I would say yes because I know she would like that and be happy there, but they will not ask as the lady is alergic to cat's, I am happy with things as they are and I know that both the neighbours and Rosie are happy and I think that is all that matters and much more than worrying about ownership. :)

hodgepig66
12-01-2009, 21:10
as mentioned above i would have a word and just say please don't feed him,you don't have a problem with the kids playing with him but he is your cat,maybe if you get on with the kids they could pop round to yours sometimes and play with him that way he gets the best of both worlds