First, you have to learn how to tell a story. Take your time, collect your thoughts about everything you want to say, then tell it in the order the events occurred. Seriously.

Second, I can see both sides to feeding the strays, having had neighbors that took to feeding strays but that is where their level of care stopped. The strays now had a 'home' but never got shots nor fixed. Since the neighbors also had a dog, invariably I had litters of kittens taking up residence on my porch. Many places have an 'Operation Catnip' where volunteer vets will spay/neuter strays for a nominal charge, as well as notch one of their ears to let animal control officers know that the cat has been 'fixed' so no need to needlessly euthanize. Also, the SPCA will usually loan you a live trap for catching the strays for this purpose.

Third, if your cat is still young you can train it to be an indoor cat. Indoor cats tend to live longer, plus you need not worry about them getting seriously injured by fighting (isn't that what happened to your first cat?). If you allow your cat to run free, then later try to keep it inside when it wants to go out, it will be much harder to break the habit. Likewise, walking a cat on a leash is just a matter of getting them accustomed to that's how their outdoor forays have to be. Cats are generally very smart and easily trained, but the sooner you start the better.

Incidentally, I have three cats - one goes in and out as she pleases. We live in the country and a portion of the lot is wooded, so she seldom strays from the property. The other two are indoor cats. While one will occasionally get out if the door is standing wide open, he usually just likes to stick his head out. The other shows no interest in going outside and has been known to get under a bush and start crying if he finds himself outside.

All good points. Thanks.

Sorry, I realize I keep adding stuff. But the first post would have been even bigger. :)

Just adding things I think of. Getting it out of my system. I try to be succint to those who are reading.

The one thing I didnt address (Bold) Actually all my cats about 5 never had a prob running around (most cats never go far) but the last one, Lucky was bit as a young cat (prob the three legged boy gave it to him.. I didnt know in 2003) and developed FLV.. but the ethics of that have been discussed (Bill8 said it best) for Lucky, it is what he wanted.. to run..

He did not die from the cat bite but from the fact that FLV had matured and any serious infection and he goes down quick. So had he not got bit he would have started bleeding (actually pus) from the gums before long and that's it. He was 12 and 1/2. not that old but..

Seemed he really wanted to do what he loved (run) the last year. He would come in and stay only 10 mins and back out. Just wanted a little petting. Nurse and I think he knew he was sick. Cats hide it.

Now days you can vaccinate cats against FLV which I am going to do. Only $20 vet told me.

didn't bother to read anything from the thread but NO LEASH gets my vote.

cat owner.

Also I no longer feed strays. But my heart was good. There are two cats who lived 5 years longer and hurt noone due to me going out 1500 nights in a row incl -20 (espec the three legged boy who prob would have been euthanized)

So I feel my heart was right but I realize there is the other side of the coin for neighbors.

Still I earned my "wings" I feel as I did something kind for a starving animal.

Appreciate it. It will be no leash. And seems that is the majority concensus.

Just got a rescue kitten and she fetches balls like she thinks she should be a dog.

Hey congrats :thumbsup Kittens are so cute. First time I have had a kitten since my first two I bought in the 70s. I didnt know what to expect. I forgot.

He likes to jump in bed and lay on my head which doesnt work cause I cant breath lol, plus his claws got long again and ripped the bottom sheet I see.

He goes under the covers and leans on me till the oxygen runs out.. He freaks out over covers moving and I have to kick him out of bed sometimes.

Basicly all the probs have been sleeping and in bed. Otherwise good times :)

He sits and looks at the screen with me except he sits right in front of the screen.

He has a "kitty cold" from being in a barn for so long. Simliar to a human cold where his nose get stuffy.

Getting better all the time tho. Got him on human food, fancy feast, dry. He eats like crazy. His fav is pizza (cheese) :)

Buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my boy :)

All my (psychological) strength comes from cats and I am whole (and strong) again :thumbsup

I actually discovered I can not be completely alone tho I have been alone (except with one or more cats) for about 37 years.

http://www.sqvirtual.com/img/BethStern-Apple.jpg

this song and a push from Beth and Howard Stern is the reason I went out one day and found him tho I had been up all night



i heard the lyrics..

green fields and rolling hills
room enough to do what we will

and it broke my heart, i knew this was the day to find a new boy

Here's my try :) ...

http://www.sqvirtual.com/img/lucky1.jpg

Lucky.. every cat has their time

Well that is about that. Thanks to everyone who contributed. I really appreciate it and hopefully I can give you some advice sometime.

I am sure all will be fine. Dont think Buddy wants to run like Lucky but time will tell.

OK you can let this thread fall unless anyone has any other points/questions. I will leave with one song..

I dedicate this to YOU reading this..

someday
when my life has passed me by
i will sit around and wonder why
you were always there for me



Thanks all. My family. :) Cats are not much help with problems :)

Winner Winner Sheen dinner!!! :)

great song man :thumbsup

I guess keeping to the vibe I will "call you" with my fav..

a lazy summer song, hot, long slow days where a cat is your best friend



:thumbsup

PS Lawn care guys feel free to hit me up :1orglaugh



nice song...

OK off to cut and paste about 500 more times :Oh crap

then I am done :) And hopefully richer :)