What to do if a cat is visiting you looking for food
“Don’t feed cats unless you’ve checked if they’re owned by someone else first and had a chat with them because the cat might have allergies, a specialist diet, or various conditions,” says Sam.
“Put a paper collar on to the cat and write a message on it, asking the owners to get in touch with you so you can talk it through.
“If you are worried about a cat that you think is unowned and it’s an emergency situation, such as a cat is stuck, or it’s injured then give the RSPCA a call. If it’s a more general worry where you think the cat isn’t owned and it might like a home, but you’re unable to provide it, then get in touch with your local cat group, RSPCA branch, or Cats Protection.”
the right thing could make all the difference.
RSPCA cat welfare expert Sam Watson agrees that this is important and if you can work out what your cat wants and provide it, it can help stop them going into other people’s homes.
She says it is important to try to read the signs your cat is giving you. It’s not always obvious though.“They haven’t evolved with us like dogs have where they can clearly communicate what’s making them happy or unhappy or worried,” says Sam.“With
HOW DO I STOP SOMEONE ELSE FEEDING MY CAT?
If you know who is feeding your cat, pop round and have a calm and friendly chat. Explain that your cat is on a special diet and shouldn’t be allowed extra food. Even if your cat is not on a specific vet-prescribed diet, you are still entitled to choose how your cat is fed and becoming obese would be a problem for any cat.
If you don’t know who is feeding your cat, try posting a picture of your cat on your neighbourhood Facebook group, or put up a notice explaining that she has a loving home and shouldn’t be fed elsewhere.
Add a paper collar that explains that your cat cats the cues are often a little bit more subtle, so it’s really important to pay attention to your cat. Look at their tail and their eyes, look at them to see are they happy right now, are they calm and relaxed, are they a little bit worried or are they frightened of whatever’s happening. It’s really key to having good interactions with cats that you learn to read what the cat’s telling you, because they will give clues.” shouldn’t be given extra food. Make sure any collar you attach is quick-release and any tags are suitable for cats and won’t be a hazard to them.