I'm 73 and this wonderful and beautiful male cat was sleeping on my front porch for a few days. One day I called it inside for some milk. I know, I know, they will stay where they are fed right? I asked all the neighbors and they said this wasn't any of there cats but they had seen him in the neighborhood for a few weeks I guess.

The wonderful thing is this: my children told me that I NEEDED a cat. I went online and researched different breeds, etc. The one I finally chose is exactly what he is? I think my departed husband had something to do with sending him to me don't you think?

I named him after Bill and call the cat Willie. I bought dry food, a liter box, canned food, flea stuff for on the shoulder blades (doesn't seem to help though). Willie is a true OUTDOOR cat. He meows when he wants out. He comes in every time I open the front door and comes in. He sleeps on my bed. He has bitten be 4 times now when I was petting him (I'm pretty sure when I petted his front feet he doesn't like that).

I haven't owned a cat for over 40 years and I want to do the right thing. No, he isn't neutered. And yes, even though I've put him in the liter box a couple of times, he just lays down for a minute and then jumps out. I sort of like the idea that he goes outdoors too. (I am disabled and it's hard for me to lift many things with arthritic hands). My daughter told me he needs shots, etc. from a vet and to have him neutered. I can't really afford that right now so what I need to hear from are OTHERS who have totall outdoor cats and how you care for them please? Thank you (I didn't mean to write a book, but I'm a LONELY old lady now and that gives me certain privileges!):D :)

If you can take him to the Banfield vet that many Petsmarts have in them they are rather inexpensive compared to some. They should be able to tell you what he really needs.
Like if he has fleas they can give him a shot for that.
Pets will bite if you pet or touch a spot that is tender or sore or they just don't want to be touched.

I am sure he is a God send. :D

We were adopted by a male cat/kitten in October of '07. He is so sweet. He was injured by another animal in Feb. and since we live in Ohio and it gets very cold here, we brought him in.
Did the whole litterbox training - which he took to immediately. We had not taken him to the vet yet and he was not "fixed". Male cats will spray. It STINKS! One night, he came and sat on my lap and then sprayed me. He has been outside ever since.

We have a house for him, it is a small dog house - but does the trick. I keep food and water out for him. He does try to come in, but I don't trust him.

If you plan on keeping him around, I would still take him to a vet and get a rabies shot. If you are going to let him come and go inside, I would get him fixed and keep a litterbox.

Where we live, there is a non-profit vet clinic. They take in animals and try to find them homes. I take my animals there and can get all their shots (for one animal) for $25. We had our dog fixed there and it was $54

I am sure there is something like that in all areas. You just have to look for them.

If you do plan on keeping him, I would take him to the vet for the necessary shots. They will prevent him from catching diseases and getting sick (possibly getting you sick too!). A rabies shot is most important for outside cats. Good luck!

Oh and the biting thing - it could easily be how the cat plays with you. If his tail is wagging, then he is irritated. If it isn't, then he is playing with you.

Mine has bit me and scratched me while playing.

BTW people don't own cats :D

As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat. - Ellen Perry Berkeley

As anyone who has ever been around a cat for any length of time well knows cats have enormous patience with the limitations of the human kind. - Cleveland Amory

Cats always know whether people like or dislike them. They do not always care enough to do anything about it. - Winifred Carriere

Cat Quotes

Hello Ohio weaver... I know some places that might help you I am also in Ohio.
Being I have a few indoor/outdoor cats. I keep a litter box just in case they want to use it... but thye would rather potty outside.
I also have a male cat that adopted me 12 years ago and he bites sometimes too:)
If you can give me a general location of where you are at I will see If I can find a rescue to help you out or find a really lowcost clinic.
If you don't get him neutered he will roam(sometimes staying gone for weeks) and get into many fights over the females. Also a rabies vaccine is very important.

As for your hubby sending him to you I can see that happening... I have heard many cat stories like that.

I want to say one thing... be careful when you stand up or go up and down stairs, the cats like to rub against our legs causing us to trip and fall if we are not careful.

I hope this is how one answers:

To bushg:
I live in Lakewood and there is a vet exactly one street over from me, but since I rarely go outdoors, I personally cannot take this cat there. Is it at all possible that I can HIRE someone who may live in Lakewood and could do that for me? I would gladly pay the person for all services rendered for taking the cat to the vet, etc. and just to start with, maybe coming to my house to meet him so we could talk about it? I don't want to publish my phone number HERE, but if you write to me at : [email protected] we can talk there? Diane

Ohio weaver... I found a group called a Snip In Time cost is 45 dollars includes , neuter, shots, ear mite treatment and toe nail clip. The number is 216- 651-7142 the vets name is Dr. Kress you will have to call and leave your message. They will call you back.

I know some people are starting home pet care places where they will do stuff like that
In my area. They will walk your dog, clean kitty liter, take your pet to the vet and check on him if you go on vacation.
Here is an example of the type of service that might be helpful

A Happy Canine & Friends, Lyndhurst, OH : Reviews and maps - Yahoo! Local