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40 “My Cat, Not My Home” And “My Home, Not My Cat” Tweets About Cats That Do What They Want
Interview
A surprisingly huge number of people have reported unknown cats slinking about their homes. In fact, this odd phenomenon is quite a well-recorded one and you can take a look at some of the most nosey “not my cat” sightings in our previous posts here, here, and here.
But there’s one thing about cat logic we all know very well and that there’s literally no limit for how bizarre it may get. So this time, we are looking at cases that combine both “not my cat” and “not my home” evidence, and if it doesn’t make much sense just yet, bear with me.
It all started with Michael Hubank’s Twitter post that read “The neighbours just put the house up for sale. Couldn't resist checking it out on Zoopla. That's our bloody cat” with the pic evidence attached to it. Amassing 308.7k likes, the tweet ignited a hilarious thread that got people sharing their own peculiar stories.
It turned out that for whatever reasons, too many felines have too many homes and too many owners. And honestly, it’s about time to stop convincing ourselves that we own our cats since it's the cats who own us instead.
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#1
Beatrice Multhaupt 4 years ago
Living on a lonely country lane, I had no misgivings letting my cat roam. When I was in my sixties, I was quite ill for several weeks and discovered that my cat was spending more and more time down the road at my mother's house. Kitty probably figured that if I didn't make it, he might as well cultivate a second relationship.
Bored Birgit 4 years ago
Instead of staying at you house and helping you recover. Sigh.
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Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
Had a similar neighbour whose obese cat couldn't defend its meal from mine --- so he fed them both daily he eventually said. Being massively obese he died though, and my cat lost weight.
BluEyedSeoulite 4 years ago
He should have just let your cat put his on a diet!
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#2
Joseph E Fasciani 4 years ago
Do you mean "furriner"? Mine was inherited, and nearly a year later shows no sign of learning proper English.
Load More Replies... StrawberryParfait 4 years ago
I also have a not-my cat. He comes every day for his treats, and will often stay a few hours and take a nap on the bed. Cats have whole other little social lives their owners know nothing about.
Peter Ledoux 4 years ago
Had a cat In Maine who would disappear for a month or more. She'd come back fat and sassy. Guess she had a vacation home.
With so many cats roaming around people’s houses like it's no big deal, you can’t help but wonder what’s going on in that feline mind. Don’t they ever feel a teeny tiny suspicious of strangers and foreign places that clearly are not their home? Where’s that apprehensive attitude cats are so well known for when you leave home for work?
To find out the possible reasons behind “not my cat” and “my cat, not my house” sightings that have grown very frequent recently, Bored Panda talked to Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior specialist who runs Cat Behavior Solutions agency.
Molly explained that “Cats are natural explorers and might wander into a different home looking for better food, a soft place to sleep, or hoping for some attention. This behavior indicates the cat is very trusting of humans, and is likely owned, rather than feral.”
#3
#4
Yort 4 years ago
The squirrel killing but is part of why cats should stay indoors unless they live on a farm or something, BUT it’s nice the elderly neighbor made a friend of the cat. I’ll trade pointless squirrel deaths for a happy old lady.
OLIVIA NORMAND 4 years ago
Me too happy people are less likely to be lonely
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Kay Moore-Turner 4 years ago
Sounds like something Tony Soprano would do...In fact, there's an uncanny resemblance...
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
A cat's cat, in other words. Mine tried the same but a (rabbit coursing) lurcher stopped that.
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Aww, hes keeping your elderly neighbor company 🥰 cats are the greatest, even when their little bastards
In fact, the certified feline behaviorist said that she also was the owner of one such roaming cat. “I used to have an indoor/outdoor cat (named Quincy) who spent most of his time in a neighbor’s home. They would send me pictures of feeding him sushi and cuddling in bed with their daughter.”
“Eventually when I moved, they agreed to keep him and care for him,” Molly recounted and added that “that was over 25 years ago, and today I do not allow my cats to free roam because there are so many outside dangers to them: diseases from other cats, cars, predators, people who don’t like cats, etc.”
#5
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Opened door yesterday. Saw three cats. None are my cats. None are cats I recognize. Today opened door, found a dog. Tomorrow.... I dread....
Zophra 4 years ago
Look like something out of Mission Impossible. Mission Impawsable? (That was terrible.)
ConstipatedPanda 4 years ago (edited)
I bet you bought that new Yankee Candle Valentine’s Day scent “Cat in Heat”
#6
Mr. Derpy Dino 4 years ago
Monopoly with love!the rich people house(board walk) must be bought with letting them pet you for 4 hours!
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Sam Petter 4 years ago
That has got to be a hilarious conversation with the neighbor. "Hi, it seems my cat has broken into your house."
If you wonder whether it's a good idea to befriend that cute furball who keeps hanging around your home day after day, Molly said it’s indeed possible, but in some cases, not recommended. “You can befriend any cat you see outside by providing tasty food, but it’s not recommended if you have cats living inside with you.”
“When an indoor cat sees a cat outside, it is perceived as a potential territory invader and can cause redirected aggression to you or its roommate cats.” Molly suggests that “it is best to discourage them from crossing your yard with humane deterrents.”
#7
Rick 4 years ago
“When he leaves, we’re going to have a serious talk about this, Elaine”.
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Nea 4 years ago
Our Brownie used to behave like this around cats who used to love coming to our home to play iwth him. He is no more and the cats hav stopped visiting us too
BluEyedSeoulite 4 years ago
As the cat owner, I'd be mortified about the damage. As the dog owner, I wouldn't care. That is gold!
#8
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
Your uncle might be time-sharing this cat, yes.
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#9
Lotten Kalenius 4 years ago
Our neighbors started a Facebook group out of concern for the "starving, love deprived" cat that would follow them around meowing loudly. I had to ease their worries by telling them that she has a home with us, is well fed and much loved - she just demands ALL of the attention and is the queen of effing everything.
#10
Parmeisan 4 years ago
My thinking as well. They clearly did not want to be outside cats.
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Carolina Fernández González 4 years ago
That's how I got my cat. It belonged to my neighbour first.
#11
Demongrrrrl 4 years ago
How is he doing that? It looks like he has an extra paw.
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Sarah Nunns 4 years ago
We had a non pet cat we called Ginge, he moved house with his hoomans, I kinda miss him.
Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
Another smart orange cat.. they are the best at fooling humans into anything they want to..almost
#12
Rick 4 years ago
It’s all fun and games now but this is what creepy films about an obsessive stalker end up like.
Hilary Mol 4 years ago
I mean, that's how I would demand to be let in if I was stuck outside in the rain and couldn't get anybody to come to the door.
Biljana Malesevic 4 years ago
My dad has two brother cats, but two neighbour's cats (two different neighbours) always come to eat with his cats, so he has to feed four of them. And not his cats are much more cuddly and friendly that his cats.
#13
#14
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
They're actually farmers. They farm people.
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Faith Nicole 4 years ago
I would attach a note to the collar and see how many homes he is traveling to, or from how far away. Cats are so clever, and such sneaky animals 🥰
Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
Add a note that collar and find out who thinks they own him?Or has he moved on ?
Nola Dorothy 4 years ago
I absolutely love it, but the same thing is happening to a friend's cat. He disappears for several days and comes home eventually, having hung out at our place for a while. I think he took his collar off again. It had a phone number on it.
Caroline Overill 4 years ago
Cats will go where they are treated in the manner to which they believe they are accustomed.
#15
Rick 4 years ago
At least this cat has found a REAL owner and not one that doesn’t even care about her whereabouts or wants her back.
Ayden Henderson 4 years ago
same thing nanashi said erlier, I have the strongest urge to bury my face into that floofy death trap
Jennifer Courtemanche 4 years ago
How sad that her people didn't want her. I'm glad she's found her furever home!
#17
QuokkaVibes 4 years ago
Like my cat. His owner had to give him up to the grandparents as their newborn is very allergic. He found our house and decided he likes us better. All the attempts to bring him back failed miserably. It's been 7 years... we love him very much
Kelly Tinker 4 years ago (edited)
Same thing happened to us. Neighbors got a dog, cat didn't like it and slowly moved into with us. Every attempt to return the cat would only result in him leaving again and choosing us. They just told us to keep him. 13 year old sweetie with Hemingway thumbs! Loved him even though he liked licking my face to the point of obsession (he'd come after your face even if you hid it under a pillow in an attempt to get some sleep without licks)
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Aww, poor bandit. He likes cats more than the dog, but his human misses him. What a tough decision, keep kitty and allow him to free roam, or give kitty to the house where he feels most comfortable and can still see him
Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
Bandit has chosen..little guy needs a new dog lovin' cat..and his own kindred
gracefullikeagazelle 4 years ago
Invite the little guy from next door over to chill with your brood ~"
#18
Joyce Deering 4 years ago
...just look at that knowing smile. Bentley knows exactly what he's doing, the rascal.
#19
Raine Soo 4 years ago
I am always amazed at the positions cats consider comfortable. This almost looks like a yoga pose.
Yort 4 years ago
Cats don’t have collar bones so that’s mostly why they can lay in such weird positions, unlike us.
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The weird one! 4 years ago (edited)
i just let it be its cute not my bag anymore it the cats bag
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Oh my goodness 😍 kitty breaks in just to lay in a purse, how adorable❣
Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
Cat flap mean cat can enter.. handbag is already taken, thank you..signed Pumbaa
Melissa Napolitano 4 years ago
Cats believe they rule the world and come and go where ever want as they please. They're not wrong.
#20
Ben Steinberg 4 years ago
"Don't worry Mr. Whimbly, we'll have your car purring again in no time!"
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Awww🥰 I'm sure kitty only lays in the cars that have been running so she can lay on a "heated bed"
#21
Lys Chen 4 years ago
Well, your stair is cat-claws-heaven, I am not surprised it wanted to stay :D
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
You’re so right!! Cats just love that type of carpeting.
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Karen Klinck 4 years ago
NoTMyCat got in--somehow--and knocked up YesIt'sMyCat. How it got in, I have no idea.
judy baker 4 years ago
That pic reminds me of a cat I had. In the winter when the woodstove was burning Duchess would lie on the floor next to it. After a while she would look as though she had melted and stretched half again her length.
Cynthia Marrs 4 years ago
Those stairs have invitingly interesting fabric suited for scratch posts.
#22
Legen ( wait for it ) dary 4 years ago
Cat : this are my dogs, this are my hoomans. Yep, I own this house.
#23
Kelly Pomeroy 4 years ago
Judging from the shaved belly, I would have said that this was a female who just had neutering surgery.
Joyce Deering 4 years ago
Cooper says, "Now, now. There's plenty of me to go around for all of you hoomans. Okay, you all can begin adoring me."
#24
Son of Philosoraptor 4 years ago (edited)
Lost an indoor cat once when we lived in an apartment, she hated the other cats and slipped out one day. Just vanished without a trace. 5 months later we're walking through the complex at night and we see in another apartment some guy watching tv lying on his couch. Sleeping on his chest: our cat. We just kept walking.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 4 years ago
Heartbreaking, but at least you know she's safe.
Load More Replies... Faith Nicole 4 years ago (edited)
Stanly like the view from down the road better 😍 And Stanly is a very handsome boy
#25
CB KittyValet 4 years ago
Apparently, of all the laps in the neighborhood, yours is the best for the afternoon nap.
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
I bet kitty doesn't have a lap he can nap on at home that's more comfortable than yours ☺
#26
Bonnie Edwards 4 years ago
In this situation, how many yearly vaccinations does he get? And will that make him sick? People get unreasonable arguing over who a pet really belongs to.
#27
Sheila Weila 4 years ago
How do cats tell time? My cat used to wake my mom up for work at 5am Monday through Friday, but never on Saturday or Sunday.
Ben Steinberg 4 years ago
Most cats have calendar apps on their phones...
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I’m A Black Cat 4 years ago
My cat used to wake me up for school on weekdays, but let me sleep longer on weekends. Miss my Lizzy <3
Demongrrrrl 4 years ago
My cat never understood the concept of weekends and would try to push me out of bed when the alarm did not go off.
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MAEVE PARENT 4 years ago
my cat knows when its 6:00 and on weekdays that is when he is fed so week ends he wakes every one up at 6:00
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Aww, he needed to be home on time to greet his original / other mom 🥰 he doesn't want to be alone so he goes next door to nap, lol such a good boy.
Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
He was lonely that is all.. cats love company even at a distance in the same room..
#28
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Oh my goodness 🥰 he is SO handsome❣ kitty can have whatever kitty wants
#29
Raine Soo 4 years ago (edited)
Catkins Timmy is obviously friends with the tabby, whom, I assume is your cat. I love kitty friendships.
Yort 4 years ago
With the eyes on that thing I think it might be a Bengal and not a tabby. Or some kind of mixed breed.
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Faith Nicole 4 years ago (edited)
What a handsome chonk Catkins / Timmy is 🥰 And that other cat is absolutely beautiful, & those eyes are mesmerizing
Chuck Salerno 4 years ago
With a name like "Catkins" I am not surprised he comes over to be called "Timmy" instead. ;)
Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
He is quite adjusted to his due occupancy so you had best just accept Timmy Catkins knows what he is doing!!
#30
Berlinda Dunbar-Nye 4 years ago
Roger Dodger comes to our house and sneaks in for our kitty treats. He's a nice boy, although my cats aren't that thrilled with him. My neighbor asked us to quit feeding him so he'd stay home more. Unfortunately Rog didn't get the memo or refuses to read it. He also has claimed a space on the back of our couch. He's snoozing there now.
#32
Sarah Nunns 4 years ago
Oh my yes Ginge again. Same sad pathetic look through the back door saying gimmee dreamies.
#33
#34
Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
Needs some discussion and a another cat bed, maybe two..perfect pair.
#35
Raine Soo 4 years ago
These two are gorgeous, and compliment each other so well. But, they probably know that already.
Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
Cats love company and great at chilling out at a safe place.. cat friendly of course.
Karen Klinck 4 years ago
My pale orange cat moved next door because he decided he liked her cats better. Won't do him any good--he's neutered!
#36
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
Not tolerates. Dominates! Even the tiniest kitten can take control of the biggest, toughest dog with one well-placed swipe across the nose with the murder mittens. I have a dog. I also have four cats. I’ve seen this in action, including by tiny kittens that barely weigh one pound.
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Joanne Hudson 4 years ago
Well, you see, if you had the lab first, he might have "defended his territory" but seeing as the cat was there first, lab feels she is entitled to be there.
#37
Cynthia Marrs 4 years ago
Maybe this idea should be considered seriously.
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Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
Yes and she will miss you and your hospitality too..who calls a lady cat Winston?
#38
Iggy 4 years ago
Don't tell Gwyneth Paltrow or she'll have a new candle range out!
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Vicki Perizzolo 4 years ago
my cat needs his meds every 12 hrs-- he'd need to come home sooner! lol!
Cybele Spanjaard 4 years ago
Where are they? This is not a young cat and obviously trust the safety your home offers to stay so long. Don't they care for him?
#39
#40
Ben Steinberg 4 years ago
"removed upon discovery." How rude! You're lucky the cat didn't press charges.
Kirsten Kerkhof 4 years ago
Please tell me you allowed him/her to finish the nap. Looks soooo comfy ...
NoWayNoWay 4 years ago
I like cats but have a reaction by just entering a house with them in, I would have to have them leave.
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#42
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
He is such a handsome cat 😍 his eyes match with his fur, and his fur is such a pretty shade.
#43
#44
#45
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Maybe he put the food tray there cuz the cat keeps breaking in, or has one of his own?
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#46
Margaret Mericli 4 years ago
Shirley? Did it come from, surely this cat had a home? “He dies. And stop calling him surely.”
Ben Steinberg 4 years ago
Is the cat named Shirley because the first day you him in your home you said, "Shirley, you must be joking..." [rimshot!]
#47
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Aww, lucky is so cute, that 2nd picture he looks like he spotted a bug, or setting. That look of curiosity 😍
#48
#49
Wild_Gooseberry 4 years ago
I know people just want to be nice but DO NOT feed other people's cats. Not only you interfere with food intake scheduled by their owners but you may actually harm the cat unknowingly. I was wondering why my cat isn't losing any weight after being a year on a quite expensive diet - yes, a neighbour was feeding him. Luckily I knew which neighbour so could ask her to stop. Please, do not feed your neighbours' cats. In most cases you can clearly see if a cat is a stray or if it has a home.
Joanne Hudson 4 years ago
Thus the term HOUSE CAT. YOU ARE THE PARENT. If you love him/her keep them safe at home.
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What do you think ?
Vorknkx 4 years ago (edited)
There is an office on the first floor of the building where I live and they adopted a stray kitten a few years ago (named Alice). Sometimes she tries to sneak into other people's apartments (setting off alarms in several cases), got into mine once as well. She is quite mischievous.
Maria Rodriguez 4 years ago
What?? No one was complaining everyone loves their visiting cats and most cat owners understand our cats can be loved by others.
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zovjraar 4 years ago
i full on stole someone's cat. he was always hanging around the parking lot where i worked, in all weather. i thought he was abandoned at first. i was friends with him for 2 years before my alpha cat died and i took him home. he had scars on his nose and was once shot by a bb gun and someone had taken care of him, but i took him anyway. he's FIV positive and absolutely should not be outside unsupervised, as he can spread the disease or get an injury that won't heal. he's been here for 5 years now and loves the indoor life. he took over as the alpha and is the best cat ever! he gets under the blankets and makes biscuits on my belly at night, and loves cuddles. he also thinks he's my youngest's father- he's always pinning her down and cleaning her. sorry not sorry to whoever had him before.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
My typical week involves at least three phone calls of this nature: "Hi, have you seen my cat/dog? They're not here, and I figure they're at your house." .... my reply is, "Yep, they're right here, want me to bring them over?" .... usual reply is, "Nah, they'll come home eventually."
A Head 4 years ago
Had a cat in high school named Chesterfield - big old fluffy Maine C**n cat. He went missing for a week, then showed up on the front porch. Halloween rolls around, and I'm handing out candy. This family comes up, the kid looks down and sees our cat and yells "Fluffy!". Turns out he had spent the week at their house. The dad was like "yeah, we eventually had to kick him out because he kept jumping on the counter, getting into cabinets, and just eating everything in sight."
A Head 4 years ago
Interesting filter, there. I mean, I get it, but that's the breed.
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Colin Matthews 4 years ago
Ha ha i used to sleep with a window open out to a garden. Kept waking up roasting hot. One night woke up with a cat on my chest. I dont own a cat. He took a big yawn and stretch, not at all bothered then slipped off through the window...
Christine M Quigley 4 years ago
Outdoor cats die early- fights, cars, diseases..if you love your cats, don't let them outside...plus they're killing off too many bird species..
Chenga Animates 4 years ago
I know an outdoor cat that lived to be 21 and I have an indoor-outdoor cat who's 16, what are you talking about? If a cat's smart enough to avoid cars and predators, they will live as long as an indoor cat.
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Usernames 4 years ago
There is stray who always visit my house. Pretending to be wounded to demand more food. I can't adopt him, I already adopted 3 cats. He is very smart. I called him Ali, short of Aladdin. One day he ate almost one bag of dry food. When I tried to discipline him with water spray. He meowed like baby's cry. I hate him, but when he doesn't come, I will spend my time looking for him.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
My neighbors. This is why I feed ten more cats than I own. And have to see to their water, their wounds, etc...
Load More Replies... Vorknkx 4 years ago (edited)
There is an office on the first floor of the building where I live and they adopted a stray kitten a few years ago (named Alice). Sometimes she tries to sneak into other people's apartments (setting off alarms in several cases), got into mine once as well. She is quite mischievous.
Maria Rodriguez 4 years ago
What?? No one was complaining everyone loves their visiting cats and most cat owners understand our cats can be loved by others.
Load More Replies... zovjraar 4 years ago
i full on stole someone's cat. he was always hanging around the parking lot where i worked, in all weather. i thought he was abandoned at first. i was friends with him for 2 years before my alpha cat died and i took him home. he had scars on his nose and was once shot by a bb gun and someone had taken care of him, but i took him anyway. he's FIV positive and absolutely should not be outside unsupervised, as he can spread the disease or get an injury that won't heal. he's been here for 5 years now and loves the indoor life. he took over as the alpha and is the best cat ever! he gets under the blankets and makes biscuits on my belly at night, and loves cuddles. he also thinks he's my youngest's father- he's always pinning her down and cleaning her. sorry not sorry to whoever had him before.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
My typical week involves at least three phone calls of this nature: "Hi, have you seen my cat/dog? They're not here, and I figure they're at your house." .... my reply is, "Yep, they're right here, want me to bring them over?" .... usual reply is, "Nah, they'll come home eventually."
A Head 4 years ago
Had a cat in high school named Chesterfield - big old fluffy Maine C**n cat. He went missing for a week, then showed up on the front porch. Halloween rolls around, and I'm handing out candy. This family comes up, the kid looks down and sees our cat and yells "Fluffy!". Turns out he had spent the week at their house. The dad was like "yeah, we eventually had to kick him out because he kept jumping on the counter, getting into cabinets, and just eating everything in sight."
A Head 4 years ago
Interesting filter, there. I mean, I get it, but that's the breed.
Load More Replies... Colin Matthews 4 years ago
Ha ha i used to sleep with a window open out to a garden. Kept waking up roasting hot. One night woke up with a cat on my chest. I dont own a cat. He took a big yawn and stretch, not at all bothered then slipped off through the window...
Christine M Quigley 4 years ago
Outdoor cats die early- fights, cars, diseases..if you love your cats, don't let them outside...plus they're killing off too many bird species..
Chenga Animates 4 years ago
I know an outdoor cat that lived to be 21 and I have an indoor-outdoor cat who's 16, what are you talking about? If a cat's smart enough to avoid cars and predators, they will live as long as an indoor cat.
Load More Replies... Usernames 4 years ago
There is stray who always visit my house. Pretending to be wounded to demand more food. I can't adopt him, I already adopted 3 cats. He is very smart. I called him Ali, short of Aladdin. One day he ate almost one bag of dry food. When I tried to discipline him with water spray. He meowed like baby's cry. I hate him, but when he doesn't come, I will spend my time looking for him.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
My neighbors. This is why I feed ten more cats than I own. And have to see to their water, their wounds, etc...
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