So Dan and I took in a stray cat. Or should I say, I took in a stray cat, and Dan agreed to us keeping him. But he was the one who initially found him, last night. He went to take some trash out the front door (rather than the back, because of all of the damn snow) and found the cat on the other side, standing on his hind legs, front legs outstretched, paws on the screen door, meowing to get in. He called me over and I tried to coax him inside, but Leah and Max kept coming over, and he wound up running off (even though he was definitely interested in coming inside!). Well, this afternoon I was in my kitchen when I heard some incessant meowing. I opened up the back door, and there he was, standing on the railing behind the door. I did the standard “psst, psst, here kitty” coo, and right over to me he came. He let me pick him up, and I brought him inside and put him in the bathroom with some food and water.
Anyway, his name is Ares. Dan chose the name, based on something-something-something with the god of war and the planet Mars and the fact that the cat is an orange tabby… I forget. I’ll ask Dan to repeat his story of inspiration tomorrow, and then let you know. Heh. I’m not sure how old he is, but based on the length of his legs and general gawkiness, and the fact that he’s alive (most strays don’t live beyond three years of age), I’m guessing around a year, maybe a little younger? He’s relatively clean, though he has some flea debris in his fur (I’m going to bathe him after I get him vaccinated), and Dan found a thorn in the bathroom sink, where he spent most of the afternoon sleeping. He’s not neutered, so that’s definitely something I’ll be taking care of ASAP. He’s very friendly, and took to myself and the kidlets right away. When Dan came home from work he was more than happy to receive several pets and a chin rub from him, too. And wow, can he purr!
I’m going to take him to our veterinarian this week for a quick microchip scan (even though I’m 99% certain he’s a stray, and not someone’s pet), vaccinations, and neutering. I’ll then bathe him, so he’ll be nice and clean and smelling like the other cats and the house.
So we’re up to five cats (all boys), one dog (female; when it comes to cats I highly prefer males, but with dogs I’m all about the girls), three hermit crabs, two water frogs and a snail. Throw in the four of us, and it’s seriously like a zoo on some days!
My suggestion? Put up signs. I know if my cat(s) got out (they are not microchipped) I would be devastated so I think to cover all your bases you should put up signs as well– just to be sure.
I totally get the feeling of a zoo. With my two huge dogs, my little dog, and three cats its a zoo so you have an even bigger zoo!
He’s adorable, I hope you get to keep him!
He’s gorgeous! I <3 red cats so much and they're so rare here. *sigh*
I second Angel's suggestion, and it's great you're getting him scanned for the microchip because most people would just hog such a gorgeous cat. And as far as the "zoo" goes — if you can take proper care of each family member, animal or human, then having a busy house is absolutely no problem.
But why the preference for boy cats? Don't they have territorial arguments…?
He looks so happy!! :D
I was going to say the same thing about putting up signs. He could belong to someone who is so heartbroken right now.
Maybe he’s been gone for a while and that’s why he’s in the condition he is in. Especially if he’s so friendly…
Ditto what the others said – he’s a gorgeous cat & especially as hes showing signs of being so friendly makes me wonder whether hes come from a loving home somewhere.
Our cat died a few years back she was run over miles away from our house and we still don’t understand how she got there (we’d seen her in the house an hour earlier). So weird things happen!
Let us know what happens!
awww he is so cute!!
He’s adorable
This post and the comments reminds me of my strong feelings on cats being indoors only. Also, they should be neutered (or spayed), collared (w/ tags) and/or microchipped. Microchipping is best, since it can’t fall off the cat like a collar can!
@Jonna: between boy and girl cats I’ve found that the boys are generally friendlier and more affectionate. I always get my cats neutered young, so spraying and territorial issues have never been a problem (thank god!).
With that said, I will put up signs this week, but I’m not going to describe the cat or post pictures. You never know who might come forward to “claim” him just because he’s so gorgeous and so friendly. If someone is missing their cat, they’ll need to describe him (gender, fur color, eye color) when they call!
@Jenn: I completely agree about the male cats. We have 3 female cats and 1 male and our male cat is so much more affectionate and just friendlier in general. I’m not sure why that is, lol. But yes completely on board with you there! ;)
This post makes me happy. I love knowing that an adorable animal is being taken care of. :D He’s gorgeous. Reminds me of an old orange tabby I used to have when I was a kid. Male tabby’s make amazing pets.
@Jenn:
LOL, My cat is male and is the most aloof cat I’ve ever owned. All my females have been far more affectionate. Weird.
However, that being said, I think you’re right on the money with the signs – don’t post any details, just say you found a lost cat. In many cases people will attempt to claim the cat just because they want a cat and will sit there and say “oh, so-and-so I missed you so much” when the come to pick the cat up because a lot of cats will not come to the sound of their names.
I am so glad you kept him! He is so beautiful. I can’t wait for more pictures and stories about Ares!
Awwww he’s beautiful! Congrats on a new kitty-kitty
Given how clean and well taken care of he looks, he doesn’t seem like a stray to me, and my family’s taken in strays for decades. Especially since the mid-Atlantic got 3 feet of snow last week, it just doesn’t seem like an actual stray would be able to survive that AND come out of it looking so healthy. Regardless of your feelings on neutering/microchipping/etc, he very well may be someone’s pet, and you really should put up signs.
@Alex: Did I not say I would be doing just that? Way to selectively read.
This is why I think you’re awesome, Jenn! You would take in stray animals and actually care for them, even though you have so much going on in your life. I love reading your blog because you’re real.
Keep blogging forever!
Aww, he looks right at home in the sink..LoL
Looks like the cat that I grew up with! His name was Tigger (I’m pretty sure I named him, I must have been four or so!). Very beautiful cat though!!
Just make sure Ares doesn’t claw out Leah’s eyes!! :D
That’s really nice, I have 2 cats myself and 1 dog, I love animals and when I hear a person opens their home to a homeless animal, it just warms my heart.
Here, we always get females, wither it is a cat or a dog. I favor females 10x more b/c they tend to be more affectionate than males. I have had male cats and they never sought me out for a scratch or a chin scratch unlike the female ones I have had. My female ragdoll cat I have now always wants attention and she demands it and will always gladly accept your scratch, pet, or chin rub any day except for strangers. And for my dog, well I haven’t had many dogs before nor any males but I do know that my corgi, she is very affectionate, always wanting you to scratch her, rub her tummy, and she washes your legs/feet. She is our lil mommy dog.
Hey do you set up blogs/themes? i need one again but there isnt any time in the day for me to do it. If so, how much would you charge. Either way let me know
thanks!!
I am with you on the male cat thing. My grandparents have a female cat who is the largest bitch on the face of the Earth. I have a male cat who is such a lover. And seriously.. your house is beginning to sound like a zoo! I would go nuts with that many animals, but kudos for you for having a big heart & taking them in and loving on them!
Nice cat you got there Jenn