stray cat problems

[ther00ster'scr0w]

I have two fixed male cats-Archie and Hunter who i've had for a bout 7 months. Their food and water bowls are right by the front door. Lately at night I've heard them fighting, and last night after watching I saw there was this stray adult grey cat (not sure of the gender) and he/she is eating their food. My poor cats are terrified of it.

Is there anything I can do to stop the fighting? I'm willing to 'adopt' this poor cat (who was most likely abandoned here), but my cats and it don't seem to like each other.
Any one have any experience with this? The cat seems to be around to eat only at night, and I do not think it has a collar on but have not gotten close enough to see (it's shy).

Thanks!

 

[Chickiezz]

ther00ster'scr0w :

I have two fixed male cats-Archie and Hunter who i've had for a bout 7 months. Their food and water bowls are right by the front door. Lately at night I've heard them fighting, and last night after watching I saw there was this stray adult grey cat (not sure of the gender) and he/she is eating their food. My poor cats are terrified of it.

Is there anything I can do to stop the fighting? I'm willing to 'adopt' this poor cat (who was most likely abandoned here), but my cats and it don't seem to like each other.
Any one have any experience with this? The cat seems to be around to eat only at night, and I do not think it has a collar on but have not gotten close enough to see (it's shy).

Thanks!

We have adopted quite a few neighborhood strays,only ones that get along with our cats. The "problem strays" that fight with out cats,we trap them out(in a live trap) and we call the local Humane Soceity and they come and pick them up. Or you can just take them there. Thats what we do....some probably get put down because they are too wild to tame,but I am sure they probably tame some of them. Its better for the cats,they get fed and taken care of,and get fixed so they dont reproduce.​

 

[PitterPaws]

If possible start feeding your cats during the day so they are not pushed away from their food,
you need to do something quick about the stray cat or your two cats will look for some place else to live.
I agree, trap and bring to Humane society, your cats don't deserve to be stressed by a mean stray.
It should be easy to trap it just put the cat food in there, but keep your cats away or you will trap your own.
Good Luck let us know how it turns out!

 

[Skyesrocket]

I agree with feeding during the day. When you put food out at night you will attract coons and possums too.
It would be great of you to adopt the stray. Many times the strays are unaltered males that consider your property their territory. If I remember right, a country unaltered male will mark and patrol up to a five mile area as his own territory and chase off any other unaltered males. It is their "job" in life and some take it very serious.
Be sure your cats have their shots.

 

[MagsC]

My daughters cats are inside. But when we had outside cats, food and water out there attracted strays. I agree with not putting the food out at night and catching the cat with a live trap, and either adopting him out to someone who has the time and patience to work with him or taking him to the humane society.

 

[Chickiezz]

Also with the live trap,I would get a cheap can of canned cat food,put it in the live trap,and set it up at night,by the area where you feed your other cats. But for the night,or until the stray is caught I would keep your 2 in your house/basement with food water and bedding,just to be sure they dont get caught and stressed out. BUT BE CAREFUL...you COULD catch a skunk,possum,groundhog,or racoon! I had this happen to me before,we trapped a raccoon instead of a cat...so we threw it in the back of the truck and went out in the country and released it in the woods by a river.

And BTW,my cats are pretty used to it,and have learned to stay away from it when we have it out. Pretty smart!
And if you get a cage like live trap-you might want to wear gloves in case it sticks its paw thru the cage to scratch you,or you can put a blanket over it.
I know in the end it all sounds mean,and stressful. But in the long run,it will be better for the stray and your other cats.

Thats about all. If anybody would like to add anything,feel free!