How Do You Handle Stray Cats?

Three nights ago, I got my official welcome to my new apartment in Highland Park.

As I was winding down for the evening, I heard what I thought was the distant yowling of one of the neighborhood's many feral cats.

However, upon opening my bedroom curtains I was startled to see that these yows were actually coming from a kitten that had lodged itself between my window and the decorative "NOT prison looking bars."

The kitten did not seem nearly as startled to see me as I was to see it, and wouldn't budge despite my effort to verbally shoo it away from my windowsill. This proved one thing to me; this cat wasn't feral in the true sense of the word. 

The cat's cries became louder and more insistent as the night proceeded, depriving me of much needed sleep, until I eventually did something I'm not proud to admit--I fed it.

That's right, I broke what is considered by many to be rule number 1 of responsible neighborhood stewardship. I tossed a small handful of my terrier's kibble out the front door. The cries stopped almost immediately, but I knew I had opened a Pandora's box.

After a conversation with a neighbor, I learned that this stray was  being fed by my apartment's previous tenant. The next night, I also learned that this kitten was snooping around in search of more than food. While taking the garbage out, the kitten repeatedly brushed itself along the side of my legs and leaped toward my hands in hopes of being patted on the head--a request I immediately regretted complying with as I washed my hands in scorching hot water moments later. This kitten was traveling with company--fleas. 

Three days after meeting this kitten, I find myself in the midst of a minor dilemma. The cat keeps returning in search of food and attention. Further, my fiancé may or may not have already named it-- a sure sign this kitten is becoming part of our life. However, we've got an aging puppy whose care we need to prioritize. This kitten has clearly become accustomed to being cared for by humans--even before padding its way into my life--and I can't help but feel responsible for helping to maintain its lifestyle. 

With over 3 million feral cats reported to be in the Los Angeles area by the Feral Cat Caretakers' Coalition, I realize my dilemma is probably a common one.

My plan is to first flier the neighborhood in hopes that the cat's owner will step up and claim responsibility. If that fails, I'll follow the instructions for humane trapping provided by the coalition. Having the cat spayed/neutered and vaccinated will address some of the immediate public health concerns presented by strays and hopefully make it a more attractive adoption option for somebody who can give it the home it deserves. 

One thing is for sure, this cat's days of dog kibble for dinner are coming to an end soon.