We've had our 2 outdoor cats, Sweetie and Irish, since about 2006, - since they were kittens. Recently it seems a stray cat has started stealing their food and also basically freaking them out maybe. They're not eating normal, even if we sit right there.
Sweetie and Irish are neutered. I was wondering if they've somehow allowed this cat, who is larger than them, to be dominant or something. Of course when we see this other cat we run it off.
Sweetie and Irish are usually extremely cautious anyway. I don't know if they've had harrowing experiences or what. But if they hear a dog very far off in the distance, they're reacting to it. I mean really far off. And they are generally thinking about what is going on danger wise. You can just see it. But not in the middle of the day when you're sitting outside with them. They're just normal, sweetheart cats.
Anyway, after all these years their not moving into the house. Irish has an apt outside with a deck, that's built off the top of an old swing set frame. And Sweetie seems to prefer the roof. This winter they've been using a sleep number bed on the porch a lot. (A heated pad of which the heat can be set from 1 to 6.)
I doubt there's any tricks re this little issue. But I thought I'd throw it out there, in case anyone had any ideas. We're rural. We sit on raw land. My husband plans on hitting the cat with a tossed rock. I think the cat belongs to somebody. I don't think it's hurting for food. Just adventurous and bored. And loves to eat.
At this point I'm just hoping this issue will pass and Sweetie and Irish will adapt to the visitor, or maybe one of you have the solution.
Thanks.
Sweetie and Irish are neutered. I was wondering if they've somehow allowed this cat, who is larger than them, to be dominant or something. Of course when we see this other cat we run it off.
Sweetie and Irish are usually extremely cautious anyway. I don't know if they've had harrowing experiences or what. But if they hear a dog very far off in the distance, they're reacting to it. I mean really far off. And they are generally thinking about what is going on danger wise. You can just see it. But not in the middle of the day when you're sitting outside with them. They're just normal, sweetheart cats.
Anyway, after all these years their not moving into the house. Irish has an apt outside with a deck, that's built off the top of an old swing set frame. And Sweetie seems to prefer the roof. This winter they've been using a sleep number bed on the porch a lot. (A heated pad of which the heat can be set from 1 to 6.)
I doubt there's any tricks re this little issue. But I thought I'd throw it out there, in case anyone had any ideas. We're rural. We sit on raw land. My husband plans on hitting the cat with a tossed rock. I think the cat belongs to somebody. I don't think it's hurting for food. Just adventurous and bored. And loves to eat.
At this point I'm just hoping this issue will pass and Sweetie and Irish will adapt to the visitor, or maybe one of you have the solution.
Thanks.
