I hope I've done the right thing!!!

[Ron]

I was driving through a local park and spotted a cat on a picnic table hunkered down (it's cold and damp and rainy here today). He let me approach him and was quite friendly. I gave him some food (I carry cat food and rescue supplies in my car) and he appeared to be extremely hungry. His coat didn't appear to be too dirty, but he was an unneutered male with no collar and VERY hungry. I made the decision to take him home with me. Now, the question..... did I just nab someone's pet, or did I just rescue a homeless cat off the streets just as winter is nearing???? I think at the very least I should put an ad in the paper and make that much of an attempt to see if he had a home.

I would love to hear any comments from anyone who has been in or seen this same situation.

[Marty]

Well, I suppose the truly "right" thing to do would be to take him to the shelter, as that is where the owner would look first. You could ask them to call you if they don't show up, and you can then adopt him.

The other thing you can do is print up flyers to post around the area where he was found. Take him to a Vet to be checked for a microchip.....call area Vets to see if they might recognize him (some will cooperate and some won't). In my area, if you have an animal for 5 days, the shelter considers it yours. Good luck!

[Tambrey]

Bless you for taking him in

I would have done the same thing in your situation...and like you, I usually have cat and dog and human supplies in the car...

I am a firm believer in "Indoor Only" and I feel taht anyone who lets thier cats out, especially an unneutered male, does not deserve to have them back, and I would keep him for my own or find him a good home...

However, to ease your conscience, you could post a flyer in the area or a local paper and any vets or shelters that you found him in case anyone calls or stops by looking for him...but then, any owner really concerned about a missing pet would be posting flyers and ads in the paper and making calls as well...

[davet]

as Marty and Tambray said...you did good, and i would just notify the pound a police dept. and if now calls the cat has a better homw with you...

[oconnorjoy]

I think you did the right thing....no kitty should be out, especially when it is cold and raining. The spca where I live is more than happy to let the animal stay with the finder and take the information in case anyone is looking for the animal. I have done this on numerous occasions when I find strays. I don't think they should have to go to the shelter when someone is willing to care for them in their home. (my vet is supper great at checking them out for me before I let them out with my other pets) Thank you for taking this kitty home.