Hmmm, I'm not sure what to do...

There's a cat that lives down my road somewhere - not sure which house, I've only ever seen the cat out in the street. It's a beautiful thing, long haired pale ginger and it's quite friendly, if a little timid.

I hadn't seen it for ages, then when I arrived home from shopping this evening, it was across the road and crying at me. I coaxed it across to me and stroked it and it has a massive (and I mean massive!) matt of hair on its back, plus lots of other smaller ones that you can feel when you stroke it.

I went inside, put away the shopping, and then went outside again to see if I could brush it. She was a bit too nervous and wasn't really up for it.

The biggest matt is way too big to be combed out, there's only one thing for it, and that's for it to be cut off. I did think about getting my scissors but then thought the owner may see me!

Other than shoving it in my cat box and whipping it over to the vet (which quite frankly I can't afford as my own cat costs me shedloads a month in vet bills), I'm not really sure what to do, assuming I can do anything.

Has anyone got any thoughts or ideas?

Oh dear, the poor thing , It's owners really should brush it regularly.

If you really can't find out who it belongs to , it might be worth ringing Cats Protection for advice.

Failing that if you've got some blunt ended scissors , and a friend who can help you hold the cat, I'd be tempted to try and trim the worst of the matte off yourself.

Thanks Curmy. I'm going to keep my eyes open next week, I'm off from work so may see if I can work out where it comes from, or give it a quick snip!

The best of luck jojo .

If you could catch it the vets should check out for a chip at no cost at all too you. If it hasnt got one they might be able to come too some sort of arrangement with you on de matting the cat. It needs to come off in this weather because of the heat and what it can have with matts underneath. Maybe the previous owner could cope with the matting as well and has just left it too its own devices. I wouldnt try it yourself just incase it might bite you you could also injure it as well

I've called the RSPCA this morning and they're going to send me a collar to put on it next time I see it, so hopefully the owner will then call them and be able to sort something out.

They had asked if I had somewhere to confine it like a shed or garage so presumably they could come along and check it out, but I have neither unfortunately (bar a teeny shed in the back garden in which there's no space for a cat and which gets terribly warm anyway.)

I don't see it that often unfortunately but am definitely going to make a point of looking for it up and down the road.

Thanks for the suggestion Maisey, I might just end up doing that!

You're a very thoughtful cat lover jojo .

I agree too

I do love moggies!

This is my moggy lounging in the sun earlier today - not a good pic admittedly but I didn't want to go to the front of her and disturb her!

She is lovely. IIs she the boss of the household.

Yes, pretty much - she's very vocal and doesn't hesitate to wail and howl at any opportunity! She's outside snoozing in the shade right now, so I have a little bit of peace and quiet for the moment!

She's so sweet Jojo, is she a Tortie ? I've got a tortie, she never shuts up !

No, she's just tabby and white. I'll try and get a new photo of her face on to the camera next time!

ETA: I went to my parents this afternoon and mentioned about the poor moggy down the road. I then remembered that the lady who owns the cattery where Jingle goes from time to time, is also a CPL person. So I think I'll drop her a line and see if she has any advice.

I'd love to see another photo of her.

Good idea to ask the lady at the Cattery .

I'll show you mine if you show me yours A pic of the cat that is!

Can i show you all mine as well.

I think there all there but not quiet sure.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...rthday/272.jpg

Blimey Maisey, you've got your hands full there! My one cat keeps me busy enough, I don't know how you cope!

But they all look absolutely lovely, and I bet you're never short of a cat for your lap!

The trouble is that i can have upto 4 wanting to sit on my knee at the same time. I wouldnt be without them though. I give them any left over meat that we have i hate waste. Thats even better picture than that one.

You need to eat lots so that your lap expands and you have room for all 4!

but then the others will get jealous

Awww Maisy, they're gorgeous !

Rosie and Abby

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s...o/P2050028.jpg

Then eat more so that your lap is available for the whole quota of cats!

Link isn't working Curmy