There’s been a little cat near my flat for the past couple of days, the little fella must only be about one and clearly hadn’t eaten in a while so I took pity on him this morning and gave him some food (much to the confusion on my existing cat). I think he’s a stray but I still called the local rescue centre to check on any reported lost cats and they had nothing of his description. I intend on taking him to a vet tomorrow to see if he’s been chipped and if not I think I’m going to keep him.

I’ve put him back outside as he keeps scratching so I’m assuming he’s got flea’s and he also stinks. I’ll get some stuff from the vet tomorrow to deal with the flea’s but it’s the smell I’m more concerned about. Any idea’s on how best to get rid of it? Can you bath a cat?

Hi, yes you can bathe a cat but its a two person job as they get very frightened and can scratch, especially as your one is a stray he may not be used to being washed. Just take it gently and if he is skittish, you can buy pet wipes instead of bathing him which will also get him clean. There is a special flea shampoo which will help make him smell lovely and treat fleas. P.S definetly take him to the vet to be checked over, then they can also check if he is chipped.

If you have access to a shower - one where you can take the shower head off its holder - I'd go for that option rather than a bath, as its less stressful to some cats.

Whether you choose to use a bath or a shower, make sure the water is luke warm rather than hot and if you use any pet shampoo - it must be pet shampoo, not human ones - keep it away from its face, which is probably stating the obvious but still...

I have bathed my cats in the past some like it some dont. If he is long haired and matted he problaly will be a stray or lost and the owners have looked for him but in the wrong area. If you do bring him in make sure you keep your other cat away from him for at least 10 days just incase he has anything that he might pass on. Good on you for caring for the little mite. I would take him in if it was me. I wouldnt be able too settle if i knew he was outside.

Thanks for the advice. When I get in from work I'm going to bring him in, feed him again and as long as he settles I'll leave him in tonight. Other than looking a bit scruffy and smelling he seems in good health but the vet should be able to tell me for sure tomorrow. I am a little worried about my existing cat and how he's going to be with the new addition, he just looked a bit confused about it being inside and made a few hissing noises if it got to close but the new cat seemed know who was boss and backed off.

Just thought that I'd give you an update on how the little one is doing. After asking around my neighbourhood and one of my neighbours posting on a lost animal website he hasn't been claimed. My existing cat isn't impressed at all by the new addition so I'm keeping them both seperated and trying gradual introductions but if things don't improve my mum has agreed to take the little fella.

Here a pic of him http://pic.twitter.com/FV1rtZQP

You could try a plug in called feliway. It emmits hormones and calms the cat down

I can't see the photo as I don't have a Facebook account.