Need Resolution FAST

[lilith1]

Here is the dilemma.
Couple nights ago my 2 dogs acted like someone was in the yard, both were up, sniffing, investigating. It wasn't a person, I checked. I thought an animal maybe. One dog nose was scretched up, the dog is fine.
Today I walk in the room were the doggie door is and see a bushy tail disappear under the couch. It turns out to be a cute, well taken care off cat. She was hungry and thirsty. She (or he?) rolled up in the book shelf and slept like it's a normal thing. I see a natural shyness, but she also very friendly.

I called the Vet, talked to neighbors. I don't want to call Animal services. Neighbors reported that they saw her around for a few days. I wouldn't mind keeping her, but is there a chance with a 2 dogs? Should I just open the door and see what happens? I also have a 11 month old that I don't want to endanger either. The cat must know there are dogs in here, but is not afraid. The temps are well over 100 degrees...

Tomorrow I go back to work, I will have to open the door so the dogs can get out. Any ideas? Any cat behavior experts out there? What should I do?

[Nicole915]

If you're not willing to call Animal services, please at least take photos and bring them to the local shelters. This could very well be someone's pet, who they're searching for but cannot find.

[Catubodua]

you can call animal services and let them know that you've found her, it doesn't mean you have to bring her in.

that way if she's got an owner looking for her and they call to see if someone has turned her in the AC folks can hook you up. same with local shelters/vets offices.

i'd also place a "found" ad in your local paper. if she's well care for, she most likely has people looking for her.

as for introducing her to the dogs - do you have a baby gate that can separate them? let them all sniff each other through the gate first. even if they do ok, the cat will need a safe place to stay without dogs for a while until they all get used to each other.

as for your child, i'm not sure how the cat would endanger them. can you be more specific with what you are afraid of?


and, thanks so much for taking care of her!

[lilith1]

Every shelter knows, there is no website to post lost pets. I gave detailed descriptions as well. I got one phone number from a owner, have not head back yet. I don't want to keep her if I don't have too. I want to make sure she doesn't get killed in the shelter. I rather find the owner. She wont leave if given the chance, the dog door is open. My dogs are locked in while I am at home. Untill tomorrow that is.

[Catubodua]

there are actually several websites to post lost pets

http://www.findfido.com/

http://www.findthatpet.com/

http://www.thefoundbin.com/lost-and-...-your-lost-cat

http://www.pets911.com/services/lostandfound/

[lilith1]

Update

After calling around all day, making copies, I found the owner. Yeah, everyone is reunited.
I will save the websites though in case. Thanks soo much. I got to check them out and then the phone rang. It was an inside only cat that got out, that's why he felt so comfy in my book shelf.
I was afraid with all the foreclosures that someone didn't take the cat.
Happy ending.

[Catubodua]

that's a wonderful ending, so glad his owners found him.