There's a cat meowing outside my neighbor's door

I can hear him because their door is directly across from mine in the apartment complex I live in. I've seen the cat around lately outside. My neighbors told me they were moving not long ago and I'm afraid that they have left this cat behind. I do not know if they have moved yet or not, though. I remember them saying that they had two cats, but only wanted to take one of them with them when they moved.

It is cold out, but it has been much colder and the cat has made it through that. I'm thinking that he's probably hungry. When I opened the door to check on him, he scurried away then turned around like he was going to try to come inside. As soon as I stepped forward to pet him he ran away.

I want to adopt him very badly. I love cats and I hate to see him suffer. But I have a very small place and no suitable place for a litter box. I'm thinking of setting out some food for him. What would you do?

maybe a box with a blanket it in as a warm place to get out of the cold, too.

He will become friendlier if you do that.

I bet you can find a place for a litter box if push comes to shove.

If you can't keep him forever, bring him in and ask your friends if they want a cat. I have a house cat and a dog. My cat is very jealous of other cats. Despite that, I took in a cute orange tabby earlier this winter. I asked around about permanent homes for him. I found a nice young couple who took him. They are the daughter and the boyfriend of the guy who put in two new floors for us. I know him well, and he vouched for the new pet owners.

a kitchen and one bathroom. The bathroom is way too small for a litter box. It would take up half of the floor space and I'm not putting a litter box in my bedroom.

sound a whole lot smaller than mine (604 sq. ft.), of course, I could be wrong. That said, I have been known to put the litter box in the shower/tub, on a large trash bag that I cut open to allow for maximum size/protection. Just a thought. Good luck.

You might want to try the neighboors too to see if they really are gone (slip a note or something)...Also, if it seems like the cat is now homeless you could try to contact a rescue group. There are probably a few no-kill rescue groups around you, I imagine.

I think I got that acronym right. I know that they are around here.

for the cat I rescued from Coyotes at work and am still rescuing from dogs at home. A wee bit bigger than regular cat boxes but absolutely no odor that I can detect and haven't had to do a thing in weeks. I love it and the kitty too. It is a bit expensive but I would be willing to donate one to you if you decide to rescue the kitty.

I'll keep it in mind. How do those work?

It's not just the odor of a litter box that bothers me. It's the fact that I would have to keep it out in plain view.

and do seem to eliminate any odor (I have it in my bedroom and have been pleasantly surprised). It plugs into a wall outlet and scoops via any clumps via rake into a hidden box. Once a month (although the time has been disputed by various cat owners and I myself doubt I will allow it to go quite that long) you toss the entire cat cardboard cat box and replace with a new one.

Somebody (not the manufacturer) makes a regular (reusable) cat box that works with the system if you want to save on that cost. Then you simply clean the entire thing once a month (or so) and replace the crystals.)

I used a partial natural wheat litter (since that was what the cat was used to) and the crystals and have had no problems. I really love it.

Here is a link to see how it works: http://scoopfree.com/WorksGreat/ScoopFree_in_Action.html

or do you have to order it off their site?

Since I was not familiar with them. I would guess they are a no-kill group because they have a section on fostering animals. Most no kill groups have that. I suggest you go to their website and contact them about the kitty. I bet they would have some excellent advice for you.

I'd much rather go that route. I've trapped animals and relocated them before.

Put the litter box inside a chest or crate with a hole for access. I've seen them at Dr. Foster's and Smith, but they seemed a bit spendy, so I was thinking about making my own. Doesn't seem like it would be too hard to do.

I hope you decide to keep him! If you open the door and just leave it open for awhile he might get curious and come on in. That's how I got my super-shy kitty.

Make sure to take him to the vet for de-flea-ing, and a checkup!

Edit to add link:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=14885&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2002&Ntt=litter%20box&Np=1

Another link:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=10276&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2002&Ntt=litter%20box&Np=1

I have 855 sq feet, 3 cats and 2 large litter boxes, both covered. I have a condo with a large master bedroom and a very small second one. The bathroom is far too tiny for a litter box. I have litter boxes in both bedrooms. When people use the guest bedroom they just have to rough it with the litter box in there for a few nights. I keep the litter clean by scooping daily. It only takes a couple of minutes. It is well worth it for the love and companionship, not to mention the laughs, they bring. If you live alone in an apartment it just makes life better to have a little friend waiting for you when you come home from work at night.

people who move (or have a baby coming) who feel that they can't take their furchild with them. Kudo's to you to, Droopy for caring. There are options on cat boxes and once you bond and fall in love, it won't matter to you anymore. Do set out some food. After a while, the cat will become used to you. Remain low towards the ground and hold your hand into a fist. Cats like to head butt each other and this will make him come over to you.

There are also, as some have mentioned kitty boxes that are disguised and there are also really small ones, that the cats manage to use.

Good luck and keep us posted!

At least they should have found another home for it.

I have moved my cat thousands of miles. He was not happy during the move. I would let him out of the carrier in the hotel room and he would hide under the bed but he eventually adjusted to the new place. But I would never, ever just abandon a cat.

Thank you for being concerned about this poor little innocent.

By the way, I can't even post what I'd like to see happen to your neighbors. FUCK THEM!!!!!! :grr:

All the right advice has already been given, and outrage expressed.
I just have to join in.. it's fucking heartless to leave an animal behind. The kitty's lucky there's someone paying attention, hearing him begging to get back into his old home.
I'm sorry for the cat they took with them too, people like that just shouldn't have a pet x(

litter boxes. Take cute picture of cat. Make a poster titled "free to a good home". Display at local pet stores and vets offices.

That is what I did (though I also fixed the cat that got left behind by some idiot student). Found a nice family for the kitty. Felt great.