It seems I’m being targeted for adoption by a new cat in the neighbourhood. She clearly lives somewhere as she has a reflective collar and is in good health.

However, she appeared in my back garden three days ago and came up to me meowing and purring. Next morning she was back and wolfed down the small bowl of food I gave her. Yesterday she ran inside the house and took a good look around, quite unconcerned about me, before casually walking out.

Today? Followed me around while doing various chores including trimming hedges, mowing the lawn and doing laundry - no fear or nervousness. As I write this she’s curled up asleep on my armchair and earlier sat on my lap while trying to help me type. I can even pick her up, rub her ears and scratch her belly – something we know cats are most unpredictable about! A flea comb also shows her clear of critters and she went nuts when I brushed her fur, as if it was the first time, purring and salivating shamelessly...

So, is she just checking out her options or has she become homeless? I’ll keep an eye on the local shop windows (and web, of course) for missing notices and contact the local vets later this week to make sure no-one’s worried about her. If still no joy I'll post a formal "found" notice around. She’s jumped back on my lap again and is quite a talker… I'll put her out tonight so she either goes back home or takes shelter nearby. Whatever happens I know she'll be back on my doorstep first thing tomorrow.

My own cat died of heart failure one year ago and I have been procrastinating over a replacement. If she's being missed I hope to find her proper home soon, but I admit to wishing otherwise so she sticks around.

Updates to follow - what would you do and how long before you did?

Trip

PS. distinguishing features obscured to ensure true owner comes forward...

Are you now her new parent? Sounds like she rather fancied what she saw, so just be flattered. Cats don't adopt just anyone you know! I should know.

Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs,
Doodle Cat

She may have been left behind by her owners, or lost during a move. Have you checked around the usual places to see if her picture has been posted?

I have had several cats adopt me. It sounds like she has decided that you will fit into her plans quite nicely.

Congratulations!

Well I have to say if she was mine, and I was looking for her everywhere. I would be sad for losing her, but thankful someone like you is taking good care of her. She may or may not be a newly found stray, but sounds to me she isn't too concerned about where she once lived. I would go ahead and post a found cat report and see what happens. If no one responds within about a month, I would name her and continue to make her happy and loved.