I have gained so much satisfaction from adopting five unloved, homeless stray cats that I am always on the lookout for other less fortunate boys (and girls) to help out. Classic signs of a tomcat are a big chunky looking chap, particularly the head; old, and new, wounds from fighting (maybe raggedy ears); a distinct smell from him constantly spraying and marking his territory and, if you can get behind him, usually pretty obvious evidence that he has not been neutered! Unless he’s very fluffy. They are usually pretty nervous as well and constantly hungry.
Over the years quite a few customers have had strays hanging around their gardens; looking for the ladies and sometimes fighting with their own cats, which is not ideal. They have contacted rescue centres but rarely get any help as most rescue centres are bursting at the seams and are inundated with requests for help from all areas. Often the strays are overlooked, especially if neighbours are feeding them and they are not injured.
Life expectancy of an unneutered tomcat is only around 3 years. He will travel far and wide looking for females and so risks dangers from traffic, other animals and fighting with his counterparts. Plus there are more than enough cats out there; neutering will stop more unwanted litters of kittens arriving.
A lot of people don’t realise that stray cats can be neutered for free on the C4 Scheme, a joint initiative by major animal charities. Almost all vets these days are part of this scheme. The hard part is catching the cat in the first place, as strays are often nervous and not trusting of humans. Invariably a trap is needed to catch the cat, though you don’t always then catch the correct cat!
If you have a stray cat you’d like help with I have a trap with which to try to catch him. Usually the cat would need to be re-released after neutering in the area he was caught from; there are already far too many cats trying to find a home and it is unlikely a rescue centre would take him even then. But once neutered he will fight less, and roam less, hence reducing the risk of serious injury to himself. Also he may become friendlier and, as he will no longer smell like a tomcat, some kind soul is more likely to take pity on him and invite him in to stay. Unneutered he stands no real chance of this happening as who wants a stinky tomcat in their home?
