"The cat isn't fixed and he sprays everywhere." Is this what you saw (the spraying) or what you were told. I have four male cats (3 outdoor) all of whom spray whilst outside, but do NOT spray indoors. If they go in the house, they use the box like gentlemen. Sadly, IMHO, if the owner were looking for him, you would see some activity on his/her part. All of the people know of the cat, etc., but the correct number isn't on the collar? Something is rotten in Denmark. Poor cat. The distant neighbor is feeding him and in touch with the owner, yet the owner hasn't come to get his/her pet? WTH? People who own an animal then let them loose (for whatever reason) in the hopes someone else will take them in should be strung up. I would call the no-kill shelter if you're not planning to take him in. Is there really such a thing as a no-kill shelter anymore, and are there even any open spots left? We always end up taking in the ones when they show up. Pretty much how we've gotten all but 1 of our fleet over the years. This last one, "Miles" was a big project. Besides the behavioral issue toward the dogs, which we were able to overcome, he was a mess. We had to invest some $$$ to get him "house ready", neutered, shots, shaved (matted beyond belief), but he has turned into the most loyal well loved member of our gang. It has now been over a year and we are so happy we took him in. Funny thing, he is such a people cat (or I should say DH cat) as he follows DH everywhere. Shower, out to the pool, back and forth from his office to other rooms of our home. He sleeps between us on the bed every night. Love him to pieces. I hope someone with a heart takes this poor cat home and gives him the proper care. Too bad you live so far, or I'd come and get him from you. Sad that none of these people you've talked to has bothered to give this guy half a chance of a proper life.

Growing up, my family always had both dogs and cats. (And the occassional bird, rodent, what-have-you...) But as an adult, I've only kept cats. I live alone, always lived in apartments, and have a pretty crazy schedule; work a lot of late nights, go away for a couple of days at a time, etc --not a very dog-friendly life, but the cats have always taken it well. Dogs need much more regular schedules, much more interaction, much more work than cats. I see dogs like little kids. The human is always (or should always be!) the boss, and they're always trying to follow you, nudge you. "Take me out, toss my ball, let me sit on you, let me worship you, train me, take me out, watch me defend you......" Like living with an agile two-year old -- exhausting! Cats, on the other hand, are like adults. Mine have always been very affectionate, and run to the door when I come home, but there's no need to lick me all over or jump on me. They like to play, but it doesn't always have to involve me. My Siamese will play "fetch-the-hair-fastener" until my arm falls off, but he also plays happily by himself. Or simply takes a nap. Cats don't seem to need their human to do so much. If you're rude or unpleasant to a cat, they don't fight, they just stalk off. But they don't foget it, the same way a human would. A good lesson to remain courteous! But dogs will forgive anything if you toss them some pepperoni and a peanut butter kong! (I'm not talking about abuse or injury, just being rude or unpleasant to an animal.) Since cats are not the pack creatures dogs are, I feel really honored when they shower me with affection. They don't fear me, they're not trying to up their status, they just felt like patting my face or licking my ear. Again, just my subjective opinion, but dogs always seem like they're 'sucking up'. Unfortunately, I think dogs *are* more valued than cats in this society. People like to be flattered and made to feel important, and dogs are happy to treat us like gods.

Oooh, AnnaC54 and Poohpup, your pooches are perfectly adorable! LOL that they keep their bowls to remind you it's dinner time. Ours doesn't bring his bowl to us, rather he summons us to him lol. He gives a bark and waits there until we get his message: cal_quail, like annkh I totally can't relate to a picky eater. Our dog eats almost anything including some of his absolute favorites which are raw brocolli stalk slices and raw brussels sprouts. His absolute favorites are broccoli, cantaloupe, apples, pears and cauliflower. For your picky eater, could mixing in a few thin slices of fruit or veggies help? Just a thought. Bellsmom, love your setup too. One last pic of Hemi when he was a pup (in our previous home's kitchen). Man, now I want another puppy, they are so cute at that age when they are all head and paws. Anyway, this is proof that he's definitely not a picky eater, haha.

Aww, thanks Cattyles. But, sadly, it's still looking pretty ferocious. I took this pic of it this morning to send to DD as a warning of what to expect. Lucky for me, though, my Bare Minerals (powdered makeup) covers it really well for when I do go out in public. This is this morning before Bare Minerals: But, here I am right after the Bare Minerals makeup. This is before, though, I brush on a tan-ish sculpting powder that takes away some of the bluish-white.