As a cat lover, I always look for cats when I’m out and about. I even try to carry cat treats with me, just in case. I usually check to see if they are friendly because meeting a new feline friend makes my day, although it does break my heart to see outdoor kitties, especially those who do not have a home to return to.
There’s a new website called The Random Cat Project that documents these chance encounters with unknown cats. Two cat lovers living in London, in a residence where they cannot have cats, started the project. They began recording their interactions with cats of all kinds and now they are asking readers to submit their photos and videos of similar encounters.
Check out the site to see the videos and photos. There are some very good looking cats on the streets of London!
August 8th, 2009 at 1:48 am
Funny. I like the idea that you carry treats..never thought of doing that I have randome cat encounters all the time
August 8th, 2009 at 5:56 am
That site breaks my heart; I hate seeing domestic cats outdoors :/
August 8th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary!
August 8th, 2009 at 8:22 am
But I want to get them all away from the street!
We used to find cats – or they found us – whenever we traveled. Once, while camped on a tiny strip of grass in who knows where Wyoming, we investigated our tent ceiling moving, and discovered a kitten jumping at the fly.
Of late, all my random cat encounters seem to be with very shy cats who flee at the sight of a human.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I have seven indoor cats. I also am a caretaker for a group of 12-15 ferals, who come in my yard to eat, hangout and relax.They have learned that no fight or posturing IN the yard is allowed. They have some minor swings outside the fence, but nothing major.There are several old Toms and 1 older Queen and 2 younger females.The rest various age males.Some come to me cause I’ve been doing it for years.THey all have their own personalities. Each different and interesting to watch sometimes.
I come out with breakfast or dinner and get a song from several of them.I think they do it to pay back for the food.It dry food mixed witha can of soft and water. A softened ‘stew’. 3 Toms are old with teeth problems. I see them eat the stew but not the hard food.They hiss and I see a missing fangs or two.There are 3 others across the street I set out some for. They are not quite ready to cross the street and join the rest. Soon I hope.
They truly are my 4 legged furry family.
August 8th, 2009 at 10:06 am
It does make me kind of sad though knowing many outdoor cats won’t live as long as indoor ones. All we can do is spay and neuter them and try to give them a quality life, however long.
August 8th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
What a neat idea. I just visited the page and submitted Greg Pike and his 3 pets Booger, Kitty and Mousey to the RCP. I see them all the time around Union Square here in SF.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D85yrIgA4Nk
August 8th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Hi Modern cat!
Thanks for featuring our little project on your awesome blog….we really appreciate it. I’m sure you can agree that there are few things more rewarding than a little bonus cuddle from a cat that you didn’t know existed. Our first submission was a cat from Cambodia so I’m hoping we can get people to submit cats from all over the world and not just London.
Thanks again!
the RCPers
August 8th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I’m kinda crushin’ on the guy with the video camera. He’s so sweet with the kitties, and they seem to like him.
August 8th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
agree! i will start carrying treats with me everyday now.
August 8th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
What a good idea. There are no stray cats, only those lost or abandoned. This will help those looking for their cats as well as to spotlight those cats in need.
August 8th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
OMG!!! This is my soulmate website. I am always on the lookout for ‘secret cats’, even though I have two of my own at home. In fact, I get so excited when I see a kitty in the wild, my husband really makes fun of me. Thank you for linking to this!
August 9th, 2009 at 7:30 am
The saddest part to me, is that they’ll never know what it’s like to be loved. Whenever I see them, my heart aches. And when I see them on the side of the road – UGH!
August 9th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Deb, please tell me you’ve fixed your furry family members. You referred to one as queen and several as toms. I have seen so many kittens get run over on the street and die a slow death from upper respiratory. Males wiho have bad teeth and gums commonly have an underlying health problem like fiv which is almost always spread by bite wounds. All this suffering can be prevented.
Feeding them isn’t enough. To provide these cats with the best life possible make sure they get spayed and neutered.
August 14th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I sent in “Rex” from my trip to Switzerland. I have seen many other kitties from my trip to Europe but he left the largest impression.