As Sherry Derdak, chairman of the San Antonio Wildcats Union, often said, “They only know the life on the street, and that’s their happiest place.”

I read your post about a San Antonio woman trying to save a pregnant cat. A few days ago, a very friendly stray cat appeared at my front door. I feed her and give her water.

I have no experience in raising cats, but I have a dog. I took her to the vet to get her vaccinated. She was sterilized, had a microchip, and wore earplugs. The veterinarian gave her a sedative for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and feline leukemia tests.

Later that night, I put her in the garage with fresh food, water, the new bin and bed I just prepared for her. That night, she sneaked out and ran.

I found her the next morning and boxed her. She is not happy. She struggled in the crate, cut her nose and tried to get out. I put her in the garage again, this time closing the door completely. She was injured when she ran away again and hid under the freezer for a long time. She did not eat or drink anything.

I decided that she might be best suited to be an outdoor neighbor cat and let her go. I opened the garage slightly, and there was food and water in it, in case she came back. I now realize that I am emotionally close to her. I miss her.

Friendly community cats are cats that grow up at home and socialize with others, but when the owner no longer needs them, they will be thrown on the street. These cats may be afraid of people, but if given the right opportunity, they can adapt to humans again.

However, these cats are rarely neutered or neutered, as are kittens born on the streets. This is the next generation of community cats (and their offspring) that don’t interact with people. Some of these cats may be passionate about people, but not a lot, unless they have been in contact with people early on.

As Sherry Derdak, president of the San Antonio Wildcats Union often said, “They only know street life, and that’s their happiest place.”

But you can do something to improve her life. A dumped ear indicates that she has been sterilized and you have provided her with the first round of vaccinations, so you can be her caregiver next.

When she is sick or injured, trap her and take her to the vet, and provide her with fresh food and water every day. Feed her at the same time every day so she learns to find food. This way you can pick up the food after she finishes eating. Otherwise, you may attract more cats to your garage.

Thank you for taking care of her.

Send your pet questions, tips and stories to cathy@petpundit.com. You can read the Animals Matter blog at http://blog.mysanantonio.com/animals and follow her at @cathymrosenthal.

Cathy M. Rosenthal has worked for local animal shelters and national humanitarian groups for more than 25 years. She is also a freelance writer for newspapers, magazines, and non-profit organizations, focusing on animal issues, pet behavior, and human/animal relationships. Cathy is the author of several children's books on pet care.