How Do I Tell?

[brummet]

I recently adopted a cat from a friend. It was a cat that had been coming around for food and had acted quite friendly after warming up to my friend, even coming into the house once or twice when weather was not ideal. So far, since he has been with me, he has hidden out of sight and has not eaten much at all. He looks to be pretty well kept and is not aggressive whatsoever. He scratched me once but it was an accident when trying to get him to my place (he did not want to go in the cat carrier and as a result I had to carry him at first. during the transfer he caught me with a claw and gave me a little scratch). He does not seem to be a huge fan of me, but when my girlfriend laid on the ground by where he was hiding, he let her pet him and even laid down and was purring, seeming pretty content. He was salivating too but we think that was due to the food that I had tried to give him right before that. He is a pretty clean looking male, not neutered, and he shows signs of both being feral and just a stray. How do I tell? Thank you for the help!

 

[brummet]

More Information:
He has meowed a little, although I think it may have been from anxiety more than anything. He did not bolt when I got him out by me the very first time, instead sniffing a little and then making his way back to his hiding place. He is only in one room, so I know where he is at all times. Again, he is not even the slightest bit aggressive, even when we kind of had him cornered. That is my only saving grace right now is that he seems more shy and scared than anything.

 

[maggie101]

Most cats will be scared in a new environment. Good that she is in one room temporarily. Getting down on hands and knees at her level will make her more comfortable. When I first brought my cat in I could not walk toward her. Start by scratching behind the ears. Does she have someplace high she can jump up?Cats like to observe. Get wand toys. Some like to jump high,others chase after things on the ground.

 

[maggie101]

I have never met a cat that couldn't be tamed. Everyone has their own opinion but to me, a feral cat does not come to your porch for someone to feed them. Instead catch wild critters for food. My cats are inside only. They do not like loud noises and hide whenever someone knocks on the door. The same way a stray/feral cat would react which they are not

 

[brummet]

This makes me feel a little better. He is a crawler lol, I gave him somewhere high to jump and he chose to stay low. Even when he walked he stayed super low to the ground (due to apprehension I assume). I have a feather wand toy that I bought for him but he has not responded at all to it yet. Any other advice/wisdom that may help? Even if he is Feral, I am going to keep him. As good as he may be at surviving outdoors, he will have a longer, more comfortable life indoors

 

[Jcatbird]

This kitty already trusted your friend so he is more open to her. You will have to put in some time to earn his trust too. It sounds like he is a stray, lost or dumped kitty. I am glad you are rescuing him!

The drooling could be nerves but it also could be a bad tooth or something else. I would suggest a trip to the vet and getting the cat neuttered. Both very important.
As for not eating, that can be okay for a short time and may be nerves but it can’t go on too long. Is he drinking? You might try something they have trouble resisting like meat baby food. It is usually a good idea to get the cat used to a new home slowly. Maybe a small room or bathroom where he has fewer places to hide before he gets to know you. Give him a safe place, like a carrier or box to retreat to. He needs a safe haven. Sit quietly with him, especially if you can get him to eat. If he won’t eat with you around, try giving him the room to himself. He sounds scared. There are many ways to get him calmed down and bonded to you. I really would like for you to get him checked by a vet though. I would not try to just carry him there. I think that cat really wanted your help to let you carry it before but going to the vet will be very different. I am going to tag someone I think can help you as well. Please keep posting with any further information or questions. TCS is a great place to get help. I am glad you came here. Welcome!

shadowsrescue Those videos you posted about feral kittens are great! Even though the videos were for kittens, much of that information might help here. Any suggestions for our new cat friend?

 

[maggie101]

Reminds me, when my cat Peaches no she's done something bad like steel a slice of pizza from me, she crouched low and walks real fast. Otherwise her tail is strait up in the air! Maggie's fav toy is the Go Cat catcher_wand toy with a mouse

 

[maggie101]

 

[maggie101]

The leather toy is the only one I've had that doesn't get tangled so it lasts a loooooong time!

 

[shadowsrescue]

Thank you for rescuing this kitty and wanting to make a really good home for him.
The very first step in cat ownership is a vet visit. You want to be sure he is healthy, free of cat diseases (FIV and FELV), vaccines and most importantly neutered. He will be a much better behaved and easier to socialize once neutered. Please make a vet visit soon. Most vet visits set a kitty back for a few days so better to do it sooner than later.

I would set up a room of his own. Having free roam of a house is too much too soon. A quiet space where he feels safe is ideal. I like to use a spare room that is kitty proofed. This can be a spare room with a bed either flat on the floor or removed. You don't want the kitty hiding under the bed as it's nearly impossible to get them out.

Have hiding spaces that are safe. A cat tree with a hiding box is one idea or a small kitty cabana. You want him out in the open as much as possible as it makes socializing much easier.

Food is your friend. I love to use Gerber stage 2 baby food in turkey flavor.e It's in a small glass jar with a blue label. No added sugar or spices just turkey, water and modified food starch. Cats love it. It's about $1 per jar. I use it to socialize most cats as well it's a great way to get nasty meds down a cat!

Here is the link to the video that Jcatbird mentioned. When I first came across it years ago, I used it to socialize an 8-9 month old feral kitten. The tips really helped.

Tough Love Video - UrbanCatLeague

 

[brummet]

Thanks everyone! a couple of things. First, He has had a vet visit today, but it was just for deworming and a general wellness check up to figure out his age and make sure he isnt dying. He is getting neutered within the next month and getting all his vaccines (I am in college and want to have rent paid first, then he is going straight in for vaccines and neutering). Second, I rent out a room in a house, so he is already confined to one small room. The only people/creatures that are ever in the room are me and my girlfriend, No one else (And he already seems to like my girlfriend, she got him to approach her a little and he laid down and was purring while she pet him so I think he may have had a possible male abuser in the past). His current hiding spot is under an easy chair I have. It has a big open space and no longer reclines so he is safe under there, it is just a pain in the butt to get him out. I just bought some wet food for him so I plan on trying to see if he will come out for some of that tomorrow. He also has not eaten or pooped and I cannot tell if he has drank anything. Thank you!

 

[Jcatbird]

I can tell you have some good intuition about him. Figuring out he might be scared of male figures might be right on. It could be as simple as him getting on some guys car or more complicated but your girlfriend being around may help. I am so glad your recliner does not recline. Those are death traps for cats. Kitties often get caught in the mechanism when you tip it back or close it up and one snap kills them.
As a student I would imagine you are on a budget? Some areas have services that help with the cost of neutering. Google it. The baby food is a real help. I know it costs but it may be a need at first. Kitty must eat, drink and poop. You might need to shut him in the bathroom until he calms down. Make sure no toxic chemicals or cleaning supplies are in there.
Since he came in from outside, here is a tip to get him to poop! Put some leaves or pine straw in his litter box. If it smells like outside he may understand to go there.
If you think he goes long without drinking you can buy canned chicken or tuna at the dollar store that is packed in water. It will encourage eating and drinking for the moment. Tuna is not a good , long term food for kitty. The wet food you bought is a great thing. It has the nutrition and some liquid to help him get fluids.
Please, please watch that video. I brought the other member in specifically so you could see that. I rescue large numbers of cats and I can tell you that the information you got from that member is priceless. It is worth every second you spend watching it. Your life with kitty will get much easier, mich faster if you follow the tips on that video. You are being given a shortcut that many of us spent years learning on our own. You’ll love how well the tips work. Easy stuff to do. Huge round of applause to you for getting him to the vet so fast. You are fantastic! I think this kitty is very lucky to have found you. No wonder it went with you voluntarily! Smart cat. Let us know how you guys are doing. We will be hoping it all goes smoothly for you.

 

[brummet]

Thank you! I have more developments. Quincy is now coming out and wandering, but vocalizing a lot. I put food by him and he did not want to eat, i put him by the litterbox and he did not want to go (although I am about to go try the leaves). I just put a fresh water dish in front of him and he did not want water. He is rubbing up against me with his tail up, though. I am afraid his meowing will disturb some of my roommates. What should I do?

 

[maggie101]

My cat Maggie does that. She simply wants to hear my voice. After I talk she stops. When I'm in bed she will meow in my living room. She does not like being by herself. Sometimes when a cat is scared she will meow. Your cat will eventually feel safe

 

[brummet]

Holy cow he just let me pick him up and hold him and hes being super super friendly. I think the vocalizing was because he wanted attention! He hasnt stopped rubbing up against me and hes coming over when i click my tongue for him to come over and best of all HE ATE THE WET FOOD!!!!!! I flipped the chair so he still has a hiding place but now its more accessible for the both of us. It will do until I get him a cat tree I think.

 

[Jcatbird]

Amazing! Wonderful news! That cat loves you already! Cats are very picky about choosing a person. You have made a friend for life. I am happy for you and impressed. You’re a natural at this. Keep up the great work.

 

[brummet]

Thank you!! He is still skittish with loud noises understandably, and he's choosing to sleep in his hiding place instead of with me, and he still hasnt pooped, but I expect that will all come soon. Thank you for all of the help! Those videos were phenomenal by the way!

 

[maggie101]

 

[brummet]

One last question; any tips for getting him to cut down on the vocalizations. About 5am he started vocalizing again because I assume he wanted attention and then he went back to bed. Any ideas?

 

[di and bob]

Cats are very vocal (or more so, anyway) before they are neutered. Once he is neutered he won't want out so bad, and will settle down. It takes weeks to months for a cat to accept a big change, so he is already doing remarkably well. You are doing everything right! Ignore him now in the AM's, any attention, even if it is scolding or pushing him away, is attention and will reenforce the meowing.