NEED HELP BIG TIME........

Hi 12/19/2012 I was leaving my house  (45 -male, I live alone- temp 28F outside) and I heard "MEOWS!!" that sounded like cries for help.  So I look on my porch and seen a Tabby tiger skinned type cat, in an empty covered little box, with old towels, paper, plastic etc as a makeshift shelter.

I walked up to the box to see the cat closer and hen it jumped out , ran past me, then stopped. I never moved the whole time, it then "meowing" like crazy as it walked towards me, it began rubbing all over my legs and jumping at my hands while meowing over and over.

I however had to go, so I pet it scratched its back etc...

When I returned 10 minutes later , I put cheese an crackers on the porch in case it came back. No matter than 5 minutes, he was back

( yes found out it was a he), began eating just the cheese. I watched It on my surveillance camera. So I decided to see if he'd come inside.

Well he hesitated but ran inside, if anything I could save him from freezing.

He was all over me in the house, went where i did, cried when hungry or needed to go out. during this time I called the local pet authorities, who told me to claim him as mine and encouraged me to adopt it, they told me all the terrible stuff that can happen. Plus if brought there the may be put to sleep.

I have a bad back and spend a lot of time lying down, so while I was on the phone he stared at me, which made it worse. So that was it I was a softy and decided to keep it. I have no money, being disabled you can't get a decent job and I'm in constant pain, so my check  goes to all the bills etc..

I however was able to use CC and a few dollars laying arounf to get him canned cat food, litter, and a little litter box. My friend from out of state said to just give him one can of food and always keep dry food out plus plenty of water and show him where the littler box and where it is..

SO HERE COMES THE PROBLEM.........

he cries and cries until I let him out and wont use the little box, he wont go until I let him out. Don't want him doing his business all over the house, especially when he sleeps on the other side of the bed.I don't want him to run out, he can get killed, diseases, bugs etc....

I'm afraid that if he can't stay inside, that instead of the shelter where he may eventually be put to sleep, that I will shut off the camera and not let him in any more. don't want to but, my home can get infested with bugs and he can make my home smell.

I NEED QUICK HELP, I DON'T WANT TO GET TO ATTACHED. THANK YOU

Although it is far safer for a cat to be indoor only, there are many who are indoor/outdoor.  Let him out to do his business!  If you don't want (or can't) get up and down often, set up a warm space for him up out on the porch away from the wind for when he needs to be outside a little longer than you'd like.  1 can of food a day  (the 5.5 oz size) is a good start for an outdoor cat who is hunting.  Make sure he has water.  Most of my cats eat 1 or 1.5 cans a day.  Dry food is definitely better than no food but canned is best for them.

He really should get a rabies shot at the very least.  Contact rescues in your area to find out what kind of assistance is available.  If you absolutely can't care for him, the kindest option just may be the shelter.

Thank you very much. I do believe there is a free Rabies type center near me.

On a good note after I wrote the last post. I let him out, he ran right to the lot

next door and before I got upstairs to lay down , he ran to the front door and stared at it.

He must know I can see him somehow, so he looked at the door.

Now I am a bit worried about rabies omg.

Thanks again and All advice will be appreciated

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It is natural for him to cry to go out, I have rescued cats like this before and they can be very insistent, even jumping at the window or doors and crying, scratching etc. 

When you say he won't use the litter box, do you mean he will just go on the floor or bed, or he keeps crying until he is let out and otherwise ignores the box? Sometimes they just don't understand and need to be lifted and set into the litterbox. 

One pretty sure way to get him used to a box is to borrow a cage or large dog crate and put him in it with the litter box and let him live there for several days. He will be really bummed out, but he should definitely use the box at that point, and it will be easier for him to go from a crate to a house without needing the outside quite so much. In the case of other kitties I have taken in, that is what I do- first a cage, then a single room, then the house. This way also ensures your kitty is isolated until he can get his veterinary exam, check for a microchip, give him vaccines and test for illnesses, treat him for possible fleas, check for ear mites etc. 

You can also buy a product called Sccaat from amazon.com that emits a loud hissing noise if he goes somewhere you don't want, i.e. jumping or scratching at the door. It has a sensor and will hiss if he goes in that direction. 

Last but not least they say the best way to get a cat to stop doing something is to give a more attractive alternative. Use Dr. Elsey for his cat litter, it smells very pleasing to cats. Also invest in a cat tree and put fleece throws on the backs of your couches etc. so he has "his" places to hang, preferably where he can look out the window. Don't forget to get some scratchy cardboards too. I know your income is limited so just do one step at a time and don't forget you can use craigslist to get stuff cheaper. 

I think the Ssscat is a great idea to keep him away from the door. Since he is used to going to the bathroom outside you could put a little outside dirt in his litter box on top of the litter and place him in it. He might decide he likes it in the box. Hope all goes well.

He will also need to be neutered so he won't whiz all over your house. . .however, he looks like a neutered male to me. Something about his head doesn't look female or tomcat. So if he's neutered he probably had his rabies shot, too. I wouldn't worry about rabies, but he should have a booster in your name so you can prove ownership if you need to.

I had a cat who didn't like to use a litterbox either. Unless there was a blizzard, he would always wait until he could go out. Maybe you can teach him to go out, go potty, and come right back in, or take him out on a leash like a dog. Also, what kind of litter did you get? Most cats prefer sand-like litter, and unscented is usually preferred as well. So if you got a rocky kind of litter or a heavily scented kind, try a scoopable unscented litter and see what he thinks.

But first. . .you should put found posters up. His owners may be missing him.

He used to be Somebody's cat if he was so friendly, so he might just need a reminder of how to use the litterbox. Keeping him in a cage or in a spare bedroom/bathroom for a few days should do the trick. If you can get up and down a couple times a day, then alternatively, you could let him be indoor/outdoor like others said.
:nod:

Awww, this cat sounds like a sweetheart.    Binky, just take things one bit at a time, it'll work out.    One thought I have is that if he's in/out you'll need to put regular flea control on him but that can be expensive - maybe call some local veterinarians and see if any have any low cost alternatives or ideas.

Thank you, I have some good news, He finally used the litter box for everything. I also noticed he didn't whine to me about going outside.

I put a chair near the upstairs window and he was standing on the ledge just staring out it for quite some time.

He also sits  or lays on the chair looking out.  Seems content so far, hasn't been out in 2 days now.

I'm getting there slowly but surely. lol

So glad to hear that! He is one great looking kitty and I hope you keep him! If he needs to be neutered check back here so we can recommend some low cost options!

Great news!      Does he have a name yet?   Once you name them you know it's all over

for some odd reason kramer came to mind for him i would name him that

That's a great name :-) :-) . Awww he has you too for the holidays- a warm bed and lots of love, and a new parent!! 

I was watching an Alfred Hitchcock movie while laying in bed and I had a string playing with him and

there was a character called "Binky" so instead of calling him "kitty" I just started to say "Binky"

It was an old mans name and It sounded funny, because the old guy was silly lol. so "Binky" was born its OFFICIAL
 

His name is officially Binky. If I'm  upstairs and haven't seen him for awhile, I yell  "Binky what are you doing?"

and he comes running up and jumps on the bed like a soldier at attention being inspected, lol

Then I scratch his head or rub under his chin and he usually lays down for a nap hahaha

He sounds like a really smart sociable kitty, I think he recognized a winner   and you picked one too!

Awwww, he knows his name!    Binky sounds like the name of a beloved sweet cat which he is

BarbB said:

He sounds like a really smart sociable kitty, I think he recognized a winner 

 and you picked one too!

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Awww Thank You very much , that was a nice thing to say. Gives me some more confidence lol.

Plus all you veterans have some beautiful cats. I think I'm going to have a great New Year.

Happy New Year to you also