Feral/stray Question

Pjemond

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Hello, I am new here and looking for direction. We often feral kittens appear behind our business and always try to home them. A 7 month old (approximately according to vet) has been hanging around for about a month. He's beautiful (looks just like s Bombay) and sweet although won't let us touch him. He comes when we call him for food and even chased my son's car as he was driving off. We trapped him and neutered him and vaccinated him. He's healthy. I really want an outdoor cat but I think he will run off. Do you think I can socialize him and eventually let him go inside and outside or even just outside if he prefers? I pick him up from the vet tomorrow.
 

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:hellosmiley: Pjemond, welcome to TCS!

Thank you for taking care of this kitty that you found near you and thank you for taking him to the vet for a check over :clapcat:

Great to hear that you plan to take him home.

Socializing may take awhile and with lots of love and patience. Yes, I think this kitty can be socialized and please keep him indoors which is safer for him, which means less or no disease, not getting lost, not getting knocked down by vehicles, not getting attacked by dogs and other larger animals and also away from cat haters.

Do you have a safe room that you can keep him in? Also if you have, make sure it is cat safe and there are no escape route. In the meanwhile, while feeding him, leave his dish on top of one of your clean unwashed clothings so that he can associate your scents with the food and knows that the food comes from you. And leave a blanket or big towel or two outside for him to lay on so that you can bring one of it into the safe room and leave it there so that there is a familiar scent to him.

Also as you feed him, feed him closer to you door and move his dish in bit by bit into your house and once he is comfortable eating inside, close the door.

Once inside the house and in the safe room, visit him many times a day and go down on your knees and speak softly to him by calling out his name. Have some soothing music in the room. for him too. Place a cardboard box in the room for him. He may hide initially but with love and patience, you'll win his heart. Just do not rush through the whole thing and don't spook him out else it'll be more difficult he second time around.

Place his litter box away from his food ad have some toys like a cat wand or feather wand to play with him to boost his confidence.

Here are some articles for you to read :-

spaying-and-neutering-what-to-look-for-after-surgery.30218
how-to-help-a-new-cat-adjust-to-your-home.32804

Do it step by step and please ask as many questions as you can so to help you have a smoother transition as this post is not exhaustive as things changes every time.
Many others with similar experiences may also chip in so just hang on in there and remember, we are here to do our best help you.

Do remember to update this thread often do that it's up to date and also to have more prompt answers.
 
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Elphaba09

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If he can adjust to inside life is up to the cat. While my current cats are all indoor only--excluding our true feral, Linden, who is outside only and will not let us near him--I know that for some cats who have lived outdoors being inside can be very upsetting. We found a cat when my son was young. I would bring her in on bad days during the winter, and she was miserable and would not eat.

Having said that, you said that this cat is about 7 months old. Unless you saw it when it was a wee kitten, it may really be a stray rather than a true feral. At the very least, it is a domesticated feral, which is a good thing because it has a better chance of adjusting to life indoors.

We have nine cats in our house. All of them have lived at least a portion of their lives outside. Some were born feral to either stray or feral mothers. Others were obviously pets that had been dumped or somehow got lost. The oldest was found when he was 8. The youngest was 5-weeks. After the initial shock of being indoors, all of them have adjusted wonderfully to being indoor only. Freya, our second youngest, had the hardest time because she was a true feral kitten that had spent time on her own and was not used to being near humans. She was 4/5 months when we found her, so still young enough to adjust.

As for outdoor cats and indoor/outdoor cats, I, personally, find it too dangerous and scary. Linden is a tough cat with a house on our porch, but he went missing this past winter and it was very upsetting. Fennimore, Willow, and their brother, Pip, who lives with my friend, had a mother and siblings who were killed by a coyote. Our Evangeline who was living behind my son's place of employment before we caught her had multiple litters of kittens, many of who were killed on the road.

We have a small-ish house (less than 1,000 sq ft) with lots of added vertical spaces for the cats to climb. They have their own spaces that make them happy. I put in a couple of bird feeders just so the cats can watch the birds. That may have helped them adjust.

Whatever you decide, it is wonderful what you do for the cats that show up near your work and that you got this one fixed and vaccinated.
 
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Pjemond

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Thank you for your replies. The cat has been trapped and at the vet now so I will not put it outside initially, if at all The only reason would be if I can't socialize it or if it is absolutely miserable inside. Even though I have read it's not likely you can socialize a true feral cat, I feel this is a very sweet cat begging for a home. That being said, I live in a remote-ish area with a big fenced back yard and lots of woods around. Not many neighbors around. If it's miserable inside I was hoping maybe indoor/outdoor. I previously had 2 indoor/outdoor that lived happily for 16 years. Initially they were only indoors but my ex ended up very allergic so we slowly let them outside most of the time. I want to do what's best for this beautiful cat, I am just very unsure what is best. I get a lot of differing answers from different sources. The vet even suggested I release him back where he was or somewhere else but I don't want him living out of dumpsters....I plan on making my office a temporary cat room today before I pick him up. I'm nervous but want to give it my best shot.
Screenshot_20190416-072237_Messages.jpg
 

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Thank you for rescuing this sweet kitty. Please do try to work on socializing and allowing this cat to have a safer life inside. Remember it can take time and patience. I have brought 5 feral cats into my house. All of them were 3 and older. When they first were in the safe room, many of them threw themselves against the window and yowled and howled. Yet after 3-5 days, all had calmed down. If you can work through the first few days, you can then begin to see progress.

In the space you are going to use, be sure to cat proof it. Cats can squeeze into small tiny spaces. Block off under and behind large furniture. If a bed is in the room, either lay it flat on the floor, pick the mattress up or remove it. Under the bed is the first place a cat will go to hide. It's so hard to get them out from under there.

Playing soft music often helps too. Feliway plug ins work well too.

Don't panic at first. Give it a few days for all to calm down. Be sure to keep windows tightly closed too.

You want the cat out in the open as much as possible. Watch out for closets too. Many cats get in there to hide and don't want to come out. I like to provide a hiding box such as a cat carrier, hiding box of a cat tree or even a clean cardboard box.

Here is an article and a few more tips to help you. Check in and let us know how it's going.
How to Socialize Very Shy or Fearful Cats

1. The first tip is to have a room that is dedicated to the cat. If possible this should be a room where the cat will be confined for a period of time. You can use a spare bedroom or even a small bathroom. If using a bedroom or other room of your home, be sure that the room is cat proofed. Remove mattress and box springs or place them directly on the floor. Hiding under a bed is the first place the cat will run and it is almost impossible to get them out. Also block behind dressers or book cases. Cats can fit into very small spaces. You do want to have an appropriate hiding spot for the cat. This can be an old box turned on its side or a hiding box found on a cat tree. Also make sure all windows are tightly closed and blinds are up with the cords hidden. Do not be surprised if the cat throws himself against the window in an attempt to escape.

2. If you do not have an empty room available or the cat is very wild, you can use a large dog crate or fasten two smaller crates together. Just be sure there is enough room for a small litter pan and food. If you need to use a crate, I would suggest keeping the crate covered with a sheet or towel when the cat is alone. This will help to calm the cat. Eventually you will need a cat proofed space where you can move the cat.

3. You will want to start with 2 litter boxes. Many feral cats are not used to urinating and defecating in the same location. When choosing a litter, you can use fresh clean potting soil mixed with non clumping litter or you can try Dr. Elsey’s Litter Attract. I have found the Litter Attract to work very well. If the cat has an accident on the floor, sop up the urine with a paper towel and bury it into the litter box. Do the same with any stool. Make sure you clean the area very well with a good enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of odor. Place the litter boxes away from the food and water.

4. Feliway plugins are a great way to help a nervous cat adjust. Most cats find the product soothing. You can find Feliway at most pet stores as well as on Amazon.

5. Another product I found helpful was Composure treats or Composure Liquid Max. The first few nights inside are very stressful. The cat will often yowl and cry all night. The Composure is very useful in calming the cat at night. I first tried the treats, but after a week or so, the cat no longer liked the treat. I then switched to the liquid as it was very easy to mix into wet food. Composure is available at the best price on Amazon.

6. No direct eye contact. Feral cats find this very threatening. Keep your gaze over the top of their head or look down.

7. Talk softly. You want them to get used to your voice. Carry on a conversation or even read aloud from a book or magazine.

8. Sit on the ground so you are not looming over the cat. You also want to keep your movements slow.

9. Food rewards are the way to a ferals heart. Find a special yummy treat such as plain cooked chicken or turkey, salmon, tuna or sardines. I would start by giving them a very small plate with some of the special treat. I would then have small pieces beside me and begin to toss the treat towards the cat. Each toss I would get the treat a little closer to me. I would do this activity each day. After a few weeks, the cats are often getting quite close as long as you keep your movements slow and gaze down.

A very special food reward I stumbled across is Gerber Stage 2 baby food. Cats love the chicken or turkey. The jar is very small with a blue label. The ingredients are chicken or turkey and water, no added spices. I started with a bit on a plate and as time went by, I offered it on a spoon. When working with young ferals or kittens, they can often be coaxed to lick this off your fingers. Just remember this is a treat reward and not a meal replacement.

10. Remember that when working with ferals it is often 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Just take it slow and steady. Also celebrate the small advancements.

11. Jackson Galaxy of Animal Planets, “My Cat From Hell” series is the cat guru. He has a line of flower essences that are specially designed for cat behaviors. He even has one for feral cats. I have used this essence with great success on all of my feral cats.
 
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Pjemond

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Thank you all these suggestions. I have my work cut out for me today before I bring the little guy home :).
 
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Pjemond

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So I just picked up my little boy from the vet. The girl that checked me out was not very encouraging at all. She said if I keep him in he will probably spray even though he's been neutered. I'm really nervous now. Although he did not spray the first night we had him confined in the bathroom and he was really freaked out that night. What do you all think?? Any tips or ideas?
 

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i think it depends. i've taken in ferals and strays that didn't spray, even when they were fixed late. and i've adopted non-feral, non-strays who did spray even though they were fixed. i would think after the hormones are out of his system and he's not freaked out from his trip to the vet that he might very well not spray.

my first cat was an intact male stray who had been living outside for at least a year, probably longer. he never sprayed indoors.

you can sometimes teach cats to use the box by using cat attract litter or experimenting till you find a brand that appeals to them. if/when he pees or poops outside the box, put a little of the poop or pee inside the box to give him the hint.
 
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Pjemond

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So he didn't spray the first day and night we had him confined to the bathroom and he was super freaked out that day. I'm just really nervous, I have a brand new house and I would just die if I couldn't get the cat spray smell out of the walls. I didn't even think he might spray after being neutered. I had a male cat that was fixed at about 7 months and he never once sprayed. This is a new thing that will make me very nervous.
 
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Pjemond

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Also, the room I have prepared for him has a big window. Should I close the blinds tight? Or should I pull them all the way up? Is it more stressful for him to see out, or less?
 

Elphaba09

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Do not feel discouraged by the vet tech. Young ferals (typically under a year old) can be socialized and become indoor cats. While I have never experienced it, there are cases of older ferals being socialized. Did you ever get near the cat before you trapped him?

Taming Ferals - UrbanCatLeague

Tips to Socialize Feral & Frightened Cats and Kittens - Life With Cats

How to Socialize Very Shy or Fearful Cats

As for the spraying, there are ways to help stop it, if he ever does it. Any cat runs a risk of spraying, especially adult males who were neutered later in life. As I said though, there are ways to minimalize or eliminate spraying. The main way is to create an environment where they feel safe.

We have a light to check around the house for spray. I cannot tell you the last time we found any. Simon, our now 13-year-old former stray, was neutered when he was 8 and had lived out in the wild for some time. We have not had any issues with him, except once during the summer he peed out a screened window at a cat that was outside the window. I saw him do it.
 

Elphaba09

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Also, the room I have prepared for him has a big window. Should I close the blinds tight? Or should I pull them all the way up? Is it more stressful for him to see out, or less?
It really depends. What can he see out the window? Birds? Should be fine. Other cats? Shut the blinds.
 
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Pjemond

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Thank you for the encouragement. Yes, we have been feeding him for about a month. He will come when called and eat close to us but we haven't been able to handle him. He has taken a liking to my son and will even follow him. But my son doesnt live with me.
 

Elphaba09

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All of our cats like to be able to watch out the window, especially if there are birds. For a quasi-feral, being able to see outside may make the transition easier. If the can see stuff going on (birds, trees, bugs, etc...) it exercises their brains and keeps them from getting bored. Our cat Tara needs extra stimulation or she starts misbehaving. As night, I sometimes show her "cat" videos on Youtube that show birds, squirrels, mice, and fish. She loves it, and it helps calm her.

He is beautiful, by the way!
 
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Pjemond

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I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. Another question. I don't think he's eaten since we captured him. What if he won't eat with me in the room? Should I leave it or take it away? I think he's still groggy from sedation
 

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Leave food out for him 24/7. It it's wet food pick it up after an hour or so, but leave dry food and fresh water. You may have to get some really stinky food ( tuna or stinky wet food). It's normal after trapping for them to not eat for a day or two.
 
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Pjemond

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Awesome. Thank you!
 
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Pjemond

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So my little guy had a very active first night. I have 1 book shelf in the room with paperwork... that was all knocked off. No big deal. I stupidly left a blanket on a chest, he knocked that down and peed on the blanket. But it does appear he at least stepped around the litter boxes. There were 2 small rabbit turd looking things on the floor, (maybe constipated). I buried them in the litter. He did eat the dry food and drank. He scratched at the bottom of the door......he does not growl at us anymore and my son (his favorite person) was able to touch him last night. I didn't know he had already pet his head a few times......so maybe the is hope?????? Oh, this guy can jump. I have the blinds pulled all the way up with the tassels tucked in. He knocked the tassels down. I'm very nervously optimistic. My biggest concern is litter box use
 

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Looking at it, there is hope. get your son to visit him more often since he allows your son to pet him and most likely for the time being, your son is his only one he trust.

He could be just bored and tassels are great looking toys to cats. Since he does not growl at you, you too can visit him more often and when you are there, talk softly to him and call his name and of course play with him using a cat wand or a ball. Get a card box for him :- 52-reasons-why-cats-must-get-inside-boxes.33426

It's good that you place his poop in the box so that he can know that there's the place for his business and as for the blanket, remove it and have a good wash.
Can you try to remember when before he was taken indoor, did you see where he was peeing and pooping? If you do, you can take some of the soil or dry leaves that are where he did his business and bring some of those and place it in his litter box. Since he was an outdoor cat before, he has not seen any litter box before and may not know how to use it.

Maybe you can try giving him wet food so that he get moisture from it just in case he dies not drink water and it also help him so that he will not be constipated.

You may also want to make sure the rest of the house is cat safe and try opening the door of his room so that he can venture out since he's scratching he door. But leave the room door open and let him wander and discover the rest of the house by himself and if he's afraid, he can retreat back to the room.

I'm just jumping the gun here but it may not be the case that he wants to discover the house. He may be curious what's beyond the door and also he may take the chance to escape. It's still very early to be sure that he is already accustomed to be indoors.

Do keep us posted of the progress.
 
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