Taming A Senior Tom?

Would making the effort to tame a senior tom be a waste of time?

How much stress would it cause for a cat that has been outside all it's life to adjust to indoor living?

Does anyone have any experience with taming a feral/semi-feral cat?

I would really love to hear how it went for you!

Edit: Also, would it be possible to introduce the feral senior tom to another senior tom indoors?

Graceful-Lily said:

Would making the effort to tame a senior tom be a waste of time?

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I think no, not a waste of time

Graceful-Lily said:

How much stress would it cause for a cat that has been outside all it's life to adjust to indoor living?

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Initially, a bit, but many cats I've read about that have been brought in adjust so well and become so comfortable and appreciative that they don't have any interest in going back out.

How To Successfully Introduce Cats: The Ultimate Guide

Jcatbird is definitely the premier advisor on this situation ~ she is absolutely fluent in "catspeak" and very accomplished in taming adult, truly wild, ferals.
I was able to tame an adult feral "Tommy Scott" who had been TNRd years earlier. For several months, I had to wear tall barn boots and tough jackets in the summer because he would attack my legs as I stood next to a plate of canned food and/or KFC chicken. He acted very fierce and it was scary. But he eventually became calm and during a November blizzard ran through the open back door and "parked it" on the hearth in front of the blazing woodburner and simply decided to be a tame, affectionate house cat. Quite by accident, he adjusted to the other cats: when my Maine Coon JC ran into the room, TommyScott immediately yowled and charged at him but JC got so spooked that he poofed up ALL his hairs - even his sides "fizzed" out. Seeing a 21 lb cat "blow up" like that scared Tommy Scott so badly that TS's claws scratched the floor as he tried to "stomp on the brakes". After that, they basically ignored the other, trying to save face, I suppose. My other cat, a small female, and TS had already fought outside but shortly after that epic battle, became cuddle buddies. And all my cats loved kittens so the incoming fosters were no problem.

I would try it. Kit is now in his senior years more likely to fall to an illness and less able to defend himself than he was even a few months ago. You're going to want to help him when he's wounded. The transition will be easier now that he doesn't feel vulnerable than later when he's hurt. A lot of the old fighting toms are grateful to come inside, to stop fighting. However, you need to expect a bit of a fight, to save face on his part when you bring him in. A guy's a guy for all that.

You can absolutely tame and socialize an old feral Tom. In some ways they may be more open to the opportunity to have an easier life. The struggles for older cats get really tough. I brought in many ferals and the oldest, most seemingly reluctant, became a total teddy bear over the next weeks. Not only did he adjust, he has become the lover and protector of all the kitties here. I would not have guessed what a huge reward this particular rescue would be. I expected far more difficulties. Every cat is different but every cat is worth the effort. There may be some tricks you need to use but we can all assist you as you go through the process. This is something we often attend to here on TCS and many here have great experiences and have learned how to accomplish what you are suggesting. My BJ is now one of the great loves on my thread. My old Tom is hilarious and gives me great joy every day. I hope you will try and help that old guy. Integrating with another older cat should be done gradually but they could end up being very supportive of each other and a comfort to each cat. Please post more. We’d love more details and to know hoe you decide to proceed. It’s really great that you care about him. Thanks!

hugs to BJ! who spreads the love wherever he goes.

Kflowers said:

hugs to BJ! who spreads the love wherever he goes.

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Banjo for President, BJ for SOS!!

Graceful-Lily ... don't forget that we TCSers LOVE photos

Oh, by the way here's one more that may be of help to you, along with the terrific advice and support you're receiving
The Five Golden Rules To Bringing An Outdoor Cat Inside

Jcatbird said:

You can absolutely tame and socialize an old feral Tom. In some ways they may be more open to the opportunity to have an easier life. The struggles for older cats get really tough. I brought in many ferals and the oldest, most seemingly reluctant, became a total teddy bear over the next weeks. Not only did he adjust, he has become the lover and protector of all the kitties here. I would not have guessed what a huge reward this particular rescue would be. I expected far more difficulties. Every cat is different but every cat is worth the effort. There may be some tricks you need to use but we can all assist you as you go through the process. This is something we often attend to here on TCS and many here have great experiences and have learned how to accomplish what you are suggesting. My BJ is now one of the great loves on my thread. My old Tom is hilarious and gives me great joy every day. I hope you will try and help that old guy. Integrating with another older cat should be done gradually but they could end up being very supportive of each other and a comfort to each cat. Please post more. We’d love more details and to know hoe you decide to proceed. It’s really great that you care about him. Thanks!

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This post of many others clearly exemplifies WHY I came on here to ask re cats & ferals in specific. I too, want to socialize a feral Tom w/ our older territorial indoor female cat. It can be done according to many here, so it gives me courage to think this isn't a remote possibility but rather a distinct favorable possiblity!

Thx Jcatbird, for all the advice you give on here to us novices.

Thank you everyone for responding but unfortunetly, animal services will be keeping him. He's in bad shape, very old, very sick. Might be euthanized.

oh noooo..... i know that they want what is best for the cat, but that can be hard to determine in the shelter environment. I am praying that those in charge are guided in their decision by the Power of the Highest Source please keep us updated!

This is why again, I ONLY allow MY vet to see a feral.

She is an all-cat only vet & cares alot for cats. Thus, I feel safe that if any way he can be saved or kept as a pet, etc. she will try to do it if all possible. I trust her alot & hope a private vet could maybe handle this guy before it is too late.

Animal services often just wants to euthanize, when there is hope another vet could actually help him remain alive & treat his health. If his quality of life is gone, then yes, euthanize unfortunately, but too often I think it is just to make room or get it over with & not in best interest of the animal.

I could be wrong but that is my opinion & hence, why I ONLY will take a cat to MY vet after nearly a decade w/ her & my indoor cat.

So very sorry to hear that news. Perhaps you could convince them to allow his final time to be spent in comfort and love with you? If other cats are an issue, just isolate him. A room by himself to eat, sleep and have love. So very sorry. Thank for for your attempts.

M movinintime Very glad that you have found some helpful information here. Ideally, a private vet is the place to go but keep in mind, some places have restrictions against that. Some areas require all strays to be turned over to animal control.
It’s something that is changing but still exists in primitive areas. Horrendous! This is something that we all need to speak out about. Opinions voiced, count!

I might be able to convince the vet that looked after him but knowing animal services, they'll probably refuse.

Regardless of what happens, even if they do euthanize him, at least he wouldn't die alone and on the street like his life wasn't worth anything. Just thinking about that makes me cry.

Your feral Tom is part of our TCS family now. We all care very much about both of you. No matter what, we are here for whatever you two need.

I know it’s sad but we all do what we can. Some things are beyond our control. You already did help him. He is not alone outside and struggling. It can be hard on much sick older kitties outside. You did a good thing. We’ll
hope for him. You both have love here, that’s is the best thing you can ever give to anyone. You have given him that.

JCabird summed it up best, "You already did help him. He is not alone outside and struggling. It can be hard on much sick older kitties outside. You did a good thing."

It can be TERRIBLE for sick, incapacitated cats outdoors. So much pestilence including ants, fleas, ticks.....it makes me shudder. Even if the shelter puts him down, he is getting a MUCH easier fate than the alternative.

Old Admiral Jellybean was euthanized. His condition did not improve and he was suffering so they did what they had to do.

Thank you everyone for your kind words and encouragement. I need some time.

Godspeed and tailwinds west, Sir Admiral Jellybean. You will never have fear and suffering again, just the joys of Heaven.
Graceful-Lily .... my deepest condolences I was so hoping for a last minute miracle. Take whatever time you need & I pray that The Admiral sends a celestial sign, such as a spectacular sunset or sunrise or shooting star, that he is part of a bigger realm now and all is well. Do not hesitate to reach out to any one or all of us - either in the Crossing The Bridge forum or via Private Message. {{{HUGS}}}