Hi, I've just joined and would appreciate some advice. Middle of last summer I noticed every night when dark, a very thin cat coming into my garden. So hungry she was eating left over bird food! Of course I started feeding her but she wouldn't come near me and if I approached her she bolted. I did ring Cats Protection but they suggested I just continue to do what I'm doing and not to use a trap on her.
Over the months I've managed to gain a little trust but boy is it hard. Food has been placed nearer and nearer to my kitchen door. Last week she actually came further inside and let me stroke her. All was going fine until I shut the kitchen door and she went nuts. She was so distressed I decided it best to open the door. Since then she still comes but is now very nervous of coming too close. I bought an outdoor shelter for her but have yet to see her go in it, except to get the dry biscuits I put in it to try and tempt her!
She's female and my main worry is that she hasn't been neutured. I really need to get her to my vet. The night she came in I did manage to give her flea treatment. I also need to see if she's been chipped. No ads I've placed or enquiries of neighbours have had any luck.
One idea I've had is to maybe get a dog crate and place her in that until I can get her to the vet. With her only coming when it's dark I would need to keep her overnight inside the house. She's a lovely cat and has certainly put weight on with me feeding her. I wouldn't say she's feral but very very nervous.
Any tips or advice you can give me would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Over the months I've managed to gain a little trust but boy is it hard. Food has been placed nearer and nearer to my kitchen door. Last week she actually came further inside and let me stroke her. All was going fine until I shut the kitchen door and she went nuts. She was so distressed I decided it best to open the door. Since then she still comes but is now very nervous of coming too close. I bought an outdoor shelter for her but have yet to see her go in it, except to get the dry biscuits I put in it to try and tempt her!
She's female and my main worry is that she hasn't been neutured. I really need to get her to my vet. The night she came in I did manage to give her flea treatment. I also need to see if she's been chipped. No ads I've placed or enquiries of neighbours have had any luck.
One idea I've had is to maybe get a dog crate and place her in that until I can get her to the vet. With her only coming when it's dark I would need to keep her overnight inside the house. She's a lovely cat and has certainly put weight on with me feeding her. I wouldn't say she's feral but very very nervous.
Any tips or advice you can give me would be really appreciated. Thanks.