- Joined
- Aug 1, 2013
- Messages
- 45
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- 18
Hi, all.
My partner and I have been caring for a 6-month-old semi-feral cat for about 4 months now. I had him neutered at 4 months, and have been working on socializing him outside since that time, with occasional indoor visits, and overnight stays in his cage after vet visits. He does allow a little bit of petting during food time, but still startles easily around being touched. He LOVES being outside during the day, but seems scared of the outdoors at night, always looking over his shoulder in fear.
A few days ago we had a mishap with a flea medication treatment - i.e., accidentally used a tube of canine flea medicine on him. So, we corralled him inside after that to watch for any neurological side effects (he has been fine, luckily!), and decided to keep him inside and attempt to transition him to indoor life. He has been doing very well at night - loves being inside and will come out to play, play, and play some more... but as soon as the sun is up, he becomes outside-obsessed and cries, running from window to window.
I love this little guy and want him to be happy, so of course I am feeling guilty that apparently he feels like a prisoner inside during the day. Nothing interests him during that time... not food, not play... nothing. He seems to just give up, and then goes and sulks under a chair. I am about to go out and buy him a fancy cat tree for him to climb and play on, but I know not even that will be the same as the outdoors that he misses so much. Is this right to force him to adjust, against his will?
Having an indoor/outdoor cat is not an option for us due to both of us having chronic health issues & can't afford to have outdoor pathogens (worm eggs, etc - he has just been successfully treated for both lung worms and roundworms) tracked inside on a daily basis. And leaving him outside doesn't seem like a good option b/c we will be moving an hour away in the Spring, and this little guy is completely dependent upon us for food, and appears to have no real hunting abilities. So it does seem in his best interest to be an indoor kitty. And if he would allow me to touch him enough to get a harness and bungee leash on him, he could have the best of both worlds... I would happily take him out every day for outside playtime... but he won't allow that much touch, and maybe never will.
I am just second-guessing all over the place as to what's best for this little guy. I welcome any wisdom or advice from people who have been in this situation and gotten through it with a happy, well-adjusted kitty in the end. Thank you! [emoji]9829[/emoji]
My partner and I have been caring for a 6-month-old semi-feral cat for about 4 months now. I had him neutered at 4 months, and have been working on socializing him outside since that time, with occasional indoor visits, and overnight stays in his cage after vet visits. He does allow a little bit of petting during food time, but still startles easily around being touched. He LOVES being outside during the day, but seems scared of the outdoors at night, always looking over his shoulder in fear.
A few days ago we had a mishap with a flea medication treatment - i.e., accidentally used a tube of canine flea medicine on him. So, we corralled him inside after that to watch for any neurological side effects (he has been fine, luckily!), and decided to keep him inside and attempt to transition him to indoor life. He has been doing very well at night - loves being inside and will come out to play, play, and play some more... but as soon as the sun is up, he becomes outside-obsessed and cries, running from window to window.
I love this little guy and want him to be happy, so of course I am feeling guilty that apparently he feels like a prisoner inside during the day. Nothing interests him during that time... not food, not play... nothing. He seems to just give up, and then goes and sulks under a chair. I am about to go out and buy him a fancy cat tree for him to climb and play on, but I know not even that will be the same as the outdoors that he misses so much. Is this right to force him to adjust, against his will?
Having an indoor/outdoor cat is not an option for us due to both of us having chronic health issues & can't afford to have outdoor pathogens (worm eggs, etc - he has just been successfully treated for both lung worms and roundworms) tracked inside on a daily basis. And leaving him outside doesn't seem like a good option b/c we will be moving an hour away in the Spring, and this little guy is completely dependent upon us for food, and appears to have no real hunting abilities. So it does seem in his best interest to be an indoor kitty. And if he would allow me to touch him enough to get a harness and bungee leash on him, he could have the best of both worlds... I would happily take him out every day for outside playtime... but he won't allow that much touch, and maybe never will.
I am just second-guessing all over the place as to what's best for this little guy. I welcome any wisdom or advice from people who have been in this situation and gotten through it with a happy, well-adjusted kitty in the end. Thank you! [emoji]9829[/emoji]