I advise following
Jcatbird
advice. She successfully captured and saved over a hundred cats from death and/or torture where she lives..
You and me both. I kept calling to get him back but had no ideaI mean her advice I reposted here at her request Yesterday at 10:19. I know how frustrating it is getting so much conflicting advice but as she told me what will work for a stray will not usually work for a feral and all of hers were ferals as is Oscar. Don't give up, you two do have a connection. Wish he hadnt been left in a cage for those 6 days.
When he was trapped last Nov - he got rabies and distemper. That's it. I gave him a capstar last night. Does he need the added trauma of going to the vet when I first trap him?What about building him a catio that he could safely live in outside. It would be enclosed and safe from the elements. You could even have it attach to the house via a window or door so he could come and go.
I cannot build a catio since I will be moving. I am actively looking for a house and making offers and not staying where I am.
From my experience, even my most scared and frightened feral cats who hiss, spit, growl and yowl, learn to mellow and live inside.
I would think that living in a crate for a month would be very very hard on him. Would you have a spare room? I would try to find a spare room that is nearly empty. No bed for him to hide under and not large furniture. Keep the windows closed and keep blinds and drapes out of the way. Provide a cat tree so he can look outside.
I agree a crate would be hard on him, especially living outside his whole life and he's about 4 or so. That said, I cannot put him in a room since I have two big dogs and 2 inside cats and cannot take a chance of him getting out. It would be a disaster.
Get some catnip.
Feliway diffusers
Calming treats or Composure liquid max
Also many cats can take longer than a month. If he's not eating that is a concern, but don't set a date of one month instead just take it day by day and watch the changes. Try your best to not be fearful. Cats can really sense fear. Be calm. Talk calmly. Tell him that you are going to take him with you to a new home. It will be safe.
I am not setting an exact date of a month. But if he is miserable in the crate - I have to figure out when it starts being cruel and have a plan.
When you trap him, will he get any vet care first? I would be sure that he is up to date on vaccines and tested for FIV and FELV.
If you plan to bring him inside your home, I would definitely do a vet visit for FIV and FELV testing. Once you trap him, see if you can get a vet to see him on short notice. You could also ask the vet for some gabapentin once he is inside. Gabapentin can be mixed into food. It will make the cat very mellow. To me they act drunk. It is the only way I can handle a few of my feral cats when vet care is needed. They become like a wet noodle. I can then put a blanket around them and pop into the carrier.
If you are keeping him in a crate, you might need a divider to separate areas of the crate so you can easily get inside to scoop litter and feed. He most likely will hiss at you and maybe even growl. I cannot say if he will go after you. Cages are hard for cats for long term.
I was talking about you building a catio at your new home.
What kind of crate are you keep him in? How large is it?
We all want to do our best to help you.
Nice to hear from you again Bitsy's Mom I'm glad that you're making progress.My options are limited. If I don't bring him in my home, then I just leave him here and move. I feel like I have to bring him in my home - as my options are the three I described in my last post. No neighbors, no rescue etc to help. So again, options:
1. Do nothing and move
2. Find a sanctuary in another state, pay them, and bring him there and hope for the best.
3. Bring him inside and see if it's possible.
Regarding the FIV testing - why is this important? He won't be around my other animals. Is it worth the stress of bringing him in the cage there? Leaving him for a day (they are super busy) and so he'll be trapped 24 hrs? I don't want to do that if possible.
This video by Flatbush Cats showed how they coped with a very feral mother in a crate.So, if I am understanding, he may or may not try to attack me when he's in the crate and I am putting food in? And as far as getting him back out of the crate, you are suggesting I drug him and then can do it?