Getting stray to use warming house?

[momof3b1g]

I put a warming house for a cat who's been coming in our rural yard. How do I get him to use it? Dh put it near where he thought he had been hiding. But the cameras didn't show he even went near it. Its 10 degrees outside. Im worried he won't survive. will cat nip work? I'm not sure if trapping him is a good idea if he isn't friendly. But hate that he's outside.

 

[verna davies]

You could try catnip or maybe tuna, something with a strong smell that will entice him into the shelter.

 

[di and bob]

They often feel trapped. You might start with something a little more open, like a tote on its side, or a blanket over a chair, and plug the warming mat into an extension cord. I'm going through the same thing, a nice garage with 5 new warming huts inside and my outside cats huddle together on a chair, or on the lawnmower seat in the garage. When it is 10 degrees F! they know they are there, and the littlest two use one, I don't understand it. it may take some blizzard conditions to force them into the garage. They were all raised in there by their mama. (who LOVES her warming hut surrounded by bales of straw, but NO babies allowed!)

 

[shadowsrescue]

Make sure the shelter has an entrance and exit. Most cats won't go inside if they feel trapped. I always start with 2 holes and then after the cat is comfortable I cover one of the holes up and seal it well.

To get them inside a trail of catnip will often help. I would not put any food near the shelter. You do not want to encourage other critters to use the shelter or frighten your cat. Catnip is the safest route.

Has the cat been spayed or neutered? If you are feeding and sheltering him, he you have taken on responsibility of him/her. If he is not neutered he will continue to wander far looking for females and continue the high rate of unwanted cats. If it's a female she will reproduce like bunnies. Please do make sure he/sure is spayed/neutered. Trap Neuter Return is the kindest thing to do if the cat is not adoptable or able to be socialized.

Thank you for caring about this kitty!

 

[momof3b1g]

How do you go about getting them food? First night mouse ate it. Today I put more out under the trailer where is sometimes goes. But he never came back and ate it. Not sure where he's at. Its 10 degrees again. Dh Sprinkled some cat nip but he didn't even check out the box:/