Hi--
I am new to this site, though I posted a little this summer.
About 6 weeks ago, a feral (very wild) tomcat showed up in my backyard--especially under the birdfeeders. I can tell he is a tom based on the jaws, and after looking at his "aft region" closely through binoculars. He won't let me get within 20 ft of him. After talking to my neighbors, I determined that people on the next street over had been feeding him but then moved. He is a magnificent cat, and may be 2-3 yrs old based on the story I heard of when he showed up.
I have helped trap cats in the past, and am generally familiar with the tenets of TNR, but have never been a feral cat caretaker. I plan to trap this guy and get him tested for FIV/FeLV; if negative, then neutered, and ear tipped. My yard is safe from dogs, and I've built a catshelter out of plywood and stuffed with clean straw. I've been feeding him 2x/ day since he showed up, and plan to continue.
My question is--he tends to fight with the indoor/outdoor cats of two of my neighbors. They are very nice people, and generally quite responsible cat owners. One has offered to assist me with the cost of the neuter
but I am concerned that Mr Bill (the tomcat) will continue to fight with their cats post-TNR. About 2 weeks ago Mr Bill (the tomcat) had a pretty nasty fight one of the cats who goes out only briefly and under supervision. I know that most male cats settle down after being neutered--but do older toms do the same? is there anything I can do (short of requesting that everyone keep their cats in at all times) to prevent or minimize fighting? Is he just adjusting to new territory? I don't want my cats (if they get out) or my neighbors' cats to be hurt.
I'd love to know what others have experienced in similar situations. Thank you in advance...and keep up the great work I'm reading about here
I am new to this site, though I posted a little this summer.
About 6 weeks ago, a feral (very wild) tomcat showed up in my backyard--especially under the birdfeeders. I can tell he is a tom based on the jaws, and after looking at his "aft region" closely through binoculars. He won't let me get within 20 ft of him. After talking to my neighbors, I determined that people on the next street over had been feeding him but then moved. He is a magnificent cat, and may be 2-3 yrs old based on the story I heard of when he showed up.
I have helped trap cats in the past, and am generally familiar with the tenets of TNR, but have never been a feral cat caretaker. I plan to trap this guy and get him tested for FIV/FeLV; if negative, then neutered, and ear tipped. My yard is safe from dogs, and I've built a catshelter out of plywood and stuffed with clean straw. I've been feeding him 2x/ day since he showed up, and plan to continue.
My question is--he tends to fight with the indoor/outdoor cats of two of my neighbors. They are very nice people, and generally quite responsible cat owners. One has offered to assist me with the cost of the neuter
I'd love to know what others have experienced in similar situations. Thank you in advance...and keep up the great work I'm reading about here