- Joined
- Jan 17, 2016
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- 6
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I need some guidance and support; this might be a little long. I never had a cat; I have two dogs. This past summer a stray mother calico cat had two kittens and brought them to my garden. My teenage daughter started feeding her. When she went to pet them, she got scratched and they disappeared. The mother showed up with one kitten weaned weeks later. I have no idea what happened to the other kitten It worried me, so I began feeding them. I asked around and someone told me they are just feral cats and one neighbor told me she had the kittens in a wood pile in her yard over the summer. I called a rescue group (all of them!) and the one recommended tnr and did it for me provided I'd care for them as outdoor cats. They were wonderful people and I agreed I would help. I bought a dog house, insulated it, filled it with straw like recommended and put a wool and fleece blanket on top. I fed them every morning and evening and all was fine, until 2 toms started hanging around and it scared them. And me! I started letting the cats in to eat so there was no food outside to attract them. The mom cat would only come in if I left the door open and as winter came I knew I had to find a better way. I had an old doggie door in the area that we never used so I opened it and taped up the door and taped up a split piece of bubble wrap there instead so they could learn to use it quickly. The kitten learned it in a couple days prodding him with toys. The mother wasn't so easy so I opened the regular door for her and closed it at one point and she learned then how to use the cat door to get out and eventually back in. So, they'd come in, eat, sometimes take a nap and leave. They sometimes slept in at night too. I bought two litter boxes and the kitten learned it within in two days; I am not sure if the mother uses it yet but no one has made a mistake on the rugs or floors yet, so I assume she does use it. I was thrilled they were coming around as my goal is to domesticate them so I will be able to handle them at one point to get them to the vet, etc when they need to go. I am not able to trap them. So, all was fine until one of the Tom's came in; I shooed him out.. He now hangs around my house although he hides when he sees me. He looks healthy and clean. I can't take in another cat. I have no intention of feeding him or trapping him. But at this point I don't know how to keep him out of my house. Will he move on if he gets no food here? I hear him hunting at night sometimes between me and my neighbors. I don't think my cats hunt. I once gave them a realistic mouse toy that squeeked with the slightest touch and they were afraid of it. To make a long story shorter, I have 2 cats, only one of whom I can pet (the mom when she tells me it's ok) and an adorable 6 month old orange striped kitten who loves to stay inside all day and night. I bought him a cat tree and a bunch of toys and he loves it. He sleeps in the little boxes and lays out on the couch and plays on that tree condo every day. He will play with me with a rope toy but still is shy. I can't touch him and I don't try to. So my goal is to let them stay as indoor cats if they like it but for now the door is wide open for going outside too. How do I get rid of the Toms? Sorry if I sound cold per the Toms, but my husband has had it with me and the new cats; I am with them most of the day. I am trying to please everyone but I know the limits and his. So, my question is, will the toms move on to better grounds if they continue to get no food here? And my second question is can a mother cat and her son live a happy existence indoors or is it better to let them roam? I don't want to attract anymore cats here. I have two dogs already and it would just be too much for us. On top of this, my husband informed me he may be transferring jobs out of state and we may have to move this year. Third question, what is better for these cats; taking them with us or finding new homes for them in this area? They will probably never live with the dogs and always have separate quarters. I don't even know how to bring them as I can't even touch them. I am hoping that changes but as I understand it, it is up to the cat to decide that and they'll let me know when they're ready? As you can see, I am clueless about cats but am trying to do the best I can for them. Thanks for any advice anyone can give me.