Should I release cat back outside?

[CatMom1955]

We trapped an injured outdoor cat in early Sept. It's a four year-old spayed female. A runt. It was part of a TNR litter I handled.

We spent a small fortune to have her treated, get shots, micro-chipped, blood work, etc. She is currently in our spare bedroom and scared to death. We have four other indoor cats, all neutered males, and two are the new cat's siblings.

I set up a motion camera. She hides all day and comes out at night to eat and use the litter box. Attempts at introductions have been painfully slow. My husband said, "This isn't working out", and my vet is unsympathetic. The vet feels we should release the cat back into the neighborhood where she would be “happier.”

I am heartbroken and stressed. (We are using Feliway Optimum and Purina Calming Care.). When I go into the room to check on her, she stays under a recliner chair (her safe place) and hisses.

Any advice? I really want to make this work. If I release her, I'm pretty sure I will never see her again. I’ve been crying for two days.

 

[FeebysOwner]

How much time do you spend in the room with this cat? She needs to be acclimated to you first and foremost. Frequent daily visits to the room, just sitting at first away from her, reading a book out loud so she becomes accustomed to your presence. And, progressing from there. Do a search in our Article section for some guidance - shy/timid cats, and about ferals.

 

[SteveJohn]

Make sure the cat has a scratch point in the room, this releases stress and also help with anxiety. Have one on one sessions with a little treat for the cat, also put some cuddly toys in there. My cat won’t leave her cuddly dog she has it’s like a comfort thing when no one is home. It will be a slow process. If the cat manages to get along with the other cats in the future but you don’t want to let her outside then think about a catio.

 

[CatMom1955]

Make sure the cat has a scratch point in the room, this releases stress and also help with anxiety. Have one on one sessions with a little treat for the cat, also put some cuddly toys in there. My cat won’t leave her cuddly dog she has it’s like a comfort thing when no one is home. It will be a slow process. If the cat manages to get along with the other cats in the future but you don’t want to let her outside then think about a catio.

Three of our cats are “mildly interested” in the new cat, but one wants to attack her. The attacker is seven years old and just a little guy, but he has a big ego.

I will add a cat tree to her room. She eats well and uses the litter box. She is not aggressive, just scared and probably lonely.

 

[fionasmom]

Graycie stayed in a bathroom for an entire year after I rescued her. The door was open for most of that time, but she had a very bad experience outside and was sort of traumatized. She now goes all over the house, sits in my lap anytime that I read, and backs the bully flame point boy into a corner if he gets near her.

How To Help An Abused Cat Recover - TheCatSite
10 Must-know Tips For Happy Living With A Shy Cat - TheCatSite

Three months is not that long for a cat who has been frightened or hurt. I would definitely continue to try to interact with her. You have put a lot into her care and if she is not showing signs of aggression, she is really just timid and scared. Personally, I would not release that kind of cat back outside as she will probably not be any less scared or timid and may have trouble holding her own, especially if she is not inclined to live on your property with you as her immediate caretaker.

 

[susanm9006]

I would give her longer. But before ever considering releasing her, you should look for someone looking for an ”only” cat and who doesn’t mind a shy one.

 

[Robyn5678]

How much time do you spend in the room with this cat? She needs to be acclimated to you first and foremost. Frequent daily visits to the room, just sitting at first away from her, reading a book out loud so she becomes accustomed to your presence. And, progressing from there. Do a search in our Article section for some guidance - shy/timid cats, and about ferals.

I second the reading to her. I did that when I got my 2 babies that were scared. If I looked at them they would hiss. So I’d sit in the room with them on the opposite side and just read to them. I don’t even think it took a week and they came up to me slowly. Each time they’d come close and closer. These first pic is when he realized I wasn’t so bad. There’s about a week between each pic

 

[rubysmama]

Thank you for rescuing this kitty and spending "a small fortune to have her treated, get shots, micro-chipped, blood work, etc." Even though she doesn't know it yet, you are her guardian angel who saved her life.

Even though it's been 3 months, and she's still scared, the fact that she's eating and using the litter box, albeit only at night, is good. That means there's no rush to make a decision on whether to release her or not.

Spending more time with her, even just sitting in the room and reading aloud, as FeebysOwner suggested, will help her get used to your voice and presence.

Have you named her? If not, do that, and then when you go to enter her room, tap on the door, and say "her name", and "it's mommy, I'm coming in now". Or something like that, so that she knows who and what to expect when the door opens.

Is she food motivated? If so, you could try leaving some irresistible treats on the floor when you visit her, and see if they tempt her.

I'm wondering if you should hold off on the cat introductions for now, and focus on her getting to know (and trust) you and your husband, especially since one of your cat "wants to attack her".

Since you've literally invested a small fortune on her, and the thought of releasing is making you cry, keeping her inside and continuing to work with her seems like the best plan.

I know she hides all the time, but do you have any pictures of her?

 

[Alldara]

Three of our cats are “mildly interested” in the new cat, but one wants to attack her. The attacker is seven years old and just a little guy, but he has a big ego.

I will add a cat tree to her room. She eats well and uses the litter box. She is not aggressive, just scared and probably lonely.

You can introduce her to the calmer ones first. They'll help to bring your nervous one around (aggression is a sign of anxiety in cats).

 

[Alldara]

Kwik Could we perhaps steal some advice from you?

C CatMom1955 you might want to read Kiwk's thread on Timmy!

 

[Kwik]

Kwik Could we perhaps steal some advice from you?

C CatMom1955 you might want to read Kiwk's thread on Timmy!

I'm here..... reading through now brb

 

[Kwik]

Hi C CatMom1955

So I'm trying to follow your situation here and I'm not really sure why your hubby is saying " this isn't working" - is he part of the process of transitioning this girl to indoor living and what exactly is not working for him- if I msy ask.Youre obviously very hurt by the lack of support but it does have to work for everyone - so let's figure out how to make everyone happy and keep this little girl( name?) In her " forever home".... sound like a plan dear?

There's no reason this cannot work and for there to be peaceful co- habitation with your resident cats...... I understand unsympathetic Vets and you've got to understand thst people( including Veterinarians) that have no experience with socialization or re- conditioning ferals have sadly mistaken ideas becayse they simply don't know any better

If I told you how many times I've heard " the cat will be HAPPIER outside or that they thrive best outdoors - well let's just say innumerable times.....cats are not " happy" outside- cats are most comfortable with familiarity,in their established territory- it's all they've ever known and they "existed" to survive..... doesn't sound real " happy" does it?

Any cat- yes,I did say ANY cat can be transitioned to indoor life and they will adjust to that environment... it takes a minimum of 30 days for a cat to establish a new territory as their own and can take up to 90 days or MORE- depending on the cat and the new environment,usually( with ferals especially) the bigger the space and the longer it takes

Would you like to dial things back so we can figure out why she's still avoiding you after 3 months and let's modify her environment to change her behavior.... many folks bring ferals in and give the cat too many options to continue to do what they've always done- which is " avoid" - to modify behavior you must modify the environment--- make sense?

I'm here if you want to talk.... with this little girl still hiding under the recliner and only exploring at night she is not ready for introductions- she needs less hiding places,a safe hiding place you provide ( like a cubby ,vertical space would help her confidence also)and spending alot of time with her .... if you've got the love,patience and the time then it can most certainly work!

Don't cry,there's no reason to even consider releasing her back to fend for herself- and if your husband does not approve then please do your best to either convince him otherwise or find her a suitable home but please,please ,please- don't let her out

 

[CatMom1955]

Thank you to everyone for responding. This is a wonderful site.

My husband is actually the one who suggested we keep the new cat. He loves cats! He drove us to the emergency clinic and vet appointment, and never balked at the cost. I think he’s spoiled because integration with our other cats didn’t take more than a few weeks. (They were just kittens! This little lady is 4 years old and lived outside all the time.)

We had follow-up appointments with the vet and I had to cancel both appointments because we could not get the cat into the carrier. She stayed balled up under the recliner, hissing. I made a few attempts to get her out from under the chair but she was scared to death. We even had the vet dispense gaba to give her prior to relax her. Nope, it was a big fail.

Currently, I have a blockade set up in the hallway to prevent our other cats from harassing her. I did have a few “supervised” visits where one would walk in, go to the recliner, and peek underneath. There would be an exchange of hisses and the visitor would leave. A few mornings I’d find her up at the window and I got her to sniff the cat food I had on my hand. A small win!

I’m in PA and winter is here. She may not be “happy”, but at least she is safe in our house getting food and care.

 

[Alldara]

I do find this to help as well:
Actually, Jackson Galaxy had a recent video also which may hold some tips.

 

[fionasmom]

She is in an unfamiliar place, but that is not the same as being unhappy. She knows that she is safe, warm, and fed, especially in a place where there are cold winters. Take your time and she will come around. Keep us posted.

 

[CatMom1955]

Hello

I wanted to post an update. Unfortunately, nothing has changed. The new cat is still hiding and only comes out at night.

I just spoke on the phone with my unsympathetic vet. I could tell by her voice she was annoyed that I'm still keeping the cat. She thinks I should put the cat back outside. I came to this thread to re-read your posts and help me feel better. Thank you!

 

[fionasmom]

Thank you for posting an update for us. It is your decision, and not your vet's. You pay her for medical services for your pets and not personal advice on how to run your house. In my experience, vets are not always the most well equipped to handle behavioral issues with dogs or cats. If you are happy to continue to keep her inside and to let her adjust to things on her own terms, that is your decision.

 

[Kwik]

Hello

I wanted to post an update. Unfortunately, nothing has changed. The new cat is still hiding and only comes out at night.

I just spoke on the phone with my unsympathetic vet. I could tell by her voice she was annoyed that I'm still keeping the cat. She thinks I should put the cat back outside. I came to this thread to re-read your posts and help me feel better. Thank you!

It wil change..... never mind what ANY naysayers have to say,we are all here with good news ,positive replies because we KNOW BETTER.... there's 100s of years of experience here if you add us all up together and we are here for you..... You just have to know you saved a cats life and have are giving her the opportunity to live out her full life expectancy,free from harm,weather,disease,incident,accident or something malevolent ( right now thats what matters)

The best is yet to come. Browse around the other Threads of people just like yourself that rescued a feral and had all sorts of doubts ....& see what happens in time with love and patience

Happy New Year!

 

[FeebysOwner]

Based on what you have posted, I think if I were you, I'd consider this cat to be 'semi-feral', which means you could be in need of working with her for months - and months - to get her to the next level of comfort in your home. Sorry your vet isn't much help, but she is not really what you need right now, other than for health care.

There have been some other articles given to you that could help (I hope you read them already), but these articles might be some more to help you devise a plan for her ultimate acclimation. The key is to get her used to being in your home (a safe zone/place away from the other cats for now) and feeling 'safe' with you before you even think of trying to integrate her into your cat family.
How To Help A New Cat Adjust To Your Home - TheCatSite
How To Successfully Introduce Cats [The Ultimate Guide] - TheCatSite

 

[CatMom1955]

My vet is excellent, but I don't believe she has a particular interest in behavioral problems or in ferals.

Our new rescue is very small. A little runt. Another reason for my desire to keep her safe. Two of our other outside cats have disappeared in the past eight months.

Your responses are very encouraging.

Happy New Year!