TheCatSite.com › Forums › Our Feline Companions › Behavior › cat behavior
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

cat behavior

post #1 of 4
9/25/11 at 12:21pm
Thread Starter 
hi my stray or feral cat only eats her food if I sit out there with her. Does anyone know why. She came to me two years ago. I wish I could have her come in doors but I have another indoor cat. Does any one know if I should take the step and let her in. She very happy out side. She has a heated house but I am still worried about the winter months. Also is there anyway I could get her water bowl not to freeze up in winter.
Reply
post #2 of 4
9/25/11 at 9:37pm
She probably feels more secure with you sitting out there with her. She trusts you and knows that she can put her guard down to eat. If your indoors cats have all their shots I would. And if they seem to not show much aggression towards each other through windows. Winter months are so hard on ferals and the number of deaths and injuries shoot up because strays and ferals often climb into car engines to try to keep warm. Since you said she has a heated cat house, I would place her water in there as long as it doesn't cause any fire risks.
Reply
post #3 of 4
9/26/11 at 4:47am
I live in a large household of cats and have cared for feral colonies for many years. One thing I've noticed is that my cats prefer to eat in the company of others. When I picture a lion kill in my mind, you see many cats gathering around to feed on the carcass. Feeding is actually a social activity with cats and it doesn't surprise me that they want someone with them when they eat. My Scarlett won't eat unless someone is standing there with her. My other cats all eat in clusters around the food bowls. So what you are experiencing is quite normal.

I live in a multi cat household and will always vote to bring a cat inside if possible. There is a lot of very good advice on this site about introducing a new cat into your household. Most of us have gone through it, and its rare when you can't succeed.
Reply
post #4 of 4
9/26/11 at 7:56pm
She really trusts you if she eats in your company and would probably adjust quite well if you brought into your home. She would have to have her own room, or small bathroom for a week or so before you introduced her to your other cat. And even then the meetings should be short in the beginning. As for the water bowl, you can buy heated water bowls at most pet stores or online. They run about $25.00. Good luck with your decision if you need more help on proper introductions, just ask, we are here to help
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Behavior
TheCatSite.com › Forums › Our Feline Companions › Behavior › cat behavior