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It's getting cold and I'm worried

post #1 of 30
11/17/11 at 2:59pm
Thread Starter 

Hi

 

We look after a female feral cat and have for many many years.  We trapped her a few years ago and had her tested (she is negative for FIV and F.Leuk) and had her spayed, then we let her back out.  We live in the middle of nowhere and she never moves far away from the house and garage.  We feed her at least twice a day and provide her with a warm place to sleep year round in our garage.  Every winter she has made use of our garage to sleep (it gets very cold here).  We have noticed this Fall that she is sleeping in a corner of the flower bed and we don't think she is going into the garage.  I'm starting to get very worried - tonight it will be below freezing.  I'm happy to make her a shelter, but can anyone tell me why after all these years she would suddenly stop using our garage?

 

thanks for any help - we are fond of her.  We placed all her litters (before we caught her and spayed her) and we kept two of her kids who live inside in the lap of luxury, and we want to do the best we can for her.

 

 

Rodica

 

 

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post #2 of 30
11/17/11 at 3:32pm

How old is she, and where in the garage is her spot?  Does she have to jump to get to it?  I don't know what "many many" years means, but if she's older, she may have arthritis.

 

You may want to consider something like this for her:  http://cozywinters.com/shop/kh-1070.html

 

Do you feed her in the garage? Do you leave food out for her to free feed on? Is it possible there's another cat coming around, or raccoons or something?

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post #3 of 30
11/17/11 at 3:39pm
Thread Starter 

Hi

 

She is at least nine years old, I put out one can of cat food 2-3 times a day.  I feed her on our front porch, we've found raccoons head into the garage when we put the food out there (it is a detached garage, about 50 ft from the house).  There is a long time male that comes around (we haven't been able to trap him) but he gets along fine with her, we've seen a very shy grey cat who my neighbor tells me is not good with her cats and we thought maybe that cat may be frightening her off

 

the only other thing we thought might be happening, since she is hugging the house, is that there is a red fox in the area and I've seen her at the house (she was attracted by the cat food I think, so that is when I started feeding only on the porch)

 

we are going to build her a shelter this weekend and put it in her favorite corner, but I hate for her not to use her garage - we keep a heater on low in there for her and she has a nest that we set up and which she has used in the past.

 

thanks for the interest - any help is greatly appreciated, it kills me to think of her out in the cold

 

R

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post #4 of 30
11/17/11 at 4:10pm

That's interesting about the fox, but strange, because I'd imagine she'd feel safer in the garage than in the garden if that were the case.

 

With our indoor cats, any change in behavior merits a trip to the vet.... Given she's about nine, maybe it'd be a good idea to take her in to get a Sr. Panel done?  dontknow.gif

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post #5 of 30
11/17/11 at 4:37pm
Thread Starter 

I wish we could - she is completely feral.  In nine years she has never let me put a finger on her.  We used a humane trap to catch her to spay her, I could do that again.

 

She is eating very well, actually she is a bit fat :), and smart - very smart cat.  She uses her color to melt out of sight (she is a creamy orange).  I know she is old for a feral cat (at least I think 9 is old for a feral).

 

it is going to be in the upper 20's tonight with a stiff wind and she is still in her corner.  By the way I ordered the heating pad that you sent the link for.  We will build her a little house this weekend and put it in her corner and add the heating pad as soon as it arrives. I'm going to keep the garage set up for her though - maybe she will change her mind.

 

Do you think she is staying close to the house because this is where we feed her?  I could switch to feeding at the garage but I wouldn't be sure that she was the one getting the food.

 

R

 

 

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post #6 of 30
11/17/11 at 6:26pm
Since she's sticking close to the house, I like the idea of building an enclosure for her there. agree.gif Whatever the reason, she feels safe... and if whatever happened in the garage was enough to make her prefer sleeping exposed in 20-something degree weather, then I'd at least try to provide shelter where she's chosen to be. agree.gifheartpump.gif

We've provided all kinds of shelters for our ferals. They've NEVER used them. This is the first year! clap.gif One is using the Feral Villa we bought, and one is using one of the rubbermaid container tubs we made. So I know that sense of worry - but I also know that sense of relief. laughing02.gif

vibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif you'll find a solution she's happy with! hugs.gif
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post #7 of 30
11/18/11 at 11:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rodica View Post

I put out one can of cat food 2-3 times a day.

 

You mentioned that your cat is getting rather fat. A can of cat food 2-3 times a day for one cat seems like an awful lot of food.

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post #8 of 30
11/18/11 at 11:47am
Well, it depends upon whether it's a 3 ounce can of cat food or a 5.5 ounce can, first of all.

But right now I'm putting out about 2 cups of dry food daily and the equivalent of about four 5.5 ounce cans of wet food twice daily, and it's being eaten by probably just four cats. It's gotten quite cold at night, and when feral cats start burning energy to stay warm, they can eat a LOT of food. agree.gif

Last winter we needed a 20 pound bag of cat food every... 4-5 days? Not completely sure how many cats we were feeding every day, but the end of Winter we TNR'd... 7? 11? (I'd have to look it up), and had ... six? that were already TNRd going into winter.
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post #9 of 30
11/19/11 at 8:12am
Thread Starter 

I'll have to look at the size of the can - I don't think she is the only one eating all the food- she eats a bit then she comes back a couple of hours and eats some more.  The crows take some if I don't run them off but I'm not around all the time.

 

And she may not be as fat as I think - she is carrying a very heavy coat of fur (looks like a bad winter).

 

we are off today to get the supplies for her house - hopefully she will use it!!

 

will report back.  

 

we heard the fox again last night, she is not moving from around the house at all.

 

R

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post #10 of 30
11/19/11 at 12:53pm
Yes, I expect you're right she doesn't like the fox. agree.gif

Hope you have nice weather for building her shelter!

And for an outside kitty, I really wouldn't worry about how much you're feeding her. She'll eat what she needs. It takes a lot of energy to stay warm. Our ferals eat as much as a 1/4 less daily during the summer than they do in winter. I haven't actually measured it - but the amount they eat when it gets cold at night starts to really ramp up. And yes, those winter coats can really make them look chubby! clap.giflaughing02.gif
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post #11 of 30
11/20/11 at 4:56pm
Wonderful story about your feral kitty and how you have cared for her all of these year. hugs.gif I think that two - three can 5oz. is what will be needed for the winter weather. All feral's will eat much more food from their caretaker's than in the summer months. I usually have to double the amount of food for the winter months. Since she is getting older, I am not surprised to hear she is staying close. I have known a few senior feral's that get to the point of just wanting the safety and security of "home" or what they consider home and will stay even closer than usual, giving you signs that they want the indoor life. Nine is very old for a feral cat. You have taken good care of her hugs.gif. It is odd that she stopped using the garage. Must have had a scare ( that fox.....) in there and was trapped dontknow.gif trying to escape and now feels insecure in the garage. Do you have two exits/entrances into and out of the garage. This might help. I would still build her a nice warm shelter in her favorite corner spot. agree.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif
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post #12 of 30
11/21/11 at 5:15am
Thread Starter 

Thank you - we can't stand seeing anything in need, we are a real soft touch - word must be out in the cat neighborhood.  We were adopted by a grey male this summer who was obviously an indoor cat.  He was neutered, kept trying to walk into the house with us etc.  He was very thin and obviously not use to finding his own food - how people can do that I don't know.  We looked to see if he was lost from somewhere in the area but we live way out and had no luck.  He never seemed to leave our porch to go home!

 

So he started in our basement while we had him tested and vaccinated and now lives upstairs with the gang.

 

 

and now for possible good news: we think our old outside feral cat is using her new house - we put it together yesterday, my husband put her food by the entrance and she went right up.  Later we were spying around looking and couldn't find her - so we are hoping she went inside.  Same thing this morning - she was sitting beside it waiting for breakfast, we are going to watch her today and see if we can confirm by seeing her go in - I don't want to freak her out by lifting the lid!.

 

It is a foggy rainy day so she has extra incentive to use it!

 

will report back - I can't really believe we would be so lucky first time out!

 

R

 

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post #13 of 30
11/21/11 at 8:36am
clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif You are lucky biggrin.gif that she is already interested in her new house and she must feel special to have it all her own agree.gif!! You can add some straw in there as well, when it starts getting super cold cold.gif. vibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif
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post #14 of 30
11/23/11 at 10:37am
Thread Starter 

UPDATE!!

 

well we weren't as lucky as we hoped.  She will go into the box to eat, but not to sleep. So she isn't afraid of it at least

 

Last night was miserable - wet, cold, rainy.  She was hanging out near the basement door so I opened it up and put the food a few feet indoors.  I've been working on getting her to come inside to eat.

 

When she came in for dinner, I went around the outside and quietly closed the door - she didn't see me so I hope won't associate me with her being inside.

 

Today we opened the door to let her out - not sure she has though.  I thought we could try getting her use to eating her dinner inside and spending the night inside.

 

has anyone tried this? is it more likely that she will stay the hec away from the basement now?

 

 

R

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post #15 of 30
11/23/11 at 12:26pm
I haven't, and I don't know what you should expect!

But I do know it took three winters before anyone ever used the feral villa we put out. laughing02.gif However, I think the difference is that this year we sprayed catnip spray up on the second level. We always stuff it with straw. But I think the combination was what did the trick.

If you didn't use straw as an insulator, I'd recommend it. It's got those familiar "outside" smells to them. agree.gif And as most cats are attracted to catnip, I'd recommend using that too.

cross.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif

Of course - if you can get the basement thing going, that would be much safer for her!
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post #16 of 30
11/23/11 at 6:16pm
yeah.gif I also think it just depends on the cat, they are all so individual in their personalities and what works for one cat will not work for another cat. I think the basement would be a much safer place for her for the winter nights. I hope you can get her to learn the routine cross.gif. I also have a Villa outside for my feral's. No one has used the second level but someone has been in the lower level biggrin.gif. I did put fresh catnip in the second level - but no taker's so far. Might try the spray that Laurie suggests happy2.gif
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post #17 of 30
11/23/11 at 6:19pm
Yeah, we used a couple of shots - which is a LOT. laughing02.gif
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post #18 of 30
11/25/11 at 4:12am
My cat Bella loves her heated igloo. She goes in it everyday when it is cold. I don't use straw. I don't think that would work for her. I use blankets that I heat up in the dryer and I use a self heating pad and a microwave disk in there and she is so happy. It is a lot of work but I worry so much about her. I am going away for 5 days andi have friends that will feed her but she only takes to me. So I am worried. She loves my hugs and kisses and waits for that. We have been away before and when we get back I always wonder will she still be there waiting for me. I can't ask them to warm up blankets and warm up the microwave disk. I think some people think I am crazy. But she still has heat in the igloo so I am not to worried. It is hard caring for ferals. wink.gif
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post #19 of 30
11/25/11 at 4:14am
My cat Bella loves her heated igloo. She goes in it everyday when it is cold. I don't use straw. I don't think that would work for her. I use blankets that I heat up in the dryer and I use a self heating pad and a microwave disk in there and she is so happy. It is a lot of work but I worry so much about her. I am going away for 5 days andi have friends that will feed her but she only takes to me. So I am worried. She loves my hugs and kisses and waits for that. We have been away before and when we get back I always wonder will she still be there waiting for me. I can't ask them to warm up blankets and warm up the microwave disk. I think some people think I am crazy. But she still has heat in the igloo so I am not to worried. It is hard caring for ferals. wink.gif
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post #20 of 30
11/25/11 at 4:27am
Thread Starter 

I was out early this morning walking the Dachshund and who do I see leisurely coming out of her house - Mamma Cat herself.  She wouldn't come into the basement last night and I was concerned because we had a hard frost overnight - guess it was enough to get her to use the house.  The heating pad should be here this week and that may give her more incentive.  I think we will end up going back and forth between basement and little house.

 

oh, and I think I know why the garage is off limits - there is a very aggressive grey cat using it and I think he/she is driving her away.

 

R

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post #21 of 30
11/25/11 at 9:46am
clap.gif SO glad she's using the shelter you made for her! clap.gif

As to the aggressive cat.... perhaps a trap and sterilization is in order. That often helps calm them down a lot. agree.gif
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post #22 of 30
12/3/11 at 5:27pm
Thread Starter 

Thought I'd send an update!

 

She is going into her house - but only to eat.  She is not afraid of it, she happily goes in with her whole body to munch on food, but will not sleep in it.

 

We are having 20 degree nights.  I did get her to go into the basement the other night but it is erratic.

 

We did get the heated pad and she LOVES it!!! She sits or lays on it all the time - we started with it on a chair outside the front door, we now have it right outside her house and tomorrow afternoon we will try and put it in the house - if we can get her off of it long enough!!

 

I'm hoping she loves it so much that she will go in the house to sit on it.

 

comments and suggestions are greatly welcome!!

 

R

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post #23 of 30
12/5/11 at 2:12pm
Thread Starter 

so far no go!! She will stay on the heating pad all day and night if it is next to the box, but put it in the box and she won't make that extra step.

 

It is suppose to rain for the next three days - the pad is in the box and I'm going to control myself and leave it there!  But if she refuses by tomorrow and is getting cold and wet I'll put it on the chair in the porch that she likes and try and shield her from the wind.

 

aarrggh outsmarted by a wild cat.

 

R

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post #24 of 30
12/5/11 at 4:46pm
Are there two ways in/out of the box? That may help to add an exit, if you only have one. agree.gif

vibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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post #25 of 30
12/5/11 at 6:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LDG View Post

Are there two ways in/out of the box? That may help to add an exit, if you only have one. agree.gif
vibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was wondering the same thing - is there another exit smile.gif. I am having the same issue with my feral, Willow. I now am putting the bowls into the back lower section of the villa. I have the heating pad on the second level with a bit of straw on top. He has yet to venture in that far. I am forcing the issue by placing the bowls just under the opening to the second level. I really want him to use it - as it is going to be getting very, very cold soon . I saw him today very, very cautiously sneaking in a bit further to eat - but kept backing out looking scared bluelaugh.gif. I think he thinks it is another trap. Can't blame him - but I am getting a bit miffed with him wondering why he has to be SOOOOOO very cautious - but my intellect tells me that I know better. Being very, very cautious and having a strong sense of self-preservation is what has kept him safe and able to survive an outdoor life. agree.gif
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post #26 of 30
12/6/11 at 9:35am
Thread Starter 

Good point -there is only one exist.  we are using the design that makes use of a rubbermaid crate - I'm not sure we can cut a second opening in this one - would have to get something much bigger.  But I'll look again

 

it is raining today and she is no where around - so maybe she has gone back to using the garage - 

 

the fox was around yelping again last night - I saw her after the fox left so I know she is safe but I guess I'm a worrier

 

R

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post #27 of 30
12/6/11 at 10:32am

I have a feral villa that at the moment is not being used except as a place for the ferals to get some food at night.  Last year, Shadow was too afraid to go inside.  I had a feeling he didn't like the design and felt trapped.  DH had built it with a wind break so he had to go around a corner and there was no back exit.  Mr. Raccoon moved in sometime in February.  I believe he would open the lid as I doubt he could fit through the small hole.  Earlier this fall, I had DH modify the shelter.  He added a back exit, put in small plexiglass window and added a latch to the lid.  I then placed the structure on a table away from anything a raccoon could climb on.  Both of my ferals go inside and check it out and sometimes stay inside for a few minutes, but rarely stay.  I started leaving a bit of dry food in it at night if they don't finish their food before I need to bring it in for the night.  I have seen them both inside, but it is small in there.  They use both the entrance and exit.  I also have the window facing into my house so I can see when they are inside.  I so wanted someone to use it as DH spent so much time working on it.  But for now it is serving its purpose.  The two prefer to curl up together on their loveseat with heated pads. 

 

I did read an article on adding additional heat source to the feral villas by adding a light fixture covered with a metal coffee can.  It didn't look hard to do at all.  It was my plan to try this if the shelter was getting used.  If anyone is interested in the article I believe I bookmarked it and can post it.  You just need to buy a simple light socket, 60-75 watt bulb ( that could be spray painted black so as not to emit too much light) and a coffee can.  I believe they also sell special light bulbs that are for heat source only and do not emit light.  You can also get a special plug that only turns the fixture on when the temp is below 35. 

 

 

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post #28 of 30
1/12/12 at 5:41am
Thread Starter 

wanted to send an exciting update!! 

 

Last night she used her cat house for the first time and she is in it right now, this morning!!  The reason is the heating pad that we call her tuffet!  She loves it and I think lives on it.  Thank you so much for suggesting this great item - it has made a huge difference in the life of this little feral cat.

 

It started to rain yesterday so I stuffed the heating pad into the cat house so it wouldn't get too wet and a little while later - there she was, curled up in the box on her favorite item,

 

so thank you all very much for sending us the info!!!

 

R

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post #29 of 30
1/12/12 at 8:47pm
clap.gifclap.gif Gives us such peace of mind knowing they are staying warm and cozy and using the houses we have for our ferals. Then we don't worry so much. Great News biggrin.gifclap.gifwavey.gif
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post #30 of 30
1/13/12 at 4:32am
So glad that she is trying to go in. My feral Bella loves sleeping outside on the porch at night because it has been pretty warm out at night. In the day hours she sleeps in her heated house. But when it is cold out she knows to go in her house at night. Reading this post makes me think she is a senior kitty. She just says so close to the porch all day long. She has know teeth in the front.she came to me 3 years ago. Sometimes in the morning she looks like she wants to come in but my husband says not because we have my spoiled brat cat ween. She is his little girl. Haha and she does not like other cats.she has to put up with my dog always chasing her around the house. But they get along very well. My feral get so frightened with the wind. That's when she wants to come in or she goes under the deck. I sit out there with her at night for a while. Well it is going to get very very cold the next couple of days. But we have been very lucky so far with the weather.
biggrin.gif:vibes:biggrin.gif
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