Stray/feral solo kitten.. Should I buy a shelter since I feed him? New to caring for outside cats. P

Hi everyone,

I've been feeding a little kitten for a few months, we've named him/her Scooter. I put out wet and dry food every day, with water, and he comes around a few times per day. I'm pretty sure he lives in the junk piles in my neighbors back yard because I watch him go under the fence after he has finished eating. Scooter is becoming less timid and will come to the window and try to interact with my inside cats. I can get within about 10 feet of him now without him bolting. He will sit on the porch and clean himself now as well.

I know the kindest thing to do is TNR but I'm 37 weeks pregnant right now and don't want to get too close to him until after I have the baby.

It's starting to get cold in NJ and I'm considering buying Scooter a shelter so I can make sure he's protected from the cold. Do you think this is a silly idea considering he doesn't sleep in my yard at the moment? I also plan on getting a heated water bowl and will also buy a heating pad for the shelter if I get one.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks so much!!

I would surely recommend getting a winter shelter for your little Scooter. A heated water bowl too. They sell them at Walmart and are very reasonable. As soon as possible, please do see about getting him neutered. As he gets older he will surely breed and you might end up with more cats coming around. And BEST OF LUCK and BEST WISHES on your upcoming new arrival - :baby: :stork:

Thank you for your advice and best wishes! I've ordered the shelter.

merindah said:

Thank you for your advice and best wishes! I've ordered the shelter.

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Great!!!! :bigthumb: I am certain he will very much appreciate your kindness. :rub:

I hope he uses it.

I have another question, do you think it's possible to over feed Scooter? He has been coming around the front about 3 times a day. I feed him wet food in the morning (small can), dry food in the afternoon then more wet food at dusk. Is this too much?

Thanks again.

merindah said:

I hope he uses it.
I have another question, do you think it's possible to over feed Scooter? He has been coming around the front about 3 times a day. I feed him wet food in the morning (small can), dry food in the afternoon then more wet food at dusk. Is this too much?
Thanks again.

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Oh I don't think you have to worry about overfeeding an outdoor kitty. He needs the extra calories and is a growing kitty. Two 3 oz. cans plus the dry food is good. That is wonderful that you can feed him three times a day too. :bigthumb: