Feral Kitten, need advice..

A couple of weeks ago I seen a feral kitten (I'm guesing about 16 weeks old) coming to eat. I feed the local ferals, plus Marvin my TNR who lives in my garage. The kitten, Puff, has moved in and has been here everyday, taking shelter in the garage. My dilema, winter in coming, and I live in Canada. Puff is not too terrified of people, he will eat in front of me and will find a safe place (under my car or on  shelf in the garage and sleep when we are there)  Meows at  the door when his dish is empty. Should I trap him, and bring him in to socialize him, since winter in near. I also want to get him to vet for shots and a deworming. Poor thing looks pretty ruff, all matted and missing a piece of his ear.

Thanks for taking care of Puff and the other Kitties!  

You very well might already be aware of this possibility,

but when you say "missing a piece of his ear,"

has it been tipped, or had a small "V" shaped notch taken out of it?

If so, that could mean he has been neutered.

If that is not what you meant to describe, sorry to bring it up -

I had no intention of insulting you, but many people don't know what that means.  

If you are willing and able to bring him in,

and you think he would be adoptable,

that would be my first choice.

On the other hand, if you don't think he would be adoptable due to his appearance or some other factor,

I'd at least get him neutered and get him his initial vaccinations.

Sounds like he'd make a great addition to your "Garage Kitty" collection!   

By the way, I picked up a cheap electric blanket and I leave it on at night

in the garage for my Garden Kitties. I cover it with another thin blanket

so I can wash the cover rather than having to wash the electric blanket itself.

Thanks. I can't just let them go hungry, right.  We came home one night and Marvin was going through our trash, so I started feeding again. I had stopped because, I have too many cats in my house that I have rescued from the streets. I don't think he's been neutered, seems too young for that. If I bring him in chances are he'll end up staying     . My garage isn't insulated. I have a homemade shelter but, not sure it get used.

I second Seven Wonders.

How is that ear looking? Pics, description?

You can do either one, take in and foster - for yourself to adopt or finding adopion home. He is fairly young, it shouldnt be too difficult.   Or you perhaps know someone else who can foster etc...

OR having him as your outside  TNR kitty...

Seven Wonders, it was a nice tip about the electrical blanket.  Can you please start a tread about it, so more of us sees this tip?  It wll also be easier to search and find.

Good luck!

Here's a the best picture of his ear, I could get through my front door window. The vet clinic that I use for TNR, that is contracted by our local animal welfare society doesn't  notch.

Well, I can't see it clearly enough to say for sure,

but it "appears" to me to be a fairly clean "V" notch.

I see why you call him "Puff"  

So happy, this morning I saw Puff coming out of the shelter!  That takes such I burden off of me. I was so worried about him being cold this winter. I have weighed the issue and have decied that since he is using the shelter, to leave him as a garage kitty. I know what it'll happen if I trap and bring him in. He'd be stressed, b/c he's scared. My indoor kitties would be stressed. Not what I want to deal with right now. I will continue to work with him outside.

I do think that "V" notch is a mark from a TNR vet. I have a few ferals with the "V" Tip. Harder to see though. I prefer the straight across ear tip on feral cats. Puff is certain puffy :lol3: Great to hear that he is using the shelter. You have a good plan for him and I hope he comes around to trusting you over the weeks to come. Could very well happen. :bigthumb:

Well, I'm going to have to take Puff to the vet, so we'll definately find out about the notch. And if he's a boy or girl.  Poor little guy has discharge from his eyes and was sneezing today. So hoping some antibiotics will fix him up. He's going to get the full treatment, kitten needles and a deworming. And depending on what the vet says maybe he'll get to stay inside.

Trapped Puff and took him to the vet. He has a viral respiratory infection. But he will make a complete recovery in a few days. He got dewormed and treated for ear mites. We had a wonderful surprise at the vet. Puff isn't a feral. Once he got over his initial fear, he is a cuddle bug. Purring and snuggling away. Oh and he is a boy and not neutered. So needless to say Puff is now quarenteed in my bathroom.

That is great news (other than the infection of course)  

So, will he be your newest Indoor Kitty?

I told my husband that I'd try and find him a home, but it is hard here. There are so many cats. Btw my husband loves him already too. So if I can't adopt him out, his home is with me now.

As an indoor kitty of course.

brillobee said:

I told my husband that I'd try and find him a home, but it is hard here. There are so many cats. Btw my husband loves him already too. So if I can't adopt him out, his home is with me now.

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Puff is ONE lucky boy. So glad that you got him trapped and to the vet! Guess that notch in the ear is from some injury. Sounds like your hubby has a big soft spot for Puff. :heart3: and you too!!!