Life or Death; Advice Needed!

cats_toy

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Hello Everyone,

Since moving into our home over 18 yrs ago, we’ve become the Mecca for homeless kitties. We currently have 5 fur babies 3 were abandoned by their owners.

It was 5 weeks ago another homeless cat sought refuge at our doorstep. Hoping desperately he was just passing by, we ignored him. But morning came and he was still here. We left him alone while he gobbled down the food we offered. After his breakfast, I set out to build a trust with him by providing him pets and treats, once I felt he was ready, I tried placing him in a carrier which proved to be a BIG MISTAKE!!! He shredded my arms and bolted. In all the years of rescuing cats I have never experienced such resistance.   

Not knowing what to do next, we called animal control to find out what could be done with our little visitor. What we learned broke our hearts. They would trap him and then put him down. We tried explaining the cat wasn’t feral he was just very scared. But they don’t have the resources to rehabilitate cats with what they refer to is anti social behavior.

For the next several weeks, we have continued to feed him and very slowly he has allowed me to pet him though he can be somewhat aggressive (trying to bite, swatting). He is also becoming more comfortable with his outdoor surroundings. So much so he has begun going after the wildlife in our yard. I don’t want my backyard becoming a graveyard for birds, squirrels, etc…

I would like to bring him into my home but I don’t have a spare room and I must consider the health and well being of my other cats.

I really believe this little guy has potential but I am at a loss as to how to handle this situation. Any suggestions will be very welcome.

Thank You!
 

StefanZ

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Many rescueers use the bathroom for their quarantine room.

Or you could have him in a big dog cage. The cage could be almost anywhere, as long as it is somewhat sheltered.  The cellar, or something...

Is he neutered?  If not, this is what you must do first before it is safe to let him meet your residents.

Some shy toms are submissive, but some are NOT.

His trying to bite ans swatting, as long he doenst actually bites and swats with soft paw, in OK.

So they do with their pals.

Good luck!

ps. you perhaps have som rescue group nearby?  who do works with  cats gone semiferal?  Where do you live?
 
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feralvr

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I seem to have the same issue here at my home. A constant stream of feral and stray cats passing through. Some stay and some just pass through never to be seen again. I am sorry about you being scratched up like that. I hope you are alright. The best way to get these types into a crate is to feed them in that crate only for a few days with the crate door propped open. Once they are comfortable going in and out to eat, you just close the door when you need to take them in or to the vet. Works well for me. I can assure you that once he is neutered his behavior will settle. That behavior of taking swipes and bites at you is all hormonal based. If you don't have a room to confine him too, a large dog crate will suffice. But first, I would take him to the vet to be neutered and tested before bringing him into the house. See if you can get the assistance of a TNR organization in your area with costs. They should be happy to help you with this cat. Let us know how it goes. :cross: :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:
 
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cats_toy

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Thank You both for your reply.

To StefanZ unfortunately our bathroom is very small, not an ideal area for a semi feral kitty. I live along the Treasure Coast of Florida, as I mentioned we do have one organization who is willing to trap the little guy but he will be put to sleep once caught.

To Feralvr; The scratches I received proved very painful but no adverse reactions.
Your idea of slowly introducing him to the crate with food is an excellent idea; I will try that immediately. It was our intention to help him overcome the adverse effects he suffered from his previous owner. Accomplishing this has proved much more difficult than others who have been rescued. Despite his resistance we will do what we can to help him get adopted.

Thank You both again for your help, it is sincerely appreciated!

 
 
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cats_toy

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Thank You Feralvr, that is comforting to know!

I have a question about capturing the little guy (for now we call him Linus) with the least amount of stress. We are considering using a trap similar to what the Humane Society uses. Do you find this method an acceptable method of capture?
 

Thanks Again

Leilani (AKA cats_toy)
 

StefanZ

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I dont know which exactly trap HS uses, but normally catching them with trap is the most benign. They MAY get chocked and "crazy" but they at least wont associate the trap with you.

Do never ever chase them around wrestling down "catch as catch can".  

 In such cases, throwing a towel over them in better if you want to take them yourself. As may be done when they do come themselves forward to you...... Having this towel around them, or over them, they get submissive.

To summarize:  Some sort of trap is usually the best, the so called "human trap" type Havaharth, or in easier cases, using a carrier as a trap, teaching them there is good food in the carrier.
 
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cats_toy

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Thank You StefanZ for your suggestions. I 'm not sure the little guy would take kindly to a towel or even a pillow case as some vets have suggested, however any of these options are certainly worth considering.

Thanks Again!

Leilani (AKA cats_toy)
 
 

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Did you check to see if there are any TNR or rescue organizations near you?  Animal Control, as you found out, usually kill unsociable cats and kittens, unless they have a TNR program.  

You wrote that you can't take him indoors because of your other animals, so what do you plan to do with him once he's been trapped?

Cat was swiping at you as he was trying to tell you to keep your distance as he's still nervous of the contact.  He will come around before too long, but go at a pace that he is comfortable with.  Cats are nervous of people's hands coming toward them.  It is likely this fellow hasn't had close contact with people in some time, so he's more wary.  

If you have a fishing pole type of cat toy, try engaging him in play by using that.  This will help him relax more with you and others.  It will help if you can spend time regularly with him.  You may be able to find him a new home once he's comfortable again with people.  He will mellow out even more if he is neutered.
 
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cats_toy

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Hello Caretaker, Thank You for your response!

When he's caught, he will be transported to our local Humane Society. As for a TNR program, there is a possibility we may have such an organization in our area but we would rather work with him to get him adopted.

We believe the swiping is his way of playing. As I come into the house after spending time with him, he goes for the feet an indication to us he doesn't want me to leave. He is coming around and has begun to come when called. Playing with toys however, isn't an activity he is comfortable with at this time. Toys for reasons which aren't clear cause him to run.

Again Thank You for your reply!

Leilani (AKA cats_toy)
 

StefanZ

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When he's caught, he will be transported to our local Humane Society. ... but we would rather work with him to get him adopted.
Did they promised you they will be working on adoption?  As mentioned, most Human Societies and similiar Shelter  kills immediately off all cats who arent apparently home cats.

Sending him there may be basically just another way to kill him, if you didnt got insurances they will proceed with socializing, and or finding adoption home.

Good luck!
 

feralvr

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When he's caught, he will be transported to our local Humane Society. As for a TNR program, there is a possibility we may have such an organization in our area but we would rather work with him to get him adopted.

We believe the swiping is his way of playing. As I come into the house after spending time with him, he goes for the feet an indication to us he doesn't want me to leave. He is coming around and has begun to come when called. Playing with toys however, isn't an activity he is comfortable with at this time. Toys for reasons which aren't clear cause him to run.


Leilani (AKA cats_toy)
I have had a few feral cats do this swiping. One was this way when I was walking the food out to his spot. This behavior will change once he is neutered and hopefully that will be soon. The trap the HS has would be just fine if they let you borrow it. I would still recommend the large dog crate if you don't have any other way to confine him. Best to take him directly to the vet once trapped for neutering, testing and all shots before bringing him indoors as you have other cats. Some articles that will help you through this process too.
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/saving-feral-cats
http://www.catnipchronicles.com/may2012/laurie.htm
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/handling-feral-cats
 
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caretaker

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As StefanZ wrote, it is usually a death sentence to send a not-tame or partially tame cat or kitten to a humane society, SPCA, or animal control - unless they have some formal arrangement for handling those type of cats.  Check information on your local humane society's website to find out their various policies.  I wouldn't go by what someone there tells you, but what is in writing.

The reason I suggested you contact a TNR or rescue organization was to see if they would help you with neutering and other medical care. If he is neutered and his medical needs seen to, he may be easier for you to adopt out (once he is socialized enough).  Or, you may decide to adopt him yourself.
 

Willowy

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Yes. . .unless the HS has a specific feral/farmcat program, they almost certainly will kill him. And the employees are trained to tell you whatever you want to hear--"we'll do our best to find him a good home!" usually translates to "we'll kill him as soon as you leave!". So do get everything in writing before letting them take control.

If you can have him neutered and vaccinated and let him continue to live outdoors (providing a proper shelter, of course), that would probably be the best since he's not fully tame.
 
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