Finally had feral neutered. Need help!

Hugs to you Hummys this sounds really rough I know you weren't expecting it to be like this.    My advice would be to take him to the vet - a different vet in a different practice - for an objective second opinion.  Make sure that they are feral aware and would be okay with handling him.   At minimum get them to give him a large amount of SubQ fluids to rehydrate him and possibly a Convenia injection in case there is an infection anywhere in his body (unlikely I know) from the neuter or being at the clinic.    If you can afford it maybe even some basic bloodwork they can do in-house so they can have the results right away while he's there.     I would go ahead and do this even if you plan to let him out just to make sure you aren't letting him out with a problem he needs help with because it will likely be a long time before you could catch him again.    Good luck to you

Hi hun! Trying to syringe feed a semi-feral cat who is already completely out of his mind in panic will not be good thus traumatizing him further and possibly getting you seriously injured. How old is this guy? I know how much you love him and want to do the best thing for him. If I were you, I would release him back outside and try to regroup and restart this whole process. He could become quite sick very quickly if he does not eat very soon. AND, if he is completely freaked out being indoors in a room with too much space, then he will not eat. period. I know you want to try your hand at socializing and here is a wonderful article filled with tips and suggestions. http://www.catnipchronicles.com/may2012/laurie.htm

The urine smell will dissapate but it takes time, weeks. I would use half soil and half kitten attract with the added herbal attractant that you can buy in the litter section by Dr. Elsey. Works very well for feral cats. Here is the link for Nok Out. The best, IMO. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=nok+out+odor+eliminator&tag=&tag=thecatsite

NOW, I do believe this cat is not a true feral. You will be able to re-trap him once you have a good plan in order. In fact, since a larger space seems to be the problem, then he needs a much smaller space for socializing and comfort. I would use a very large, huge crate for this cat in the beginning. My feral cat, Willow, is taking a very, very long time to come around and he is living in a five by five foot cage in a sanctuary and will soon be let out to integrate with the other cats. He still is hissing and growling even after three months time. There comes a time when trying to socialize becomes torture for the cat. Usually, though, you will know after many, many weeks with absolutely no progress whatsoever. It IS worth the effort though as many do come around. Some more than others and some not at all and some become lap cats with their ONE person. It is very much worth trying. But always keep in mind that the "cat" is the one who will decide which is best. They are incredibly smart creatures and know what is best for them. That is why I love feral cats so very much. They are so incredibly saavy and have deep intelligence because of the life that they were born. I believe their inherent intelligence and sixth sense is moreso than our hand raised kitties because they HAVE to rely on their instincts and brains to survive, not on humans. They can become the most loyal of all cats and make lifelong attachments once socialized with you.

Do not give up hope if you release him, hun. He will stick near you and you can try again and again. I am certain of this. :nod: It is much better to have tried, tried, tried and failed than to not have tried (which, IMO, is a worse failure). :bigwink: There is no sure "rule" book to feral cats. When one "rule of thumb" works for a feral cat it surely might not work for another. I have just honestly learned from years and years of experience with them. Trial and error so to speak. Hope for the best but expect nothing has always been another of my mottos and I swear the feral cats understand that and know I ask nothing of them, only to love and help them.

Awesome advice as always Laurie!  And you are so right about how incredibly smart they are - I guess they have to be.   I've been wondering how things are going???????

Bastfriend said:

Awesome advice as always Laurie!  And you are so right about how incredibly smart they are - I guess they have to be.   I've been wondering how things are going???????

Click to expand...

HI!! aw thanks. .....You mean ....Lauren :lol3: But Laurie here on TCS is like my sister and people get us mixed up all the time. Actually my birth name is Laurie Anne. Things have been great with me and the kitties. They always make life much more worthwhile.

No wonder I got confused!   Lauren, glad you and your kitties are well!

Hummys, I hope you and kitty are okay - any update?

So, it was with deep regret that on Tuesday morning, we released him. He hadn't had anything to eat or drink in too long. He was so terrorized sitting in the middle of the room, that I couldn't bring myself to force feed him. It seemed too cruel. We decided that the best thing for him was to let him leave. We opened a window and left the room. He was out within 5 minutes. Sat for a few seconds (I assume to figure out where he was?) and left down the driveway, his usual route. He's such a skittish kitty that I thought he would have been to petrified to come around again, at least for a few days. I was heartbroken at the thought of never seeing him again. But, to my overwhelming joy, he was back at dinnertime! I couldn't believe it. Waiting outside my kitchen door as if nothing happened. When I opened the door, he had maybe a 3 second look of hesitation and then came right in. Waited in the kitchen for me to get his food ready and then just... ate. Sat after and groomed. Since then, he's been back for breakfast and dinner every day. Sits while I fix everything. He even walks almost halfway into the kitchen to get his treats. Last night, he groomed after he ate and then fell asleep for 20 minutes or so before heading back outside. I haven't seen any ill effects. We might have had a different outcome had he found his safe place in a corner. But, I'll never know. 

It's weird and maybe I'm crazy, but he seems slightly more trusting. Before, he would wait inside while I fixed his food, but would run out the door when I walked over to put it down and then come back in to eat (after I moved). Since Tuesday, instead of running out the door, he's gone to sit under the table a few times. He also seems to have less hesitation about coming closer to eat his treats. Little things, but since I know his behavior so well, noticeable.

I won't give up on having him inside with us. I'll give him (and me) time to calm down and regroup and then start planning for our next time. Feralvr, will take your advice and plan on using a crate next time. To everyone, thank you for your advice and support. It really makes a difference.

Oh what wonderful news that he is coming back to feed and groom himself.

He may be more trusting because you did release him.  It's kind of like a new cat finally getting the courage to climb on your lap, you're so overjoyed you want to envelop him in a huge hug.  But you refrain, instead letting him decide when to leave your lap.  Once he knows he can come and go at will, he'll come more.

Have you tried playing with him, either outside or inside?

I think he is well on his way to becoming your indoor kitty. He is already making these choices all on his own accord to come back to eat/groom and sit. Baby steps and taking it slow. Will continue the vibes for his trust to progress and certainly it will. :heart3:

Awwww, I'm so glad!   It sounds like this cat wants to do it his way and that's the only way it'll work.    Maybe just as time goes on he will continue to come in more and more and that's how it'll work?   He's very lucky to have you!

He perhaps never realized the room he was in was inside your house. So he longed and wanted back to your kitchen...   And now, back into your kitchen routine, he feels contend - and yes, had come a step closer socializing now.  If it is because he is nowadays spayed, or because... we dont need to guess, just lets say thanks and receive the gifts.       *beaming*

Good luck!

Been reading the posts with interest...wow...sounds like you have been getting some "human training" from this sweetheart.  Good for you!

Have patience...we have 3 rescued ferals inside and the last one ...Dolly...is all the characteristics of those bad cats you had during your life!!!  tried to make her an inside cat but after 3 months she taught us she wants to be an inside/outside cat...so now she comes in to sleep and eat.  She is the light of my life now and we share those special moments.

One suggestion might be a cat door and a cat bed in the kitchen.

He will come around in his own "cat time"

Thanks for neutering him.