There's a feral in my neighborhood....

saphira101

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Hello everyone.

There has been a feral cat in my neighborhood and it's been here for a year or two. It's long-haired and orange, and very mangy and skittish.

I'm almost certain it's a male, because every night he sits under my window and meows. It's not a domestic meow, but the kind of meow male cats use when they're looking for a mate. He's become very skinny, and despite my attempts to grab him, he always manages to run away. I could use a trap, but I'm not in the position to tame a feral cat right now, and I'm afraid my local humane society would have him put down or he'd never find a home. How can I help him???

Thank you,    ~Saphira
 

rorienicole

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girl, I'm in the same boat and I sadly, I cannot offer you the best advice. I have two feral cats in the neighborhood that are the sweetest things. They will say hello, sit and stare at me and casually sachay by the house but I can NEVER get close enough before they run off.... So....I know it's wrong, and not right ,,,,but I admit I leave food and water randomly. This is after attempts of trying to get them and it KILLS me that they are out there in the cold and with no home. So shoot me. I'm going to hell! Just kidding... I hope. Moral of Story: I feel for you, girl. GOOD LUCK!
 

Willowy

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You don't have to tame him or take him to a shelter. . .if you have him neutered and vaccinated, let him go, and then feed him daily, he should do fine :). Check with all the animal welfare groups in your area to see if there's any TNR support in the area; some might have a trap you can borrow.
 
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saphira101

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Thanks! I think S.P.O.T. Sponsors TNR.
 
 
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saphira101

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We have him trapped in our greenhouse! Now I just have to wait for S.P.O.T. to reply to my message.
 

StefanZ

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We have him trapped in our greenhouse! Now I just have to wait for S.P.O.T. to reply to my message.
Good work!   Congrats!

During the time, look also if you find other groups helping with TNR, IF  SPOT dont works out.

As said, if you want help him but cant adopt/foster, you can always have him as your outside kitty, once the neutering is done.  Or even shash him off if necessary.  Neutered/spayed he will have it easier.

To dump a home cat is a terrible sin, but he is used, and had already survived a long time. So you do always have the option of releasing him.

Good luck!
 

ondine

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Good work! If you haven't covered the trap, do so. He's likely frightened. You can also put the trap on a pee pad, so when he goes to the bathroom, it will be easier to clean things up.

If SPOT doesn't get back to you, can you keep him for a bit? It's a busy season for rescues, so you may need to keep him in the trap for a bit. He'll be fine as long as he's fed and clean.

Keep us posted!
 

shadowsrescue

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Check out Alley Cat Allies.  They have lots of info on TNR.  I have 3 that I have trapped neutered and returned.  They mostly stay close by my house and come daily for food and shelter.  I have socialized one true feral and the other two were strays turned feral that are a constant work in progress.  Yet, many people, just trap neuter and return them to their habitat.  You could always just provide food, water and shelter if you are able.  You don't have to socialize.  He would most certainly be appreciative to food water and shelter.
 
 
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