New Feral/Stray Cat

Hello,

I am new on here and new to caring for feral/stray cats. I grew up with pet cats but since my husband is allergic we don't have any.

We live in the country and about two weeks ago we saw a cat laying next to our shed, which is about 100 feet from our house. I went out the front door to see if he was friendly or not and I didn't even get 10 feet and he took off.

Last week we saw him again just walking through our yard past the shed. Seemed like it was part of his routine or something. So i decided to put out some dry cat food at the entrance to the shed. Last night was the first time I saw him eating. It was right as the sun was going down about 8:00 pm. After he was done eating he walked to the edge of where the yard meets the tall grass field and just sat there. I went outside to try and approach him. I started about 200 feet away. Slowly crept closer while talking to him. I got to about 50 feet and he decided to start walking away. It wasn't a run, but he seemed scared. I immediately turned around and walked the other direction to try and not scare him as much. Then again this morning at about 8:30 am he was eating at the shed again. I didn't go outside this time. I want him to feel safe to come and eat.

I am going to make sure there is always fresh water and food in the shed for him.

I guess I was wondering what are the best ways to get the cat familiar with you and how can you tell if the cat is a stray or true feral? We have never seen another cat around, just this one.

Here are some pictures I took from inside the house this morning.

First welcome to The Cat Site and foremost, thank you for caring, and taking care of this cat.

Basically, to get the Cat to trust you, keep doing what you're doing:  put out food at a regular time so he knows you're dependable food source, don't stare at him (cats consider this a threat), slow blink at him.  You could try putting out food, backing away, and sitting down.  See how he reacts. 

At this point I can't say whether he is a stray or feral.  Based purely on his pictures, he seems to be at a healthy weight.  So he's either lost, recently abandoned, indoor/outdoor cat, or a good hunter. 

I'd check on Pet Finder or your local SPCA to see if anyone has lost a cat.

I'm assuming purely on his picture that the cat is male; he looks bigger than most female cats.  (Although I swore Sandy was female until I got her/him TNRd.)

Speaking of which, you'll need to consider whether you want to try to trap the cat and get him neutered/spayed and dewormed.  We can give you lots of tips how to do that.

I agree with Ritz.

As I see it, you have to decide

1. if he is owned, perhaps a shy cat of neighbours.  Not so few out going cats are more or less shy!

To give food to a cat used to walk about alone marches, may easyly turn him from an owned with a so so but OK home, into a stray...

So do seek after the owner!  Write up   "found" or "who owns this cat?"   Dont reveal all details, let the owner identify herself be knowing the detail you dont mention.   And of course, look after "lost" messages too...

2.  If he is a homeless, it would be very good if you help him by neutering / spaying him.  Especielly if it is a female.  If female, this should be your priority nr 1, as she will get preg before you had befriended her. She may already be preg.   IF she is preg, next question is to spay+abort, or let her have the litter.

IF she has the litter, try to get her inside while high preg.  She will cooperate with the friendly you, as the most important for moms is the welfare of her children, not freedom as such.

If it is a male, the spaying is not the same hurry with, but highly recommended anyway.

He isnt cut in the ears, so he hasnt got TNR-programme in any case...

Tx a lot!

Good luck!

Welcome to our Forums!

Thank you for your quick response! I checked my local shelter and there are no missing cats with his coloring.

Soooo i'm pretty sure he isn't a true feral cat. This morning I saw where he entered the edge of the thick tall grass/weeds and just now went out and looked around. I found his face staring back at me. I did what you said and blinked slowly a bunch of times in a row. I sat down about ten feet from him and just talked to him for about 15 mins. He just stayed where he was laying in the tall weeds/grass. After that i just walked away slowly. It looked like he was trying to sleep/rest. 

I plan on going out in awhile again and doing the same thing if he is still there. I might boil some chicken and see if i can throw a couple pieces his way. Hopefully it won't scare him and then he might associate me with food.

I will check around with the neighbors and make sure it isn't one of their indoor/outdoor or barn cats as you guys have mentioned. I don't wish to do any harm, only help!

I definitely will consider fixing him/her if he sticks around. I just want to see how this plays out for a few days to a week before I bring something like that up to my husband.