Stray cat in my yard?

fluffymash

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Hello! I'm new here :D I've had another stray cat come into my life in the past, which someone I work with adopted because I could not keep her at that time. Just about an hour ago I saw another stray. Skinny, and very afraid. I went up to it (which I now think was a mistake... and it ran away). He/she wouldn't let me get anywhere near them. It ran off around my neighbors yard, and I followed it to see where it went, and I didn't see her/him. She/he was beautiful though (in my opinion) she had short white fur. I'm afraid I scared her away and she won't come back. My friend just told me to put out milk so I did. I'm planning on going to the pet store tomorrow to pick out some canned cat food that I can put out. I am really hoping she will come back, and I will be able to gain her trust. if I can, I will probably be able to keep her :D I also have a dog, who just completely ignore cats (lol). If any of you could help gain her trust it would be appreciated. Thank you!

-mel
 

ondine

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After you get the cat food, don't put out milk anymore.  Most adult cats are lactose intolerant.  If she's hungry enough, she'll drink it but it will probably upset her tummy.

So, do set out food every day at the same time.  A small can (3 ounces) is fine or half a larger can.  This will help her get used to a routine.  Don't leave food out overnight as it will attract other critters (raccoons or skunks).

She may not come back at all, though.  If she's a true stray, she may keep looking for her home.  If she's feral (a cat who hasn't been socialized to people), she won't let you near her anyway.

If she does come back and doesn't run when she sees you, talk to her softly.  You can sit near the food and see if she'll eat with you there.  She's most likely had a hard time recently, so don't rush her.  She's probably having a difficult time figuring out who to trust.

Once you do catch her, she will need a vet check up and maybe spaying (or neutering).  Good luck and keep us posted.
 
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fluffymash

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Good news! So I put out some food this morning, and I checked the bowl an hour or two ago, and it was empty! I didn't see her come, but it had to be her. When you said catch her, what do you mean by that? How should I go about doing that? Once she's calm around me, do I just go pick her up, or what? 

Thanks!
 

ritz

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Thank you for taking care of this cat.  Oh that's good that the cat is eating the food.  And do give her wet food, no milk.

I don't know if the cat is feral (never been owned by a human) or stray (owned by a human and for what ever reason, now living on his/her own). If really skinny, the cat may have been recently abandoned and is now trying to figure out where/how to get enough food.  If recently abandoned or previously owned, the cat may start to trust you sooner rather than later.  I would keep on putting out food on a regular basis/time, like Ondine advised. That is the first step to gaining her trust and at least providing some calories on a regular basis.

If feral, it may take a LONG time for the cat to be calm around humans/you.

If feral, you will probably have to borrow a humane trap to catch her.  Alley Cat Allies is an excellent resource for how to do this.  As are people on this forum!

If a stray cat, use to humans but no longer trusting, she/he will become more friendly over time.  Then you *might* be able to pick her up.  But in my opinion, I'd try to trap her/him as soon as possible to get her spay/neutered if not already, dewormed and checked out by a vet.  If you have other cats, and if you hope/plan to keep her/him, you should consider getting the cat tested for FIV/FeLK.

 Meanwhile, you might want to contact your local SPCA/cat rescue groups to see if they could help you trap the cat (and/or loan you a humane trap) and if they offer low-cost spay-neuter/vet care.

Good luck and keep us posted.
 
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fluffymash

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Thanks! I did put out wet food, but my only concern is, that she doesn't normally eat it right away. Don't worry I've gotten rid of the milk, and replaced it with water. I'm pretty convinced she is a stray cause we have almost no feral cats around here. Yesterday I put out dry food in the morning (I didn't have any wet food at the time) and by 6 pm it was all gone. I put out wet food this morning, and it's been out for about two hours so I'm thinking I should take it in? 
 

ritz

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Yes it is generally a good idea to take up food after about two hours; otherwise, raccoons may eat it.

The 'normal' time for cats to eat is day break and sunset--when they hunt mice if outdoors.  Cats can see much better than humans in such light.  So that is a good time to put out food if your schedule permits.

I think the key is consistency:  put out food the same time every day/night (plus or minus 15 or 30 minutes) and if the cat is hungry enough she'll come around.  You may have to disappear; some very skittish cats may be too afraid to eat near a human (this happened to me this morning).
 
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fluffymash

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I have found my cat comes to eat at about 1-3 pm. I'm getting a humane trap tomorrow (so exited) and I hoping to trap her by the weekend.
 
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