First time to try and rescue a cat

nic22

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Hi everyone, my name is Nicole and i'm living in Canada. This is the first time i have ever attempted to catch a stray/feral cat, i have a few questions regarding strays/ferals but i will start at the beginning. A few months ago my husband and i noticed a little black cat wandering the streets (we are guessing he is around 6-12months old) and it looks like both his back legs have been broken at some point, as winter is approaching we decided we needed to try and help him because chances are he won't survive if we don't. We have given him the name Spartacus.
We started leaving food at the bottom of the front steps and each day we would slowly move it up closer to the front door. The first few days we couldn't be anywhere near him when he was eating then he would allow us to get fairly close but there is no way of touching him.
My husband decided to build him a little house for the nights that a cold. After 3 weeks he was coming into the entry of the house to eat, we have a second door which we keep closed as we have a dog and we still need to keep them separated for the time being. Up until last Friday he was coming 2 to 3 times a day, each time i'd let him in, he'd have a little snack and then leave to have a snooze in our front garden.
We have been trying to build his trust and wanted to try and get to a point where we could pick him up rather than trap him to take him to our vet to have his shots etc and then make him part of our family.
Last Friday night my husband decided we should close the front door while he is inside let him calm down and then let him out. He was terrified the poor little thing, he jumped up onto the love seat and meowed, he refused to eat and looked distressed so we opened the door and he ran off. He didn't hiss at us or try and attack so i don't know if this is a possitive thing. We were both heart broken that he didn't eat and kept getting up in the middle of the night to see if he was there.
He did come back the next morning but he was terrified if we approached the door he would move close to the front door for a quick get away if need be. We both feel terrible and are not sure if we have done the right thing. He stayed away during the day as well.
We went and bought a cat toy which we attached to a long pole with catnip and yesterday he was back in the garden so i played with him and he seemed to love it.
Two nights ago another cat started turning up, we have nick named this cat Tiger because he has stripes, he is a beautiful cat but i'm not sure if he is homeless, he looks well feed but has no collar and is a little scared of humans but nothing compared to Spartacus.
Ok now for some questions... is there a specific amount of food Spartacus should be eating? We have been giving him 1-2 cans of 156g wet food plus some dry biscuits per day, sometimes he eats it all other times he'll eat around half and walk away.
How can i tell the difference between a stray and a feral and is there anyway of knowing if Tiger is really homeless?
Are we going to cause problems if we feed both of them?
Does anyone have any suggestions on making Spartacus more comfortable around us? and is there any chance we will be able to keep him without putting him into a trap first?
I have attached a photo of Spartacus in our garden. Any advice would be really appreciated as i can't believe two people have fallen for this kitty that isn't even ours.
 

ondine

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What a pretty cat!

I would suggest you are doing things a little backwards.  Although it may distress him, trapping him and getting him to the vet is the first order of business.  Once you know if he's a) healthy and b) neutered, you can proceed with the socializing.

I say this for this reason - once he's neutered, he will socialize faster because his testosterone levels will decrease.  He will likely not spray and will have no need to wander.

To answer you question about food - two cans a day is sufficient.  If he's super skinny (he doesn't look it), one more can won't hurt.

Feral cats will run and hide (or freeze) when humans approach or talk to them.  They are not socialized at all and if cornered, will react with hisses, spits and possibly lunges (trying to escape).  They seldom meow (no need to talk to humans and cats don't usually meow at one another).

The way Spartacus reacted to being closed in tells me he's either a stray or someone's inside/outside cat who is used to be outside.  A true feral would never have come inside to begin with.

One last thing, though.  Have you checked with the neighbors to see if either Tiger or Spartacus is someone's inside/outside cat?

Good luck and thank you for helping them!
 
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nic22

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Thank you Ondine for your response and advice, I have placed notices in regards to Tiger after StephanZ suggestion and will wait and see what response we get. He came around yesterday afternoon while Spartacus was in the garden, he was fine but spartacus wasn't too happy at all, i went out to keep an eye on things but all ended well with him wandering off.

Spartacus doesn't belong to any of our close neighbours but i will put signs up for him as well just to make sure, but i'm pretty sure he is homeless as he is here from 5.30 in the morning and pretty much the entire day.

After reading your response i organised the old transporter cage that was for one of my dogs and called the vet to make sure we can go anytime without an appointment and then he wouldn't come inside this morning so i will try again tomorrow.

After he has been checked by the vet and neutered is it best to keep him as an inside cat or let him come and go as he pleases?

Thank you again
 

ondine

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Inside is always the safest place for a cat.  He will need to recuperate after the surgery (a day for boys, two or more for girls), so that will give you a good idea as to how he will respond to being inside.  (I'm saying "he" because of his name - are you sure he's a boy?)

Do you have a room you can keep him in?  A spare bathroom is fine, as is a spare bedroom.  Just somewhere where he can be by himself, with his food and litter box available.

In any case, if he doesn't take kindly to staying inside (and some cats won't), being let outside is OK.  Usually after they are spayed/neutered, cats will stick pretty close to their house, guarding their territory.  (This is why he's not too appreciative of having Tiger nearby).

With a house outside for warmth, he should be fine outside as long as he has good food, too.
 
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nic22

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Well after several attemps we finally managed to catch Spartacus on Tuesday morning and took him to the vet. He was very scared but calm we were even able to give him plenty of pats and the vet was able to examine him with no problems. He is definitely a boy around 8-10 months old and healthy apart from some fleas. His back leg has been broken at some point but has healed, as he is still able to be mobile the vet said there was no need to do anythig with it the only problem he may have is some artheritis when it is too cold. He was given his vacinations and a product for fleas, ticks and worms that i need to apply to the back of his neck monthly for 3 months, they won't neuter him for another month because of his age which i find a bit weird i thought around 6 months old was ok but they are the experts.

We brought him home in the crate and put him in a bedroom downstairs with his kitty litter, water and some toys. I have put a baby gate across the stairs so our dog can't go down there and annoy him so far that is working our dog hasn't realised he is in the house or doesn't care but i think he is unaware for the moment.

The first day as soon as we let him out of the crate he headed under the bed (not really a problem i can get to him if i need to it is quiet high from the ground) and didn't move. I kept going to check on him and he was always in the same place. I left some dry biscuits and water which he didn't touch but i put some chicken in another bowl before going to bed  and when i checked the next morning (yesterday) he had eaten it and used his kitty litter.

He hasn't cried once and yesterday he even ventured closer and stuck his head out but wouldn't come out from under the bed and was not interested in playing. Last night my husband tried to touch him but he hissed at him i told him to leave him alone for the moment.

He ate all his dinner last night but when i checked this morning he had done a poo on the bed not in the kitty litter. I have gone and bought a bigger box and more litter hopefully he will go in there i don't feel to wash the cover each day.

I'm feeling very stressed and uncertain as i have been reading what to do and am now more confused than ever. After we caught him i felt relieved and was emotionally exhausted Tuesday night but now i'm just so confused i want to cry. Should i keep the door open or leave it closed? and for how long do i need to keep him in one room? I feel so mean like i am holding him prisoner my husband thinks we may have to let him go back outside but i just don't know. Also should i keep going into the room or just let him be ad only go in to change the litter food and water? How can i tell if he is happy to be with us because the most important thing for me is his happiness and safety.
 

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It's actually a very good sign that he's already eating and eliminating. It is good that you are adding a second box since most outdoor/feral cats don't like to poop where they pee.

Being scared and hiding under the bed is very natural at this stage. He is in a new environment and is uncertain whether it's safe. He will adjust in time. Spend time with him in the room, talking softly or reading out loud. This will get him used to you in a non-threatening manner. You can also play some soft music for him while you are gone.  Classical and especially harp music seem to be especially soothing to cats. You can also add a Feliway pheromone diffuser to his room. I would not put him back outside especially since he is not neutered yet. Give him time to adjust to being inside and safe. He will learn to trust you.
 
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nic22

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Thank you so much vball91, should i keep the door open during the day when i'm home and not in the room? If i go out or at night once we go to bed i keep the door closed as i don't want any thing to happen to him if he was to wander upstairs as he can get over the babygate if he wants to.

I have been playing classical music (its driving my husband nuts as he works from home :p ) for him but i will go and get the Feliway pheromone you mentioned.
 

vball91

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It's better to keep him confined safely to one room for now. You can start letting him out once he's more comfortable (not hiding).
 
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nic22

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Thank you i will keep the door closed for now then.
 
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nic22

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Good news he used his new litter box so no mess to clean up:clap: This morning when i went in to feed him he gave a little meow but is still hiding. Last night we could hear him playing with his toys.
 

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Yay! If he's playing with his toys, that's a great sign that he is starting to feel more safe and secure. Maybe you could try to lure him out of hiding with a wand toy. If he likes playing, that may be enough enticement.
 
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nic22

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I have been going in and reading to him throughout the day, the last time i went in he was sleeping ontop of the bed. i brought some treats with me and just put them on the ground beside me. i couldn't believe it he actually came and sat beside me and ate them i sat there not moving but continued to read out loud. He then went and used his litter box and went back under the bed. I'll go back down soon and try the wand toy. I'm finally starting to feel like he is coming around, thank you so much for your support.
 

vball91

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I have been going in and reading to him throughout the day, the last time i went in he was sleeping ontop of the bed. i brought some treats with me and just put them on the ground beside me. i couldn't believe it he actually came and sat beside me and ate them i sat there not moving but continued to read out loud.
That is fantastic progress! I am so happy for you.
 

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:clap: :clap: :clap: That is fantastic progress! I am so happy for you.
:yeah: ME TOO! Just reading your thread and want to add in my congratulations for success in getting Spartacus to the vet. He is certainly a black beauty! Your doing a GREAT, GREAT job. :clap::clap::clap: Now, take a deep breath and know that what you are doing IS the right thing for this kitten. The vet would have found a microchip if this cat belonged to someone. You could put up some flyers just in case, but I don't think anyone would claim him. Wonderful of you to care!! :hugs: He IS happy to be safe and indoors. I hope you keep him that way! :cross:

Boy, if he came and sat by you, then for sure this kitty is not a truly feral cat and he is one that truly is grateful for being taken in. Plus, using the litter box with you sitting in there AND playing with toys! :shocker: Wow, no truly feral cat would do that after 24 hours of being captured and taken indoors. I think you have a reverted feral stray/abandoned/lost kitty in your midst and your progress will hopefully move along much quicker. For sure, do not let him out of his room for quite some time, weeks. Make sure he is completely trusting and well socialized with you. You will know when it is time to offer him more space because he will tell you! The meowing will begin and when you come into the room he won't feel the need to run and hide. He will start coming out and you will be able to pet him. This all has to happen before you allow him more room. It is always a mistake to rush things as many so often do and then they can't find the cat anywhere in the house. Quite traumatic to find them and then have to re-catch them to put them back in the safe room. Slower is better! Don't rush along the process by your hand, let the cat decide when it is time for more. I think Spartacus will come along quickly for you.

A great article for tips/suggestions to help the process along. http://www.catnipchronicles.com/may2012/laurie.htm
 
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nic22

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Thank you to all of you for your help. Feralvr he definitely doesn't have a home, i put up flyers before we caught him and no one contacted us unfortunately because he is such a beautiful boy. Thank you for the link i look forward to reading it. He is becoming more vocal, hopefully a good sign i just keep talking and reading him to... hopefully i'm not annoying him lol
Yesterday he decided he wanted to look out the window and got stuck between the windows and the bars... to be honest i don't know how he even got in there luckily he was able to get down on his own with a little encouragement. My husband has built a ramp for him to climb so he can look outside safely.
We will definitely keep him inside especially with winter coming and hopefully he wil adjust to being an indoor cat, fingers crossed.
 

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He will adjust to being indoors! Believe it and know that what you are doing for him IS the right thing and it will be. :D :clap:

Usually, :cross:, when they get inside something they than can get themselves out. But rescuing them from a stuck position can be a good thing when they know they are truly in a bind and know that you are trying to help. ;) Good thing, though, you didn't have to resort to that! And, you will not be annoying him by reading to him!!! :lol2: Just the opposite. He is thoroughly enjoying the attention from you and soaking in all the love. More and more of that and soon you will see his personality shine beautifully just as bright as his outer beauty. You and your husband obviously have a wonderful, protective and caring bond with Spartacus and I can only imagine that growing with time. Best of luck to all of you and keep us posted! :wavey::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:
 
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nic22

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Spartacus has started sleeping on the bed when i read to him, but he keeps looking up at the window and meowing i'm not sure if he is trying to tell me he wamts to be outside? Anyway i felt like we were starting to make good progress and my husband decided to leave the door open, he came out had a look around and then went back to his room. I was giving him treats and left my hand next to then in a fist, he ate them sniffed my hand and gave it a little lick i was so happy but then this morning he was at the doorway of his room and my dog was upstairs but could see him and started barking and crying. Spartacus went back in the room so my husband went to check on him and he hissed at him and seemed aggressive so we have closed the door.
I'm not sure if it was because of our dog or if he is getting frustrated but i'm scared to go in the room which i know is silly but i can't help it.
 
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