Need some help!

Hi I am new here. I have owned cats all my life but the last couple of years we have lost our two cats. They were both 16 years old when they passed away. We have now found a black cat in our backyard. For the last 8 days we have begin feeding him/her. We made it a shelter because has rained all night and day. My question is how do I help this kitty? I don't know if it belongs to anyone. My neighbours all keep their cats inside. It seems in good shape so I think it might have been left in the empty lot beside our house. Kitty seems very timid and will not let me near her. We have not seen her/him today but it is raining and very windy today. Any advice would be appreciated.

Does she run from you when you go out or just keep her distance?  If she runs, she's either feral or way too scared.  When you see her, always speak softly to her and never approach.  Sit on the step or ground and call her.   If she approaches, even hesitantly, keep calm.

Keep feeding her on a regular basis.  Don't leave the food out overnight, though.

Can you buy or borrow a trap?  Trapping may seem extreme but she needs to be seen by a vet ASAP.  The vet will be able to help you assess whether she'd feral (and a more likely candidate for an outside cat) or a stray (way better chance of success if she comes inside).

Has she used the shelter?  Make sure it's escapable - many cats won't use an outdoor shelter unless it has two openings - they are afraid of being trapped.

Thank you for helping her!

I take in stray kittens all the time.one of my cats do that she eats the food I give her but doesn't let me touch her.this mean the cat is a stray or the cat is scared of you.you will earn kitty's trust giving her food every day,try playing with her with string,talk to him/her in a baby way,try touching kitty in slow motion hope kitty will get used to being with you

She did come back tonight around 6pm eat and left. In the beginning she ran around if we approached her. Yesterday she ate right a the sliding glass door and I sat on the other side. I was able to open the door a little but that was all. I didn't see her today but she has eaten the food. As for the shelter I don't think she has been in it. I will cut an escape door tomorrow. Thanks. I am a little worried tonight, the weather is windy and some rain. At least it's not cold. I will look into a trap tomorrow. My daughter and I are going to the SPCA to look into fostering or adopting a cat. I will ask. If I can get the cat in the house and it doesn't have an owner we would love to keep it. Also it doesn't seem to be afraid of my dogs. One of my dogs barks at it through the sliding glass door and it keeps eating.

It sounds like she's lost, or has been dumped.  Either way, remember if you adopt a cat from the shelter, this cat may have a harder time sticking around.  The new cat will be territorial and may not welcome her, especially as it will be getting used to the new territory itself.  That may take a few weeks.

Can you talk to someone at the shelter about what steps you can take for the cat?  You should decide to what you want to do about her.  If you decide to help, that help needs to include spaying or neutering, a vet check-up and vaccinations and figuring out if she can live inside (with or without the new cat).

Thanks!

Ondine, I wish I had read your response earlier. We did adopted a cat yesterday. He is 7 months old and has lived in the SPCA all his life.

As for the outside cat it was at the door last night for 15 minutes eats and looking at us. My daughter and I were talking to her the whole time. She was a bit more curious this time. Still has not gone in the shelter yet.

The SPCA where we live is very small and doesn't lend out traps. They did tell me how to make the shelter better for the winter. We lived in Nova Scotia in Canada so it does get very cold here.

If we can get the cat in the house , I am more than willing to take on the responsible of her care. Do you like it we be hard to get her and the male used to each other? Right now have the new cat in the bathroom to get him use to everything. We are introducing him the dogs today and kids played with him yesterday.

Thank you for all your help!

You can buy a trap or use a large crate. With either one, feed the cat inside. You will need to tie the trap open, so it doesn't snap shut, at least until the cat gets used to eating in it. When you are ready to take the cat to the vet, set the trap.

With the crate, get the cat used to eating with you standing near the door. When you are ready, you can gently close him into the crate. Cover the trap or crate with a blanket; it will help keep him calm. With either, get him to the vet for testing and shots. Keep them separated until both are given clean bills of health. Then you can start the introductions.

This may work out OK because neither cat has claimed your house as his or her territory yet. Good luck!