Friendly Stray Cat

pennelope123

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I am currently a college student and about 3 months ago when I came home from school I noticed a kitten sitting in front of our apartment. Not having any cats I wasn't sure what to do; so I decided to go buy some cat food and leave it outside for the kitten. When I came back the cat was gone so I just left the food outside overnight.

I began to do this every day and noticed there were 2 other cats as well who would come drink the water and eat the food. I am in California so the winter weather is not very cold but I felt bad during the winter so I bought a kennel and stuffed it with blankets so the cats could go sleep inside it. Since then the cats are very comfortable especially the one I saw for the first time. He comes by every day and hangs around our apartment complex. He waits for me when I come home and purrs and rubs himself against me. He is a extremely friendly cat that loves to be pet on his belly, head, tail pretty much anywhere. More recently he has become more comfortable with coming in the house and my roommate has left her window open at night with a bed on her desk that is directly next to the window and he comes inside and sleeps.

The other two cats are not as friendly and are definatly more scared. I have grown to love this cat and I really want to take him to the vet. I am just scared that if I somehow trap him in a carrier that he will lose my trust and not come near us or be as friendly as he has been. I never thought that I would like cats but until I met him it totally changed my perception on cats.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to go about this situation as well as how to slowly transition him to a indoor/outdoor cat. I also live in Southern California but my school is up North and I was wondering if I were to take him home during the summer if he would be able to sit in the car for 6 hours. I would really appreciate if someone can help me out because I really have no idea what I'm doing. 

Thanks!!
 
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ck75

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Hi friendly stray cat. I am not an expert either, but if it was me, I would wait at least a month before doing anything very knew. What I would do is go ahead and get the portable cat kennel(I am sorry I forgot what the thing is called lol) start to feed him inside without the door/gate(whatever)and let him/her start to trust the small kennel. Do that for about a month. Make your vet appt a week ahead and during that week place gate/door back on the kennel. Leave it wide open though. Then the day of the appt he will not be scared of the kennel. He might even enjoy being in it. Anyway that is what i would do. Hope whatever you try works. have a goodnight! :)
 

ondine

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Thank you for helping these cats!  Bringing the one cat is a great idea but so is neutering or spaying the other one.  As he or she is not as friendly, you may need to use a humane trap for this.  Yes, it is upsetting but once done, the cat recovers quickly!

If there is a rescue or shelter nearby, you might be able to borrow or rent a trap.  Vetting both cats is essential - by feeding them you are giving them the nutrition they need to make healthy kittens.  If they are females, you will have kittens soon.  If they are male, you may have urine sprayed on your house or nearby (they mark their territory).

If you can get the younger cat into a carrier, bring him (or her) inside and give him a private room.  In your case, I would assume that's the bathroom, which is fine.  He'll be upset because of the change but he will adjust.  Get him to the vets as soon as you can and then you can start socializing him and getting him used to being an inside kitty.

The six hour ride shouldn't be impossible.  You may need to get a crate, rather than a carrier, and provide him with a litter box.  He'll be fine without food but a water break would be good, too.  I would not stop and let him out to pee because he will definitely run away.

In the meantime, do all you can to make sure they are both fixed.
 
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pennelope123

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Thank you both for the responses. I was wondering that I should fix both cats how it would be possible because I don't exactly have a unlimited budget to pay for their neuters.

@ck75  Thanks for the advice! I will defiantly buy a crate and get him used to it before trapping him in.
 

ondine

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 Thank you both for the responses. I was wondering that I should fix both cats how it would be possible because I don't exactly have a unlimited budget to pay for their neuters.
Do  a search for TNR or cat rescues in your area.  There should be something available for help.  We have an organization that helps with spay and neuter and works with local vets and clincs.

There is also a Care Credit card for health care costs - dentists, vets, doctors.  I put all my vet bills on it.  At the end of the year, I have an idea of what I spend (and usually feel a little faint when I read it
)

You can also talk to your vet - he or she may be willing to work with you on the costs.
 
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