Transitiong Senior Cat Inside

Any help on this is appreciated

I have been caring for a stray outside my door for about 8 years. She has never wanted to come

inside. She had a friend outside, who recently ran off. As it is wintertime now, I was determined to

bring her in which I did, but she is hiding all the time under the bed. I do have another cat, who is

actually her sister, who let me bring her in years ago. Both cats are on the tame side, yet the one

under the bed wont budge, she lets me pet her and does know me after all thes years, but won't budge

from under the bed. Is it possible to have success with a cat that has been free to roam over 8 years?

She may never be a lap cat but she can definitely get used to being inside.  First off, don't rush her.  Don't try to get her out from under the bed, don't try to pick her up - basically, leave her alone for awhile.  In fact, if you can, give her the room for a few days.  Go in to feed her and scoop her box.  Sit and read outloud to her, talk to her softly and slowly.  Eventually, she will venture out when you are there - but do not expect this for several weeks, at the least.

To her, the world has turned upside down and she does not care - she's scared.  So do all you can to lessen her fear.  Again, slow and steady and she will eventually calm down.

Having said all this, though - you should probably get her to the vet as soon as possible.  Living outside, she may have developed worms, fleas, all sorts of nasties.  No sense in spreading them around.  If you have to, feed her in a trap until she gets used to it.  Then make the appointment, spring the trap and get her to the vet.  If she hasn't been spayed yet, get that done now.  I'd limit any contact with your inside cat until that is taken care of.

Once everything settles down, you can go about getting her used to being inside.

Thank you for helping her - and her sister!

I agree with Ondine.  Last fall I had to bring in my Mom's cat, 14 years old, and although not feral definitely was an out door cat and Mom did not socialize with him much.  He also did a lot of hiding but I had set aside a spot for him in our walk in closet and kept his water, food and litter box there.  I just let him make the calls.  He really has blossomed the last 3-4 weeks but he's still afraid of the TV when it's on.  Patience is going to be your friend in this situation.  I talk to him and sing to him and he will never be a lap cat but last week I took a snooze on the couch and when I woke up, there he was, curled up next to me.  Score!!  It's almost fun to do this.  It's like a game.  I get him to play with a tennis ball, points for me.  Baby steps are better than no steps.

thans good tips will follow them

M.Meow