Help Took in a stray think he is depressed

Hello All here is my story. Please, please looking for some advise.

I have had 2 cats for years Isis is about 7 and Tozi is about 3 both very much apart of our family. From October last year to June I was also "fostering " my son's two cats. He moved across country and I watched them until he was settled..

Two winters ago I notice a little stray running through the yards in our neighbourhood. This past winter he started coming more often. He was obliviously hungry and by the end of the winter in a bad state. He had sores all up his front legs and half an ear gone (looked to be frostbite). We started feeding him whenever he came and did what we could for him. We called him the new guy, which has translated to Nubi. As soon as I sent my two house guest cats home and was able to take him in I started letting him in for a few hours to eat and get acquainted with our house. Sometimes he would go away for a few days but always came back hungry. So last week I thought it was time to take him to the vet for a check up, get him cleared to interact with my 2cats and settle him in before another winter comes. He is very shy, but allows me to pat and touch him. He is a very sweet guy.

So, we had a bad experience trying to get him to the vet. Bottom line, he escaped out a window and was gone for 3 days. I have him back now and brought him back in. My vet said to give him more time to adjust before attempting to bring him in again. The problem is after first day in the house, he found a place under a bed and doesn't seem to want to come out. He seems sad. Yesterday I tempted him out for a while with some tuna. He seems to come out to use the litter box when we are not around. I place water and food right near the bed for him. But this morning, he won't come out to eat. I am worried he is depressed. I called the vet and she said sometimes the transition is hard for them. Keep doing what I am doing.

Any advise? I really think this little guy deserves a loving home and I can't bear to watch him suffer through another winter. But now I am second guessing myself, would he be happier outside?

Oh, one other fact, I have one really mean neighbour who sets live traps because they don't "want cats on their property" so I am afraid to let him continue going in and out because she may trap him. She is a very bitter lady.

Please any advise!

Hello again, one other fact, we live in Canada. Winters are very harsh.

Semi ferals can and do adjust to living inside - it just takes time. The best thing you can do for now is give him his own room - the whole house at once will be overwhelming for him.

Set his sanctuary room up with litterbox(es), water, cat trees/scratching posts, maybe some toys and a bed or two. The room needs to be cat proofed as far as possible. This means blocking off anywhere he can hide where you can't get to him and removing any potential hazards. Block off under the bed, behind bookshelves etc. Provide safe spaces he can hide in instead - igloo style beds, an upturned box with a doorway cut into it, a cubby in a cat tree etc.

Then it's just a case of going to spend time with him frequently. Always take food or an extra yummy treat with you - that way he'll start to connect you with good things. Interactive play is a wonderful way to build a bond too, and it has the added advantage of increasing his terratorial and self confidence.

Taming is a slow but rewarding process. You'll get there in the end. Thank you for taking Nubi in - you are his saviour and he knows it...it'll just take time to fully establish trust.

Thank you so so much for the support. After months of watching this little guy survive freezing cold and finally being able to take him in we have become quite attached to him. Luckily, my two female cats seem quite relaxed with him, so once he has clearance from the vet I'm sure they will be good friends. I am going to make some modifications to Nubi's room based on your suggestions. I just wish he would eat! My husband says not to get too anxious, he's not been used to regular meals and is still frightened, Thanks again.

You may find he eats more at night - cats with his background are often more active at night. He may feel safer when the house is quiet too.

These articles may be helpful
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/handling-feral-cats
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/10-must-know-tips-for-happy-living-with-a-shy-cat

Thank you Columbine! I read both articles and did a bit more research on-line. I thought it was strange that he kept looking sideways at me, now I understand why he doesn't look you straight in the eye. He still hasn't eaten today, but he came out from under the bed to use the litter box and is now laying on top of the bed. I've tucked the bed skirts up and put a soft blanket down for him. So he has his room, a safe place but not completely hidden. He let me pat him a bit too.

Good to hear he's gained a little confidence already. Allowing you to stroke him really is huge It can take weeks or months to build up that level of trust. You're doing great with him. Stay patient and more trust will come.

Columbine, I am so happy Nubi actual came out of his safe place for his breakfast this morning, he ate, gave us a few meows and enjoyed a few cautious pats, then went back into his blanket. I am just so happy he's eating again. Finding this site has been extremely helpful. I look forward to helping others save presious little strays and ferals with encouraging words.

Great news. At this rate, he'll be trusting you in no time :nod: