Have to give up cat for adoption due to complaints

rico tigress

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I have had my cat Dani for 4 years she is an all outdoor cat and due to some complaints from our neighbors about her we are being forced to give her up.
We cannot take her inside because the other 2 cats and dog scare her. Because of the fact that she has spent her life outdoors and probably would not adjust to a different lifestyle we have had troble finding a viable adoption option
 

misterwhiskers

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Why not at least try?? She might have trouble adjusting, but if you really love her--TRY. It sure beats the worst case scenario.
 
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rico tigress

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We have tried and she is just unhappy with indoor life belive me if we could get her inside we would
 

shadowsrescue

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Moving a cat inside takes time, not just a day or two.  I brought a feral cat into my home 2 years ago.  He had a room of his own and adjusted with time.  The first week was very hard.  He threw himself against the window and yowled and cried.  Yet, with the help of a feliway diffuser and some composure treats, he calmed and settled.  I allowed him to live in this room with frequent daily visits from myself and my family.  After 2 months, I was able to slowly introduce him to my indoor only cat and large dog.  It took lots of time and patience.  It was hard work.  But we did it and now every one is happy.

You will have a very difficult time adopting out a outside only cat.  Could you build her an enclosure so that she can still be outside, but not get out of your yard?  Here is a page with some ideas.

http://www.just4cats.com/page7.html

http://www.thecatsite.com/newsearch?search=catio&type=61

Why are your neighbors complaining?
 
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rico tigress

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The cat cant stay inside because she is attacked by our other cats and i don't think that we can afford something like the enclosure
 

billdolfski

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Unfortunate situation, I wish I could help more.  I guess the best advice would be what ShadowsRescue said and keep trying if you like the cat, it may be worth it in the end.

My situation was way easier.  The feral kitten I rescued was young, like too young.  Only reason I did it, I didn't think she'd make it on her own and I don't know why she wasn't with her mother.  Probably because it was dead.  Everything just kind of worked out, I didn't have any of the complications you had.  I also didn't have to move it inside either I was going to make it a barn cat but it caught on to that idea before I could even handle her to put her in there.  

I just had to spend time with her to get her to trust me and now she's quite tame but still exhibits some less domesticated behavior.  I got lucky with socialization too, my cat didn't like her but he just chased her away and she wouldn't leave him alone because she's an annoying kitten and he just gave up.  I still joke to this day she aggravated him to death.

I don't have the experience to really help you but it seems like what I've been reading that it all takes a lot of time and I just got really lucky.
 

mtgal

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Two thoughts: first, I wouldn't completely give up the idea of her becoming a happy indoor cat. But perhaps with someone else if you can't provide her with the shelter. For six years I had a feral cat that lived on our deck and refused to come inside. She wouldn't let me close for the first few years, but then decided I could mostly be trusted, but she still refused to come inside. Then last winter, the night one of the largest storms we've had in years hit, I went out to make sure her shelter was secure and she decided to dash into the house. I was shocked and assumed she would try to escape back outside. Because I didn't want her unhappy, I decided she would be allowed back out, if she wanted. Once the storm cleared, I guessed she would be itching to go out -- but nope. It's been six months and she is happily living indoors and shows no interest in returning to her outdoor life. I told everyone that if she showed signs of anxiety because she was inside, I would allow her to go out, but, so far she seems very happy and has become very affectionate. My other cats harassed her for about a month, but now they manage to tolerate one another. The feral still prefers the dogs to the other cats, but we rarely have any spats, so that's good. 

Second: if you cannot provide the cat with a home, look around for a feral rescue group. There are many such groups around the US and most will help people in your situation. Another option, depending on where you live, is to find someone with a farm or stable who will take her as a mouser. We have a colony of ferals who spend most winters in our barns  -- we like them because they help keep the mice in check. We do a mass vaccination every fall and then allow the cats to come and go as they please. We have food in the barn, along with water and many warm places to snuggle. Some are terrified of people, others are somewhat friendly and some come and go every few weeks. We also push some onto other farms and stables in our area. 
 
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