Keeping a feral and her 3 month old kitten as indoor and outdoor pets

A beautiful  female feral approx 1 1/2 years old (Pretty Girl), and her 3 month old  Kitten (Baby) have been eating inside my house since July 16th. They were skinny and  malnourished. I  closed the door when pretty was inside about 1-2 weeks after she had come in. STUPID me, and lost her trust. She would stay about 2 hours lingering around without Baby at first. Then together . After the door mistake she came back a day or two later, but very apprehensive about coming in, but she did - but closer toward the door. Baby frolics and plays and Pretty waits and guards the front door. ( There are a few ferals out there but she doesn't seem to be in the colony.)

$400 dollars later, lol, ( including the really great TRU-CATCH traps), she is spayed and both have their shots etc.

Home, and  now Inside since Friday, today, Saturday-Pretty has worsened with her fright. Baby comes around as usual, but cautious a times because of the new environment. There are loud noise too at times.They have discovered the bathroom window and are now on the sill all day today...Sunday. OK --- I don't think she's strong enough to tackle the outdoors yet because she hasn't eaten enough! Afraid she won't  come back, and her fragile condition I'm keeping them BOTH in of course.

Can someone give me some suggestions? I can keep her and Baby for awhile ( I move too much) AND landlord doesn't want them OUTSIDE lingering (playing) around the house because of the other guys coming.

A friend may take them in a month or so when he moves into his new house (as outdoor cats)

Landlord will wait for me to figure this out,  But would prefer them indoor only.

I would like them to continue to enjoy the outdoors, but I can't leave the door open 2 hours while they eat and play! Pretty probably won't trust me and she may not come back, till she's starving again? I also need to neuter Baby in 2 months! Please send suggestions. Also, my email is [email protected]

Thanks

I would just keep them inside. It will make it a lot easier to catch Baby for spaying. Believe it not, Pretty girl may come around in the next few weeks. Cats need a lot of time to adjust, so give her that. She's safer inside and the landlord is correct - feeding her outside may attract more feral cats to the house.

When you get ready to move them, make sure the new owner has a way to confine them at the new house. They will need to be there for two weeks or more before they realize the new place is "home."

Thank you for helping them!

Thank you Ondine.

It breaks my heart not watching them frolic and play in the yard and on the wall.

And with such beautiful weather. I was thinking of letting them go out in a few days for air.

But I know that will be a big chance to take. So many people own cats  that come and go , and I would like that. And we are in quite a safe area here. But I will listen to you. ....But... just in case I want to try it, how long do you think I should wait. (since my post earlier, she has gotten even more frightened) They haven't budged from the window sill all day.

I haven't left the house. Should I leave them alone to acclimate themselves? I am out working during the week anyway.

Give them free range of the house (apartment) of course

Thank you so much. Again, so glad I found this site.

  LOL

I would only allow them access to one room for now. It won't take long for them to acclimate to it and they will be less likely to be startled only facing a few challenges at a time. Then gradually let them get familiar with the rest of the apartment.

They are going to be facing so many changes soon, with the move, please allow them to settle in quietly for the few weeks they are with you.

Keep their routine the same every day. It might help that you aren't there during the day. They can adjust on their own. Just make sure there is nothing in their room they get break or get into trouble with. Also, not having spots where you can't reach them is good, too.

Oh boy , I could've really used your help in July! Thanks.

The apartment has the most beautiful yard with a brook, birds, chippys, squirrels, deer etc.

They have chosen the bathroom window with a 'bird's eye' view of my feeders. They have free run except for my bedroom which is large and in a complete clutter in which indeed I would never find them.

I feel awful now because she used to eat near me and now she won't  come to close. Baby is ok and plays when he's in the mood. I'll wait and see. Hard to keep it absolute quiet - neighbors, upstairs landlord etc.

Sounds they've heard but weren't too skittish about before. They do prowl around at night, so that is good.

I've got to nourish her.

As for a schedule, that went down the drain after I brought them home spay day. Recuperating, fear etc. This will all take time. They will have to adjust to my 8:00 a m schedule, not 6:00 when they were outside. lol

There is no rush for the move  - originally there was a rush. They are not leaving me until I feel comfortable they will be alright. Don't worry about that. Landlord would probably let me keep them, but my lifestyle is too complicated.

I have faith that something will 'give'

You're great