In a weird situation and need some advice on a stray...

Hi all!

     New here and pretty much signed up because of the situation I'm about to explain...

     My parents are retired and live in Lasalle county, Illinois.  Before going to deeply in this story I must remind you that they are "dog people" and have never had a cat and honestly never cared for cats.  However they recently lost their dog, Bob, last year so due to their age they've decided not to get any more dogs and don't have any pets.  

     In May they started seeing a cat head peek out of the bottom of their deck one morning and realized it was living there after a few days of seeing it every day.  The cat wouldn't come out to see my parents but they started leaving a bowl of cat food out and water and noticed it was empty every morning.  Eventually they started putting the food out on the deck in the daytime and slowly but surely the cat would come out on the deck when they were outside but couldn't get it to come up to them and say "hello."  So that's when I told my Mom to just let her arm hand down and wiggle her fingers, at the cat's eye level, and that's when they made first contact.  Within a couple days they started having George, that's what they called it, sitting up on a counter outside peaking in the window meowing for it's morning food which they obliged.  Then the one day, as  my Mom is sitting in her chair outside drinking coffee, George comes up to her, meows and then jumps on her lap.  So they don't let it in, but pretty much allowed adpoted the cat and made outside arrangements so it would have a more "cozy" life.  As a few months go by they start to realize that George is a girl, they don't changer her name lol, because her belly is growing and my Mom can start to feel "things" moving in her belly.  Then about 2 months ago she has a litter of 4 kittens.  So my Mom goes out and buys a cat bed for them, makes a makeshift cardboard house for them and really starts to get excited about the kittens.  A few weeks go by and my Mom says that she's really starting to like cats, but...  they don't let them indoors.  During that time, as my Mother and my niece are acting as step Moms to the kittens and George, George brings a bird to my Mother and drops it at her feet...  So her and my niece google that and realize that that's George's way of saying "thank you" for everything they've done and of course my Mom and niece start crying.  So they find homes for the kittens and it's back to just having George.  Fyi, we think George-ette is 6 - 10 months years old.  Probably an abandoned cat.  So during this time my Father bought a cooler, cut out some holes in it and have decided to make that George's winter  home.  Mind you, I have issues with this because I have a cat and knowing George hasn't had to deal with a winter...  So in the back of my mind I'm trying to find a way to get George inside before the cold, brutal midwest winter hits and she has to sleep outside their door.  

     Well finally the opportunity to turn George into an indoors cat seems possible.  A week and a half ago, Sept 14th they have an appointment for George to get fixed so they don't have to worry about her having winter babies.  Everything went great.  She handled the carrier well and didn't fuss at all.  So after the surgery the vet advises my parents that she will have to be inside for a couple days, as she heals.  So they buy a cat bed for  her, litter box and 2 new food/water bowls and put her in the sun porch so she can heal.  Well of course, she does very well and even uses the kitty litter box with no issues or hesitancy.  On day 3 my Father asks my Mother, "so I know you don't want a dog but a cat is the next best thing.  What do  you think about letting George stay inside?"  It was hard for my Mother to say yes, but she buckles and says yes.  So then they go out and get George more kitty litter, a scratch post and catnip and again...  She takes to that very well and starts scratching.  Although they don't let her stay indoors when they're gone...  They have a huge house, they give her the ability to go inside and outside when she wants and put her up in the sun porch at night.  Days go by and everything is going great.  George seems very happy and actually starts purring for the first time  My Mother is even taking pictures of George laying on their rugs, drinking  from my Mother's water glass (I'm soooo amazed she didn't freak out when George started doing it) and falling asleep on the couch while they're watching tv.  George finally has a  taste of the "good life" and seems to be very very happy.

     So Saturday the 19th comes and George is far away from her kitty litter box and is in my Parent's room.  That's when my Mom looks at her and says to my Dad, "I  think she's peeing in our bedroom."  My Dad says "no she isn't" but yes, it appears she peed in their bedroom.  My belief is that since she hasn't been in a house very long, and is far away from her kitty litter box, that she unintentionally pees where she's not supposed to.  Well that screwed up everything and George, at the moment, was turned back into an outside cat  No more couches, no more cat bed, no more indoor anything...  Back outside in her cooler home and no clue what happened to her  And this is really bothering me.  I've actually cried about it, think about her all the time and to top it off...  I haven't even met her

     Sooo...  If I can't find a home for her by mid/end of October I'm going to take her in but I need to know if I should or if she could do alright outside on her own.  So here's my situation...  First off I have an unfixed, 9 year old male cat that has not lived with any other cats or pets ever.  He has aggressive tendencies, and has hissed and tried to attack me a couple times a few years ago...  But I just attribute that to being unfixed, being slightly territorial and filled with hormones.  I have recently moved to the suburbs of Chicago (Hoffman Estates) and since then he has been great with no hissing issues, so I'm almost thinking that it was a neighborhood cat that was causing him to be slightly agitated at my old spot since he hasn't acted up since the move in July.  He's a great cat though!  I  live in a 2 bedroom Townhouse and work about 8 - 12 hours a day.  I'm single, don't have many friends or family around me, don't party, drink or go out much so I'm pretty much around in the weekends and when I'm not working so "not being around" isn't much of an issue when I'm not working.   But during the weekdays I'm usually around and awak only 6 - 8 hours a day.

     I want to bring George in but I'll have to keep her locked up in the spare bedroom (15'x15' room) and not sure if that's bad for a cat that has been outdoors for most of this year.  Plus, it'll be hard to spend much quality time with her, since it is in the spare bedroom and Steve (my cat) will be very aware of her in the room.  Also, I plan on getting Steve fixed when I can afford it (probably mid November or after December if Christmas takes a lot of my money) but know that I won't be able to  introduce them two for at least a couple months after he's fixed.  Also I'm not sure if it's safe in my neighborhood to have her walk around.  I live a block away from a very very busy street (more busy than any streets near my parent's, where she walks around) and in an apartment/condo neighborhood so there's lots of kids and people around.  I have a small fenced in patio, but there are many escape routes for her to get out of there.

     So what should I do?  Should I take George in, if I can't find anybody I trust to take her, or should I just let my parent's have her stay outside in the cooler/house during the winter since she'll still  have her freedom?  I think it would be horrible for her to be outdoors during that time but it's going to be a huge life change to take her and basically I just want her to be happy, healthy and safe.

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated and sorry if my grammar or run on sentences make this hard to read.  I'm typing fast so I can get ready to work and will try to re-read and edit so it reads better but I think , if you've made it this far, that it should make sense.  Here's a couple pics of her too...  The first one is her with her babies, and then the second one is her 3rd night of enjoying the "good  life" :*/

Thanks!!!

Are your parents willing to give George a second chance and allow her back inside the house? Even if they confined her to one part of the house, it would be better than putting her back outside. She clearly is comfortable and happy being indoors, which is the ideal for cats, and she's clearly a stray and not a feral. Any cat can have an accident--sometimes the cause is a urinary tract infection, so can they at least take her to the vet for a urinalysis to rule out a medical condition that can be cured? They've already invested time, effort and money in her--can you ask them to get her checked out by a vet?

The  other option would be to try to find another family member or friend to adopt her. She's a friendly cat, so that works in her favor. You can ask around any number of places if anyone would be willing to adopt her and post flyers with her picture and story (leaving out the part about her peeing in your parents' bedrooms)--neighborhood churches, YMCA's, local vet clinics, FB page or other social media, co-workers, etc. She should ideally be indoors with the run of the house. If no other home is found, then you can consider taking her in because the winters in most places are so harsh, but you'll need to get your tom neutered. There are low cost neuter/spay clinics almost everywhere. The Humane Society and Animal Friends will do an entire package of neuter/vaccinations for 10-15 dollars. There are also some local vets (usually the larger clinics who are open 24/7) that will give a discount for a stray or feral. Your tom will settle down after getting neutered and will be more likely to accept another cat in the home.  If you can't afford that, can you ask your parents to lend you the money to do it now since you'd be doing them a favor by taking in their cat?

I find the story quite sad and I commend you for trying to help.  I am trying to understand what your parents did to try and remedy the peeing situation?  Did they provide more litter boxes, make sure the box is cleaned daily, clean the pee with a good enzymatic cleaner?  A few accidents once a cat has just been spayed and once a cat first moves into a house could all be stress related.  I am heartbroken they just put her back outside. 

There are so many things that could be done to remedy her problem before putting her back outside.  She was definitely an owned cat and doesn't deserve to have to live outside during a harsh winter.

Yet your situation does not sound ideal.  Having an unfixed male cat will be a problem.  His aggression and territory issues are most likely due to him not being fixed.  This is such a simple and inexpensive surgery?  Is there a reason you have chosen to not get him fixed?  He would be such a happier cat without the hormones coursing through his body daily.  Bringing this little female into the home might be very tricky. 

I would suggest talking to your parents and giving them some ideas to try about George and litter box issue.  I would make sure there are litter boxes everywhere.  They are all uncovered and have a good amount of litter.  The litter needs to be scooped daily and kept sparkling clean.  She may not remember about using a litter box.  This could be remedied by placing her in a room of her own for a week or so and providing 2 litter boxes.  Then checking daily to be sure she is using the litter boxes only.  If she has an accident it needs to be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner.  The pee can be sopped up with a paper towel and added to the litter box to attract her.  There is also special litter called Dr. Elsey's Litter Attract that is used to train cats in litter box use.  It has special herbs in it that attract cats to the box.  This can be used straight or mixed in with current litter.  I usually start by using it straight then gradually mixing in regular litter. 

I really hope your parents will give it another try.

MsAimee said:

 
Are your parents willing to give George a second chance and allow her back inside the house? Even if they confined her to one part of the house, it would be better than putting her back outside. She clearly is comfortable and happy being indoors, which is the ideal for cats, and she's clearly a stray and not a feral. Any cat can have an accident--sometimes the cause is a urinary tract infection, so can they at least take her to the vet for a urinalysis to rule out a medical condition that can be cured? They've already invested time, effort and money in her--can you ask them to get her checked out by a vet?

The  other option would be to try to find another family member or friend to adopt her. She's a friendly cat, so that works in her favor. You can ask around any number of places if anyone would be willing to adopt her and post flyers with her picture and story (leaving out the part about her peeing in your parents' bedrooms)--neighborhood churches, YMCA's, local vet clinics, FB page or other social media, co-workers, etc. She should ideally be indoors with the run of the house. If no other home is found, then you can consider taking her in because the winters in most places are so harsh, but you'll need to get your tom neutered. There are low cost neuter/spay clinics almost everywhere. The Humane Society and Animal Friends will do an entire package of neuter/vaccinations for 10-15 dollars. There are also some local vets (usually the larger clinics who are open 24/7) that will give a discount for a stray or feral. Your tom will settle down after getting neutered and will be more likely to accept another cat in the home.  If you can't afford that, can you ask your parents to lend you the money to do it now since you'd be doing them a favor by taking in their cat?

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My Father is willing to give her a second chance and does understand, unfortunately my Mother not so much.  The problem is that since they've had dogs they think that housebreaking a stray should be easy the instant she used the litter box and don't understand that cats don't work that way...  Especially when she's been using the outdoors as their litterbox for as long as long as she's been outside.  I'm still trying to coax them and hopefully your mention of her possibly having an UTI could allow them to give it another go.  

But I will definitely look into the neutering options you mentioned because it is about time I get Steve fixed.  I made a Facebook post yesterday and only let people I trust with cats to view it, but unfortunately no response at all.  It just breaks my heart though.  I've never even met George but I think about her all the time and how quickly and drastically her life has changed over the past few months.  My parent's are good people and do like animals, but unfortunately with the amount of stray/feral cats in the county overall...  They think she'll do just find in her cooler house and I know that's not true, and even more sad knowing she's been an indoors cat.

Thanks for the reply and I'll definitely follow up with my parents!

ShadowsRescue said:

 
I find the story quite sad and I commend you for trying to help.  I am trying to understand what your parents did to try and remedy the peeing situation?  Did they provide more litter boxes, make sure the box is cleaned daily, clean the pee with a good enzymatic cleaner?  A few accidents once a cat has just been spayed and once a cat first moves into a house could all be stress related.  I am heartbroken they just put her back outside. 

There are so many things that could be done to remedy her problem before putting her back outside.  She was definitely an owned cat and doesn't deserve to have to live outside during a harsh winter.

Yet your situation does not sound ideal.  Having an unfixed male cat will be a problem.  His aggression and territory issues are most likely due to him not being fixed.  This is such a simple and inexpensive surgery?  Is there a reason you have chosen to not get him fixed?  He would be such a happier cat without the hormones coursing through his body daily.  Bringing this little female into the home might be very tricky. 

I would suggest talking to your parents and giving them some ideas to try about George and litter box issue.  I would make sure there are litter boxes everywhere.  They are all uncovered and have a good amount of litter.  The litter needs to be scooped daily and kept sparkling clean.  She may not remember about using a litter box.  This could be remedied by placing her in a room of her own for a week or so and providing 2 litter boxes.  Then checking daily to be sure she is using the litter boxes only.  If she has an accident it needs to be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner.  The pee can be sopped up with a paper towel and added to the litter box to attract her.  There is also special litter called Dr. Elsey's Litter Attract that is used to train cats in litter box use.  It has special herbs in it that attract cats to the box.  This can be used straight or mixed in with current litter.  I usually start by using it straight then gradually mixing in regular litter. 

I really hope your parents will give it another try.

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Unfortunately they did nothing to remedy it other than not let her come indoors anymore :/  I know it was purely an accident but the problem is they've have a well kept home and don't like the idea of having multiple litter boxes and really don't like the kitty litter being tracked around the house.

The only reason why I haven't gotten Steve fixed is that, other than his moments of aggression, I didn't think it was absolutely necessary and me being a guy didn't want to do it if it wasn't absolutely necessary.  Now the more I've researched this situation I've come to the decision that he will be fixed soon... Whether or not I have to take George in or not.  So yeah, no real reason other than I didn't wanna take away Steve's "manhood."  

I'm still gonna try to work on my parents, and thought the crying filled phone conversation we had yesterday would help...  But no :/

Thanks for the insight and I'll definitely let them know there are more options for poor little George.

Now...  If I do move her into  my house she will have her own room with a tv, that I'll leave on The Big Bang Theory on between 10am until I go to bed around 2am, so she will have sounds and hear people talking.  And also make perching areas for her, caves and toys...  So aside from being locked in the room all day and possibly only a couple hours a day interaction with me...  That is what her day to day life will be until I get Steve fixed and wait a few months to start introducing them to each other.

So not sure if that will be okay, but my biggest worry is that she'll be sad that she can't be outside anymore since I don't trust her roaming freely out her in the suburbs.

Kass said:

 
Now...  If I do move her into  my house she will have her own room with a tv, that I'll leave on The Big Bang Theory on between 10am until I go to bed around 2am, so she will have sounds and hear people talking.  And also make perching areas for her, caves and toys...  So aside from being locked in the room all day and possibly only a couple hours a day interaction with me...  That is what her day to day life will be until I get Steve fixed and wait a few months to start introducing them to each other.

So not sure if that will be okay, but my biggest worry is that she'll be sad that she can't be outside anymore since I don't trust her roaming freely out her in the suburbs.

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I brought a feral/stray cat into my home over 2 years ago.  He had probably once been someone's cat, but had been living outside on his own for close to 2 years.  He had turned quite feral.  I trapped him and had him neutered.  Due to some events outside, I decided to bring him into my home and work to socialize him.  I had a resident cat and large dog also living in my house.  The introduction phase between animals was lengthy.  Yet, after the first week of living inside, the cat has never looked back.  He sits by an open sliding door and never even makes a move to get outside.  It was one of the best decisions I made to bring him inside.

Intros between George and your cat can happen.  The neutering will definitely help.  After the neuter it can take 6 weeks or so for all of the hormones to settle.  You then should notice a difference in his behavior.  The fact that George would have a room of her own is so helpful.  You could delay introductions until she is used to your home and your male cat neutered. 

You are wonderful that you care so much for George and want the best for her. 

I understand a neat and tidy house and cat litter.  I use tracking mats outside of and under the litter box.  They really help.  Your parents can also get pieces of furniture that look quite nice and house a litter box inside.  I have one in my living room.  No one would ever know it's a litter box.  They also have wash stands that house a litter box inside too.  They are about the size of a bedside table and some people use them in bathrooms.  I have one upstairs that works well.  I need them to keep our large dog out of the litter box.  She can't fit her head through the entrance in either one so it works well for me and the cats don't mind it being enclosed.

I wonder if you send your parents some tips and ideas, they would be willing to give it a try again.  Litter attracting mats, special litter, even feliway diffusers.  It sounds like they really liked the cat.

I do have 3 feral cats that live outside on my deck.  They have done so for years.  I have a heated cat house for them and heat pads.  If your parents have electricity outside they could add heat pads or a hound heater to the cat house.  I live in Ohio so I know about Midwest winters.  The past two have been just awful.  This would be a last resort for her as she seems like she was once an indoor kitty. 

Thank you for trying so hard to find something for George.

I have an idea, have you thought about having your parents, or one of them take a look at "The Cat Site", read through your thread on George's situation and all what you have explained to the members and our exper's excellent advice regarding what next to do about George. I really feel if you can say sit your mother down ( her especially ) since she seems to be the parent who is most hesitant" and have her read for herself all this helpfull, well meaning good advice. It very well may help sway her to see that keeping George as an "indoor" cat only is no only feasable, but the chances of success is more than likely. I too used to be strictly a "dog" person, but since my introduction to the feline world 2 weeks after my sweet canine Missy had to be put to sleep do to senior health issues, I have found myself to have grown so much living this new life and am loving it!! Something to consider anyway.

Guys are silly. Look at it this way. Its even more unfair to your boy cat to not get him neutered when youre not allowing him to have a reproductive life! He has to go through his mood swings and frustraions for no reason at all! Wouldnt it be kinder to remove that side of him when he isnt even allowed to reproduce?

Anyways, George may not be happy being confined to a room but really 15x15 is a great sized room and its only temporary. I dont think its a bad idea at all. Youre a very kind person!

If you take her inside, there is another option, though it takes a little time and patience.  I took in a cat a year ago who was used to roaming around outside, and it was clear that he really missed going outside. I bought  a harness and lead, and I've been taking him outside on it, usually at least once a week. At first he just mostly sat and ate the grass, but months later, he's getting used to the harness and climbs the tree in my back yard and walks around much better. He really enjoys himself. So you could take George outside on a harness and lead and she would at least get some outside time even if she doesn't walk like a dog on it. Oh, by the way, I had him neutered and it hasn't changed his personality at all--he's still every bit a boy cat.
 As I think more about your situation, I think your home would turn out to be the better option for her. Cats ARE messy. My 2 15 year-old cats often vomit on my carpet, and the other day this guy on the tree had diarrhea which got stuck in his long fur and I had to bathe him. So if your mom is ready to put George out for one incident of peeing in the bedroom, I'm not sure how she'd handle any of the other messes this and all cats sometimes make.  Also, you should rename her Georgie  

Thank you all soooo much for the advice!!!

So far what I've taken in is:

1) I need to take in Georgette but should I do it soon or when it actually starts getting cold?  My thought is I should allow her to be outside as long as possible, however my concern is she could be sad/upset that she doesn't get the comfort of the indoors...  ?  Maybe just my fatherly instincts but not sure.  

2)  Get Steve fixed ASAP!!!  Some of the comments really brought this issue home and although my intentions were good I'm starting to realize with his "machinery" he doesn't have a convenient method to release when he feels bound up.

3)  Don't do introductions until after Steve is fixed and I've waited at least 6 weeks for the hormones to clear his body.  Although I think it should be wise to at least wait a few months, after I move in Georgette, for actual introductions since they'll want to get used to their scents.  Not to mention I'll have to get Georgette checked for FIV and other things that could be transferred to Steve, if she isn't healthy.

Other than that, I am hoping that they give him another try but as one mentioned...  if my Mother was willing to put her outside for one episode there's no telling what could happen down the line when an accident is sure to happen.

Thanks again everybody and I'll be sure to post progress pics once the process starts!

Well she sounded pretty comfy being indoors with your parents. So i think she will be okay for the most part. I think the bigger issue is that she will need time adjusting to a new home and caretaker.

I think the sooner she makes the adjustment to a new home and caregiver the better. You don't need to wait 6 weeks until after your Tom has been neutered, though I think you should do that ASAP. Outdoor cats face all kinds of dangers even in warm weather, so if you've made up your mind to take her, the sooner the better. Thete's also a good chance these two cats could become buddies in time, so let's be optimistic about it. Keep us posted.

I would do it as soon as possible.  Fall rains and damp weather will arrive before we know it.  You can still bring her inside before the 6 weeks as you will keep them separated.  This will give Georgette time to get used to you and your home as well as allow Steve to calm himself. 

Do schedule his neuter soon.  You don't want it to linger over your head.  It is a simple procedure and will really make a difference in his quality of life.

Thank you so much for saving Georgette.  She will have a great life with you.