Feral wants to go out in the snow.

We have a feral that we've been taking care of for 3+ years. Long story (of course), but we've come a long way with him... he's finally comfortable enough to sleep in the house at night and on rare occasions stay inside for the day. Most mornings he leaves before we go to work (his request with whimpering and scratching), but sometimes he sticks his head out and after a minute or two decides that he really doesn't want out. He's been sleeping in the house for only a few months. Once he's in for dinner he shows no interest in going out until the morning. He has access to most of the house (no bedrooms). He's very sweet and happy to let me pet him, but not my husband. All in all, slow going, but worth it.

I'm at a loss this morning. We've had almost a foot of snow since 10 pm last night with more coming. He started to cry at 1 am in the morning and kept it up until 4 am in the morning. Then he started crying non-stop. It's now a little after 8 am and he's still at it. He was somewhat better once the sun came up, but only somewhat. He wants out in a big way. Crying at the door mostly, but walking and crying as well. I don't know what to do. I can't let him out in this weather, but he's so miserable. It's heartbreaking. I've tried to distract him, but he wants no part of it. Any advice on how to calm him down would be greatly appreciated.

Hummys said:

 
We have a feral that we've been taking care of for 3+ years. Long story (of course), but we've come a long way with him... he's finally comfortable enough to sleep in the house at night and on rare occasions stay inside for the day. Most mornings he leaves before we go to work (his request with whimpering and scratching), but sometimes he sticks his head out and after a minute or two decides that he really doesn't want out. He's been sleeping in the house for only a few months. Once he's in for dinner he shows no interest in going out until the morning. He has access to most of the house (no bedrooms). He's very sweet and happy to let me pet him, but not my husband. All in all, slow going, but worth it.

I'm at a loss this morning. We've had almost a foot of snow since 10 pm last night with more coming. He started to cry at 1 am in the morning and kept it up until 4 am in the morning. Then he started crying non-stop. It's now a little after 8 am and he's still at it. He was somewhat better once the sun came up, but only somewhat. He wants out in a big way. Crying at the door mostly, but walking and crying as well. I don't know what to do. I can't let him out in this weather, but he's so miserable. It's heartbreaking. I've tried to distract him, but he wants no part of it. Any advice on how to calm him down would be greatly appreciated.

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Please do not let him out in the snow.  He may yowl and cry, but it is just too dangerous.  Does he have access to an indoor litter box?

Also is he neutered?  If not that could be some of the problem.

He may be frightened of the storm.  Feral cats natural reaction is to run and hide.  Do you have a safe place inside your home where he can hide.  Even a simple box with a blanket.

To help calm him in the future you can try a Feliway diffuser or Comfort Zone spray.  You can also try the non sedating calming supplement, Composure.  It comes in treats and liquid.  I find it easier to use the liquid as I just mix it with a bit of wet food, tuna or baby food.  It gets into their system pretty quick.  The treats take 3 or more and some cats don't like them.

I hope that he is able to stay inside. 

Thanks ShadowsRescue. 

We had him neutered years ago so we're good there. He has two liter boxes and uses both. His safe place is usually my corner chair. He has lots of hiding places though - I have boxes and beds scattered in each room. And he sometimes likes behind the sofa. I had a Feliway diffuser at one time and I'll look into Composure. I've been using Jackson Galaxy's Spirit Essences products with really good success so I'll look into something in his line as well. I just feel horrible that I wasn't prepared for his reaction. I thought he'd have one look outside and be thrilled to be inside. After the ups and downs of the last couple of years, I should have known not to get too comfortable... one step forward, two back. Feel horrible that he's so scared/sad.

So he finally calmed down about 30 minutes ago. Suddenly stopped crying and went under a chair and fell asleep. Poor baby. Hopefully, he's calm when he gets up. We're trying to keep as normal as possible (tv on, talking, etc.) so that he doesn't get any anxiety from us. Should I let him sleep as long as he wants? Or wake him at a certain point? Sorry if that's a dumb question, but neither of us have any cat experience, only what I read here on the forum. We just happened to fall in love with this guy.

But, no matter what... I will not let him out in this weather. Thanks again for the reply.

Hummys said:

 
Thanks ShadowsRescue. 

We had him neutered years ago so we're good there. He has two liter boxes and uses both. His safe place is usually my corner chair. He has lots of hiding places though - I have boxes and beds scattered in each room. And he sometimes likes behind the sofa. I had a Feliway diffuser at one time and I'll look into Composure. I've been using Jackson Galaxy's Spirit Essences products with really good success so I'll look into something in his line as well. I just feel horrible that I wasn't prepared for his reaction. I thought he'd have one look outside and be thrilled to be inside. After the ups and downs of the last couple of years, I should have known not to get too comfortable... one step forward, two back. Feel horrible that he's so scared/sad.

So he finally calmed down about 30 minutes ago. Suddenly stopped crying and went under a chair and fell asleep. Poor baby. Hopefully, he's calm when he gets up. We're trying to keep as normal as possible (tv on, talking, etc.) so that he doesn't get any anxiety from us. Should I let him sleep as long as he wants? Or wake him at a certain point? Sorry if that's a dumb question, but neither of us have any cat experience, only what I read here on the forum. We just happened to fall in love with this guy.

But, no matter what... I will not let him out in this weather. Thanks again for the reply.

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I have used quite a few Spirit Essences.  I did find they helped.  I love the Feral Cat Rehab.  I have used it on 6 feral cats outside and all have responded most favorably to it. 

When I brought one of the ferals inside a few years ago, I tried using them, but the response was so slow ( as some flower essences can be).  I started using Composure.  My boy would yowl and howl and throw himself against the windows at night.  He so wanted back outside.  At first I gave him the treats.  He would eat them and about 45-60 minutes later, he would calm, until they wore off about 6 hours later.  Then he started to refuse the treats.  They are pretty big so I had to break them up.  They also are very hard and chewy.  I discovered Composure Liquid Max.  I could add it to the wet food and it worked within 30 minutes and seemed to last longer.  I used it 2x a day for over 6 months.  I find it cheapest on Amazon or EntirelyPets.com 

So glad he settled.  It's so hard when they just don't understand. 

I use the Feral Cat Rehab and Para Outta Site. Both have worked well for my little one. I'll look into the Composure.

Question: I know that cats sleep a lot, but he's been sleeping for 5 hours... is it best to leave him alone or try to wake him? On top of everything else, I don't want him up all night upset again. But, I don't want him to look out the window and get upset now. Any advice? Thanks again.

Hummys said:

 
I use the Feral Cat Rehab and Para Outta Site. Both have worked well for my little one. I'll look into the Composure.

Question: I know that cats sleep a lot, but he's been sleeping for 5 hours... is it best to leave him alone or try to wake him? On top of everything else, I don't want him up all night upset again. But, I don't want him to look out the window and get upset now. Any advice? Thanks again.

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I would let him sleep.  He is stressed and nervous and sleep is the best thing for him.  If he is used to being inside at night he should be ok.  Maybe when he wakes, feed him and see if he wants to play at all.  Does he like catnip?  That often can help them relieve a bit of stress and then relax.

Two years ago, during the Polar Vortex, one of my feral boys came inside for over 24 hours.  He had been in the house from time to time, but never for that long.  All he did was sleep.  He did wake in the morning and ran to the door and yowled a bit.  I wouldn't let him out.  He did eventually settle back down.  It was a nerve wracking time.  After that event, it was a long time before he would come inside again.  He knew he needed the help, but has made it clear that outside life is for him.

Thanks again ShadowsRescue.

He slept most of the day yesterday and seemed more relaxed when he woke. Fed him and he even sat in the family room with us for a bit. He's not big on playing yet. I've tried a few things, but unless it's his little mouse that he kicks around (only sometimes), he has no interest. Most every other toy scares him. And he walks away from catnip.

Sadly, he started to cry again last night around 1 am. Kept it up all night and continued even after having breakfast this morning. Finally fell asleep around 11 am. We'll see how it goes tonight. I fear he'll really want to leave once he looks out the window in the morning and sees the snow has been cleared from the house.

It may seem like a small thing, but it really does make a difference to be able to reach out for support. It's sometimes so difficult doing the right thing for him (when you often don't know the right thing) and keeping our sanity at the same time! I don't write often, but I've learned so much for this forum. So thank you again. Really appreciate the advice.

Hummys said:

 
Thanks again ShadowsRescue.

He slept most of the day yesterday and seemed more relaxed when he woke. Fed him and he even sat in the family room with us for a bit. He's not big on playing yet. I've tried a few things, but unless it's his little mouse that he kicks around (only sometimes), he has no interest. Most every other toy scares him. And he walks away from catnip.

Sadly, he started to cry again last night around 1 am. Kept it up all night and continued even after having breakfast this morning. Finally fell asleep around 11 am. We'll see how it goes tonight. I fear he'll really want to leave once he looks out the window in the morning and sees the snow has been cleared from the house.

It may seem like a small thing, but it really does make a difference to be able to reach out for support. It's sometimes so difficult doing the right thing for him (when you often don't know the right thing) and keeping our sanity at the same time! I don't write often, but I've learned so much for this forum. So thank you again. Really appreciate the advice.

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So glad he is still inside.  I am sure he doesn't understand, but it is the best thing for him.  I do understand how hard it is and when there is added snow, it can make it treacherous for them.

I hope tonight goes well.  I wonder if he will start to get used to being inside and then make the decision to stay. 

I keep hoping that some day my 3 will decide to come inside.  For now it is difficult as I have 2 other indoor only cats and a large dog.  The dog is old and I want her to live out the rest of her life in peace without any more cat drama inside.  She has been through a lot with all of the cats I have had inside and outside.  For now my 3 have 2 heated cat houses and lots of good food and love.  They all will come inside for short periods as long as I leave the door cracked open.  That is hard in Ohio winters.

Keep us updated.  I hope all goes well tonight.

I bet he is just unsettled by the storm. His ears would pick up wind howling that we don't hear. Plus his routine has been upset and he doesn't know why. I often so wish they could understand us & that we're doing what's best for them

But don't let him back out - you're absolutely doing the best, safest thing for him!!! It would truly be best for him to now transition to being a 100% indoor kitty. Is that possible? I realize it would be a bit of a process - but you're way ahead of the game must of us take on when we take on socializing a feral -- sounds like this one's well on its way to be 100% inside, and 100% yours!!!! If you you need help with the transition to totally indoors - there are lots of people on this forum who are VERY knowledgable & very helpful!!!

And don't worry about the sleeping - he's expended a lot of energy worrying. Cats usually average 12-16 hours a day sleeping!

Lastly - playing till he's tuckered out right before you & hubby head to bed will very likely help both soothe him AND help him sleep thru the night. And I mean 15 minutes or more of hard play - not just throw a mouse a few times or toss a jingle ball a few times (in not insinuating you're lazy -- it's just that I know how I used to be before I knew better!). Three toys I'd highly recommend because even our laziest kitties actually get off their kitty behinds & chase these...and your goal is to tire him out:

Links to them on Amazon below: 1. the "cat dancer" (basically bits of cardboard on a piano wire)-- but boy they love it!

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=cat+dancer+original&tag=&tag=thecatsite

2. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F9JJJE/?tag=&tag=thecatsite

3. A laser pointer (I use this relatively sparingly as it makes them play harder when they have something they can actually "catch" like the first two. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014G8H2UM/?tag=&tag=thecatsite

Good luck & keep us posted!

kittychick - we would love for him to be indoor only. We've been trying since we neutered him. At that time we had him in his own room with hiding places, but he was climbing the walls. Literally. We were determined to live through that, but he refused to eat or drink for days. We were so afraid of him getting fatally sick that we felt like we had no choice but to let him out. Over the past few years it's been slow, slow going. At his pace of course. Slowly he started to eat breakfast and dinner in the house and over time started to stay longer. Then one night he walked into the family room climbed up on a chair and decided that he was staying the night. That was around Thanksgiving and he's been sleeping in the house since. But, he always wants out in the morning. We've learned that he doesn't like confined spaces so he has access to all the rooms but the bedrooms. Over the last month or so, he's gotten more social. Instead of hiding on or behind a chair, he often comes out and sits in the same room with us. Baby steps, but I'll take it.

I can't get him to play. He'll bat around the mouse for 5 minutes or so. Then walks away. He'll play with a laser for less time and then walks away from that. Sometimes the laser spooks him and he runs from it. The same with my da cat toy. Those really spook him. Won't go near it. I've left it laying around to get him used to it, but anytime I pick it up he runs. I've tried little balls and little balls with light and/or bells. He just watches it roll and doesn't move. Would love to tire him out, but I don't know how to.

So he's still here. He's been crying since 10 pm last night. And still going strong. Seems to be getting a little tired cause he's not as loud. But, still crying. And scraping by the door to go out. I distract him, but only for a minute or so. I know it's in his best interest, but he looks so sad (and angry). It's breaking my heart.

Appreciate the words of encouragement.

Perhaps in the spring, you can build a catio for him.  It doesn't need to be big.  I've seen people put a large crate on a table outside a window and make a tunnel to the crate from inside the house.  You can attach it to the open window or put it on a deck or porch and attach it to a more permanent cat door.  Those wire shelves (12" square) make excellent tunnels and can be zip tied together.

Or you could enclose a porch for him.  It would give him the satisfaction of being outside while keeping him safe.