DC Feral/Stray Cat

Hi there -

We've been feeding an alley cat since the summer, when s/he first appeared in our area. When it started getting cold, we built a little insulated cat house for him, but between Winter Storm Jonas and a complaining neighbor, we finally decided we need to try and get this little one in the house - despite the fact that we already have some cats living here. So we borrowed a trap and in very short order (first try), we snagged it with some nice food. We have s/he in a separate room in the house, and we're glad we did it prior to the storm, because it sure is nasty out there!

We think the cat may be about a year old, and we suspect that it may be a stray rather than fully feral - reason being, we've seen it during the day, it seems on its own (not with a colony), it has looked us both directly in the eyes, and it sometimes has shyly approached us. It also would vocalize a bit when we brought food. It doesn't seem to behave the same way as other ferals we've seen in the past.

Inside the house, its been very very quiet and hiding the whole time. This is now the third day in the house, so I know it's not a long time. Because of the storm, we couldn't take it to the vet, but we have noticed that he has a clipped ear, indicating that its been spayed/neutered and maybe some vaccinations. Second night, he started eating, though only when we leave food and leave the room. Also, happily, it has been pooping/peeing in a litter box we left for him in the room with no need to do the potting soil method (it's unscented clumping cat litter). It hasn't been trying to run and escape, as far as we can tell - certainly not when we open the door into the room, and I don't see any evidence that he's been trying to get out the (closed) window or anything.

So, my question: now what?

We're fully prepared that it could take a long time for it to become used to us, but how long? Neither of us care if the little one is ever a lap cat (because we know that's probably unlikely); we just want it to be safe and healthy and be whatever he wants to be, though we are interested in making sure s/he lives in the house with the other cats on a reasonably peaceful basis. Do we just have a waiting game here, in which we leave food/water daily, clean the kitty litter daily, and make our occasional visits where we read aloud to a seemingly empty room.

BTW, the other cats are curious - they know something's in there and are sniffing around the door, but no puffy tails yet or anything.

Any advice or support is greatly appreciated -

Chris

Was the cat scared when u trapped it

Yes, definitely. Not crazy scared, though. The cage was shaking around a little and stuff. Once we brought the little one inside and into the room, we left s/he in the cage for the evening, with the cage covered, releasing it the next morning to the rest of the room. I frankly didn't like doing this, but it seemed like the advice I've read online was to leave it like that for awhile. I can say that once s/he was in the room, the behavior in the cage was such that s/he would not cower in the back completely, and definitely didn't hiss or growl or anything. In fact, when we spoke softly to the cat, s/he actually moved forward to the front of the cage. We brought the little house we built inside so that's where he's been hanging out - we figure something familiar like that would be good.

Thank you for bringing this one inside during the big storm.  I have lots of tips.  First off be sure that there is no contact between this new kitty and your resident cats until you can get the kitty to the vet.  It does appear he/she has been spayed/neutered, but you do want to be sure and get a clean bill of health.  You will want to be sure the kitty is tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids as well as getting the cat wormed.

It does appear that this kitty is a stray.  It may have some feral tendencies as it had been on its own for awhile.  I brought a feral/stray into my home over 2 years ago.  He had been living outside on his own for 1.5-2 years.  It took him awhile to adjust, but he now is a very sweet one.  He is still very scared of other humans and hides when he hears loud noises, but he sleeps in our bed at night and loves his home.  He is not a snuggly lap kitty, but he was so worth rescuing.

I would hold off on introductions to your other cats until he is more socialized with humans.  You want him to be ok with you first.  You also need to be able to handle him some form.  Introductions can be done at a much later time.  I had my guy in the house for 3 months before I even started scent swapping.  Of course they were all aware of each other, but the intro process needed to go slowly.  I held off until I could handle him if needed.  I didn't want him out and about in my home and then hide somewhere and get stuck.  Take your time.

Here are a few things to help you out:

1. Make sure the room is completely cat proofed. If you are using a spare bedroom, pick the bed up or place it flat on the floor. Under a bed is the first place the cat will run to hide. It is next to impossible to then get the cat out. Also block behind all large furniture. Cats can squeeze into very small places and get themselves stuck. Get on the floor and think like a cat. Make sure closets are closed tightly. You do want to have appropriate hiding places. A cat tree with a hiding box is a great idea. Even an old cardboard box with a cozy blanket works well. I like to turn the box so it is facing the wall. This gives the cat a bit of privacy. Do watch for windows, blinds and curtains. Keep windows tightly closed. Put the blinds up and hide the cords/strings. Also watch for curtains.
2 . Be sure to watch direct eye contact. If this bothers or frightens your cat, have your gaze down or over the top of the cats head.

Sit on the floor so that you are not looming over the cat. It can really frighten cats when you sit above them or stand in front of them.

3. When you enter the room, announce your presence. Come in with a special treat. Try to make it something extra special such as plain cooked chicken or canned tuna or salmon. It doesn't have to be much just a small piece. Offer this to the cat once you are sitting. The cat may choose not to eat it in your presence at first. This is ok. You want him/her to associate you with something good.

4. Another food tip is to try Gerber Stage 2 Baby food. It comes in a small glass jar with a blue label ( in the US). You want to use the chicken or turkey. This contains no added spices or sugar, just meat and water. You can try offering some on a plate. Most cats love this and as you progress, you can have the cat move towards eating off a spoon and then eating off your fingers. Remember this is only a training tool and should not be used as a meal replacement.

5. Make your visits short at first, but frequent. I like to visit for 5-10 minutes, then return again in a hour or so. Sit on the floor and talk to your cat. You can even read aloud from a book or magazine. If the cat approaches, remember to keep your gaze down. You can offer a closed fist (knuckles pointing towards the cat). This represents the shape of a cats head. Cats like to head butt other cats or humans to show affection or acceptance.

6. Try playing music for your cat. You can leave it on a radio station that also has some talk. This will continue to allow the cat to get used to human voices. Just have the music calming. I like to leave the music on almost all of the time at first.

7. Try using Feliway plug in diffusers. The phermones are calming to cats. You also can try Composure calming treats or Composure liquid max. Both are nonsedating calming supplements that help a cat to feel more calm. The liquid is easy to mix into wet food.

8. When you are ready to start petting your cat, try making a petting wand. I like to use an old sturdy wand toy (a dowel rod will work too). I take off the toy at the end or just cover it with an old sock. I wrap it around a few times and secure with duct tape. I then cover the sock eith a piece of soft flannel. I can use this to entice the cat with a bit of play and then gently start to touch the cat with the end. I often find it's easier to use when the cats back is to me as they don't see it coming at them. Many cats like to have their rear ends rubbed to it's a good place to start. It often takes a few days and many attempts for the cat to learn to be ok with the wand. Sometimes you will find that it is too soon and you will need to try again in a week or two. After the cat has adjusted to being touched with the petting wand and seems to really enjoy it, you can start to replace your hand with the wand. I like to start with the petting wand and gradually pull it towards my body while my hand is moving to replace it. Start slowly. You can always move back to the wand if it's too soon.

9. I found a lot of good tips in the video called “Tough Love”. It's a 3 part video series on the rescue and socialization of feral kittens. http://www.urbancatleague.org/TamingVideo
Here is a link to a great article

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/handling-feral-cats

Thanks! I've been doing a lot of these things, but the idea of the Composure calming stuff is something I hadn't thought of; I hadn't thought of the radio thing either. My partner works from home, so he can visit more regularly so that's good - right now I'm visiting today because with the storm its a telework day (probably put the new cat to sleep reading to him my online information security training course, LOL!).

Oh, and yeah, I've definitely kept this one and the others separated - and will 'til we're able to get the little fella to the vet.

We'll see how this progresses.

Thanks again -
Chris

By the way, here's a picture of the little one, outside prior to the storm and when I was able to trap him/her.

What a sweetheart.  Thank you so much for caring for him.  You are his angel.

That article you linked to is very helpful - gives me some hope too for this one.  Before sending this, I was outside getting our car out from under the snow in our spot off the alley - we used to feed him there under the car, and built his little cat house right behind the deck steps there. So glad s/he didn't have to deal with so much snow!

-Chris 

Just to update on our little black-and-white alley cat, I think he's a little more active in his room - only because I heard him playing in his cat litter a little and also our resident cats have heard him (surprisingly, no puffy tails yet on their part, even though I know they can smell the cat - guess that will come when they see s/he). I also know that the alley cat knows there are resident cats because there's some things in the room that have their smell on it, beginning with the padding that's now in his little cat house. We've tried to keep a routine, feeding him both in the morning and the evening at the same time as our other guys. When the cat lived outside, we only feed him in the evening, so I'm guessing that routine is why he tend not to eat his breakfast - just dinner. Today is once again a snow day/telework day for me, so I'll be visiting him and reading aloud some work emails and stuff to him so he hears my voice while s/he hides from me. Is it a good sign that he's hiding and not attacking me? Should I be worried about the fact that the cat doesn't eat in the morning, or is my theory about how s/he got used to our feeding routine outside sound?

Chris

ChargingRhino said:

Just to update on our little black-and-white alley cat, I think he's a little more active in his room - only because I heard him playing in his cat litter a little and also our resident cats have heard him (surprisingly, no puffy tails yet on their part, even though I know they can smell the cat - guess that will come when they see s/he). I also know that the alley cat knows there are resident cats because there's some things in the room that have their smell on it, beginning with the padding that's now in his little cat house. We've tried to keep a routine, feeding him both in the morning and the evening at the same time as our other guys. When the cat lived outside, we only feed him in the evening, so I'm guessing that routine is why he tend not to eat his breakfast - just dinner. Today is once again a snow day/telework day for me, so I'll be visiting him and reading aloud some work emails and stuff to him so he hears my voice while s/he hides from me. Is it a good sign that he's hiding and not attacking me? Should I be worried about the fact that the cat doesn't eat in the morning, or is my theory about how s/he got used to our feeding routine outside sound?

Chris

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I think it's fine that he's not eating in the morning since he is not used to it.  As long as he is eating his full allotment for dinner.  You could offer some treats or something extra yummy if you feel he needs it.  I bet in time he will get used to 2 meals a day.

Where is he hiding?  It's ok for him to hide as long as it's a more out in the open hiding spot.  You don't want him under a bed or in a closet.  Most cats will hide at first and explore when you are not there or explore at night until they get used to the new routine. 

Most cats won't attack you unprovoked.  As long as you do not push his challenge line too far, he will most likely just observe you.  I often try to bring in something really yummy with me each visit.  I have used plain cooked chicken or canned tuna or salmon.  Just toss the yummy in the cats direction or leave it on the floor where he will see it.  He most likely won't eat it in your presence, but may come get it once you have left.  This will allow him to associate you with something really yummy and good.

When he was outside, we built a little cat house for him using plastic boxes with lids and a small opening.  Once inside, we brought that in as well so it was something more familiar for him.  At first, he was hiding in a crevice under the desk, then he started hiding in the house instead after a day or so.  I find this a little more convenient because 1) I know when I come in where he's most likely hanging out and I can put the food in front of the opening so he can see it (I've been bringing treats as you suggest); and 2) when the vet finally does become more accessible, I think the box will make it easier for us to get him into a cat carrier with the opening and all - should we take him to the vet sooner than later.  So, I guess that's another question?  Would it be wise to do that, or should we wait until he's more willing to walk about the room in our presence?  I can see pros- and cons- on both sides there.

Chris

ChargingRhino said:

 
When he was outside, we built a little cat house for him using plastic boxes with lids and a small opening.  Once inside, we brought that in as well so it was something more familiar for him.  At first, he was hiding in a crevice under the desk, then he started hiding in the house instead after a day or so.  I find this a little more convenient because 1) I know when I come in where he's most likely hanging out and I can put the food in front of the opening so he can see it (I've been bringing treats as you suggest); and 2) when the vet finally does become more accessible, I think the box will make it easier for us to get him into a cat carrier with the opening and all - should we take him to the vet sooner than later.  So, I guess that's another question?  Would it be wise to do that, or should we wait until he's more willing to walk about the room in our presence?  I can see pros- and cons- on both sides there.

Chris

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The house from outside is just perfect.  He is already comfortable with it and it's a perfect spot for him to hide and be safe. 

I waited about 3 weeks to get my guy to the vet after I brought him inside.  I wanted to have a little time to work with him and get him settled, but I didn't want to wait too long in case he reverted backwards after the vet visit.  I wouldn't wait too long.  It will be hard for him regardless, but he will get over it.  You can try some Composure calming treats or liquid, Rescue Remedy or even Comfort Zone spray.  All help in some degree.

Also be sure your vet is aware that he is a feral/stray cat so they are prepared to handle him.  When I brought my guy to the vet for the first time, I had talked extensively with my vet.  I told them it was fine to sedate him if needed.  They were so accommodating.  I took him in early in the morning before any other animals had arrived.  They gave him a room of his own to move around.  They did the exam, blood draw and vaccines throughout the day so that it didn't upset him too much.  I was stunned how well he did.  He allowed them to hold him and never once acted out.  It was a huge sigh of relief.  Unfortunately he needed a booster vaccine, 2 weeks after so it required another trip.  My advice is to just talk to the vet first and see what they have in mind.  Fortunately he has been neutered so the visit should just entail blood work, exam and vaccines. 

This is terrific advice, thanks! Our vet's office has a woman who is an assistant/receptionist who takes care of our little furry guys when we are gone, and I have talked to her a little about this cat so I'm sure they'll be quite accommodating when the time comes!

ChargingRhino said:

This is terrific advice, thanks! Our vet's office has a woman who is an assistant/receptionist who takes care of our little furry guys when we are gone, and I have talked to her a little about this cat so I'm sure they'll be quite accommodating when the time comes!

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That should be very helpful.  One of the vet techs at my vets office used to care for my guys too.  Then she moved.  I was crushed.  She was awesome and lived so close to my home. 

When I brought my feral guy inside he tested positive for Bartonella (cat scratch fever).  He had to be on 21 days of medicine.  I still could not hold him to give him a pill.  At first we tried liquid and mixing it into his food.  He rejected it.  Then I went to a compounding pharmacy and tried flavored chicken and then flavored salmon.  Both were a no go.  I finally went with the pill and tried pill pockets.  It worked!  He loved them and happily took it each day for 3 weeks.  My next step was to hire the vet tech to come once a day to give him the pill. 

What we do for these cats!!!

LOL! Truly! :-)

Nothing new on the little black-and-white alley cat front today. Last night, he was pretty active wandering about his room, I think - lots of poop in the litter box and I noticed that some of the newspaper on the floor was brushed around. But s/he's still very polite and I don't see any evidence of any destructive behavior. I noticed yesterday when we gave him dinner, he pretty quickly gobbled up the soft food and took a lot longer in finishing off the hard food, so I thought this morning we'd try to feed him soft food for breakfast to see if that would make him more likely to eat it. It didn't. I did also see him, albeit briefly, yesterday - when I went in to check if he ate his dinner, he was on the other side of the room, looking at me. I said "hi" and started to softly talk with him, but he raced into the little cat house. Alas! When we bring him dinner again, should we stay in the room and sit on the floor and wait for him to come out, or is it too soon for that? BTW, the other cats definitely know he's in there now.

Here is a picture of our youngest, Cavendish, sniffing at the alley cat's door - definitely knows somebody is in there! BTW, Cavendish is also a stray - found on the DC Metro system at a fairly young age, so he integrated quite easily in the household.

ChargingRhino said:

Nothing new on the little black-and-white alley cat front today. Last night, he was pretty active wandering about his room, I think - lots of poop in the litter box and I noticed that some of the newspaper on the floor was brushed around. But s/he's still very polite and I don't see any evidence of any destructive behavior. I noticed yesterday when we gave him dinner, he pretty quickly gobbled up the soft food and took a lot longer in finishing off the hard food, so I thought this morning we'd try to feed him soft food for breakfast to see if that would make him more likely to eat it. It didn't. I did also see him, albeit briefly, yesterday - when I went in to check if he ate his dinner, he was on the other side of the room, looking at me. I said "hi" and started to softly talk with him, but he raced into the little cat house. Alas! When we bring him dinner again, should we stay in the room and sit on the floor and wait for him to come out, or is it too soon for that? BTW, the other cats definitely know he's in there now.

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I would definitely try sitting in the room when you bring in his dinner.  Just sit on the floor and talk quietly to him or even just sit down and read.  See what he does.  If it is too much for him and he is too afraid to come out just leave after 10 minutes or so.  If he does come out to eat, just sit quietly so you don't startle him.  Tell him how brave he is and that he is safe. 

Have you tried bringing him any plain cooked chicken or canned tuna or salmon?  Sometimes it takes a bit to discover what their sweet spot for food/treat rewards will be.

Cavendish ( love the name!) certainly does know.  It's fine for him to sit, watch and sniff.  He may even put his paws under the door.  That's ok too.  You just want to watch for any hissing, growling or aggressive behavior.  If that happens, you won't want to let him near the door for now.  Yet, curiosity is great!

We were thinking if the alley cat is determined to be a boy, Jonas would a good one - named after the storm which forced our hand to bring him indoors. Not sure yet with a girl's name. Cavendish is named after one of my favorite bike racers, Mark Cavendish, who is a well-known sprinter. From the start, it was obvious our Cavendish was a sprinter too! His middle name is Totten, named after the Metro stop where he was found. So far, so good on the curiosity front - each of our cats stop there every now and then and sniff, but no puffy tails or growling or anything so far. But we're definitely monitoring that. Fingers crossed! We've tried chicken, and though he eventually came out to eat it, it was well after we deposited it and when we weren't around. We'll try the fish idea - I like that. We'll also try the sitting down thing at dinner time....

Last night when we put out dinner for him/her in the room, I stayed around quietly, seeing if s/he would come out. No such luck, though I could hear some moving around their in the little cat house - which is more than I've heard before. I'm going to count that as progress.

Later, I put out some catnip for the little one - and this morning, it looks like s/he had some fun overnight. In a good way, I mean! :-) In some ways, I'm thinking maybe that was a rare moment in a long time that the little black-and-white alley cat was able to relax a little.

-Chris