Taking in a feral - need advice

Hi, I'm new here and a cat lover (naturally).
I have an spot next week to get a feral cat I thought spayed but now I'm pretty sure it's a nueter.
My fear is it might not go well, and I'm just trying to prepare myself for all avenues.

I've been feeding the cat for around 9-12 months. He lets me pet him or rather demands it.
I've been reading omegas to do when bringing them in, and it says leave them alone for 24 hours in a relatively dark room.
When I do go outside he follows between my legs everywhere. He literally has been sitting at my back door these last 9-12 months and rarely leaves. I feed a few other cats and they are friendly but don't want to be touched...and come and go as they please.

Is there s time w Ferals that you say, it's meant to be outdoors and let it go, or is it just a whole lot of patience no matter what?

What else should I do, can I do, etc.

I also read about the having a litter box of soil, can I have that and just put another w litter just to see if he goes for it? Anything I can do to comfort him once he's been fixed?

He doesn't sound like a feral cat. It's more likely that he is either a stray or an abandoned pet. It will be very easy for him to make the transition indoors in that case.

Just open the back door and see if he will come in. If he's already been a house cat you shouldn't have any trouble getting him to use the litter box. Try one box with soil and another with cat litter. I've found that even feral cats like the litter more than soil.

You could set up one room for him at first, then let him explore the rest of the house when he's more comfortable and your sure he's using his litter box. A Feliway diffuser can help calm a skittish cat. Boys get over being neutered a lot faster than girls get over being spayed. Usually the trip to and from the vets is the most traumatic part for them. Are you able to bring him indoors now, so he has a few days to get used to his new home before being fixed? It might be easier for him that way.

Totally agree with @Norachan  - - I'm 99.9% sure by hearing the way this one behaves that it's not a feral cat - - this was very likely someone's kitty that's been abandoned. Ferals take forever - if ever - to come around to trusting (your others sound much more feral). And we've had a decent amount of luck even bringing ferals in and socializing (although it's not usually easy, fast or fool-proof) and even finding new, happy homes for them.

Normally I'd say trap and bring into a room you can close off - - but this guy, I'd first try letting him walk right in. My guess is he'll come right in. Can he be picked up? The only issue in just letting him come in vs taking him to a room that's "just his" (like a spare bedroom/etc) is that he's got to find litterbox, etc.  quickly. But if you can just get him in and he follows you - see if he'll follow you to litterbox and food too. If you  have trouble getting him to litterbox area, know that you can always move litterbox if need be (although it has to be done incrementally over time). You can also try to lead him to the area with a good smelly food like tuna or mackerel - or whatever you know his weakness is

Feliway plug ins do help some kitties feel more comfortable. You'll DEFINITELY want to get him fixed fairly quickly (particularly if he's a "him" - male un-neutered cat urine/spray is VERY smelly). One way to handle it - what we usually do - is lure them into a carrier or trap while outside and take them straight to the vet to be fixed, checked out, vaccinated, and tested. Then bring them home and let them recuperate in "their room" so that they know where it is - they're not bringing any fleas, etc into the house. But if that makes you uncomfortable to do that - bringing him in first is certainly fine. We've done it both ways. Just spending time with him, loving him, and when you leave the house leave soft music/talk radio going  - - he'll quickly know who loves him and that he's got it made!

Okay, I brought him in today.
He really trusts me, which is great. He was a bit skittish but I left the door open...just to give him the option. He was okay for like 20 min and was playing/rolling etc. and then went to the door, after I had closed it and meowed...so I let him go, Bc I'm not quite set up to take him in yet, I still need lifter, soil, bed set up etc. and I'm not ready to force him inside.

Is this not the right thing? Giving him the freedom? My kitchen and basement are where I intend on keeping him while he adjusts...

I have an appt to get him fixed - Thursday.

He'll be much safer (and ultimately probably happier) as a completely indoor kitty. Right now outdoors is what he knows as "home" right now (although obviously he's already VERY bonded with yoU!!). But that doesn't mean he won't figure out quickly that an all-indoor home is a safer, happier place. It'll just take a bit of time.

I've yet to have a cat that didn't adjust and ultimately become ALOT happier (and live a lot longer, and not bring in fleas etc) as indoor kitties. To the extent that several years ago - someone left our french doors open after a party and, believe it or not, no one noticed, and they stayed open all night (thank goodness we live in a pretty safe neighborhood!). At that time we had 6 cats - several of which had been outdoor cats. We got a phone call from our neighbor at about 8 the next morning - saying "it looks like all 6 of your cats are on your back deck??!" Sure enough!! They all had the chance to leave...and none went more than 6 feet away

And no one's tried since

That is wonderful to hear about your cats! 6, I'm going to have to work up to that!

Okay, everyone keeps saying be patient...

What are the challenges beyond peeing, meowing...

He doesn't like to picked up, I tried starting to touch his paws...he's not a fan of that either.

So once I get him fixed, de flead etc. force him in?

I think yes, keep him inside after he gets neutered. He will need to be contained anyway to ensure that he heals properly (the clinic will give you instructions). And then you're all set up to get him acclimated to living indoors. He will be upset at first, but it is best for his own health and safety, and odds are he will be much happier to be dry, safe, warm, full, and free of parasites than he was when he was outdoors! Later, you can teach him to go outside on a leash and harness if you want him to be able to have some outdoor enrichment, but that's a ways in the future.

He is going to be very upset and scared when he gets back from surgery, and it might seem like all you've done to bond with him has been erased, but don't worry! You'll get your relationship back to where it was and better. Make sure you've blocked off any hiding places that you wouldn't be able to retrieve him from or could be dangerous (don't underestimate his creativity!). Then, you can provide places like cardboard boxes for him to hide in comfortably. This website has a really good guide for easing cats into being comfortable with being around and handled by people: http://bestfriends.org/resources/socializing-very-shy-or-fearful-cats. You can adapt whichever methods you need to your situation, depending on how frightened he gets. It's going to be a little rough for you and this cat for a bit, but you will end up with a very grateful, happy, and healthy kitty. 

Good morning,

I wanted to share an update with all my helpful cat lovers out there, who I really appreciate in my time of need for this cat. I had him (I thought it was a female for a while, until I started petting it) neutered yesterday he got right into the plastic cage, came home completely remembered me, was up wanted to be pet and was purring. I left him in the basement over night, he wouldn't come out of a hiding spot this am, not even for food. I remembered all that I read 2 steps forward 5 back and will keep that in mind everyday!

He wouldn't come out this am for my husband and as anyone with small children understand the am's are crazy! So I left the food and was able to return at 8:30am he still hadn't touched it. I put food near where he was hiding and he nibbled and then realized the goodness of it and came out and was his usual self. He's now following me everywhere, right between my legs and seems to be calming down and laying down, relaxing etc.

I skipped the soil as we left it in our cold shed and didn't want to go out last night in the cold to get it so I left just litter out for him, I hear him now using it for the 3rd time! I couldn't be a more happy cat mom right now. Pee and POOP! So proud!

I will continue to update as things progress for the better or worse, of course if it's worst I'll be begging for advice.

If anything after my moment of happiness fades, I realize he wasn't feral at all, and I just left him in my backyard for close to a year. The vet determined yesterday he's only 1 year, 1 month old. So as happy as I am I feel terribly guilty as well, but trying to move forward with a positive attitude!

Thanks everyone!

Wow!Even for a non feral, he's responding incredibly well! It'll be fun for you to see how his personality blossoms even more in the coming weeks. Don't feel guilty! You've done a wonderful thing. He's safe now, and he's very appreciative to have you taking care of him.

I love this string of messages! I wish i had you all to turn to 13 years ago! Those i inquired of, had convinced me my feral would be happier outside. Hind-sight is 20/20. If i am lucky enough, and my missing feral kitty returns, he will be a new indoor kitty!

I understand the guilt - I know I'd have trouble with that too (but I'm an incredibly sappy, guilt-oriented person!)...but you've done a WONDERFUL thing! And know that you also kept him close and fed while he was outside - - yes, outside and exposed to more, but he obviously knew he had you to depend on for that whole time he was out there. He wouldn't be coming around so quickly if he didn't already love you!!!! I'm so happy it's turned out this way for all of you. I'd say you've got a buddy for life!!!!!

Okay, so cat seems to be adjusting okay. Like everyone said two steps fwd.

He's been fine and we accidentally turned off the lights to the basement last night, come down this am and he's puked and peed, not in the litter box. Didn't eat much yesterday...

Seems to prefer to be pet then eat, doesn't seem to touch his food until I come down.

This am his nose stopped running, but he ate when I was down there, and my husband went down 30 min later he puked again.

I know he was just neutered - and some may strongly disagree with me on this (but I'm a worrywart in general) - I'd think fairly soon about taking him to the vet. It's possible the light issue caused a slight stress trigger and he decided to avoid the box. Any change can cause stress in a lot of cats. Although cats see fairly well in darkened areas (although a basement - depending on conditions - could be pitch black - they don't see in pitch black). And the vomitting could also be stress. Or the fact that I'm sure food is different for him now that he's inside. Sometimes some cats respond to food changes with vomitting (although diarrhea is much more of a common stress & food change reaction). 

But the reason I'd be really thinking vet is that he's just had surgery. Neuter surgery is generally unremarkable, but I'm more nervous about any issues when there's been a recent surgery. At the very least I'd call and talk to the vet's office - our vet, if we ask, will even call us back if we're really nervous and unsure. Not alot of vets will do that though. 

But that's me! I tend to probably over-vet our inside ones when unusual behavior exists. Our ferals are another story

So he's still puking, it's less than yesterday but still puked 3 times last night...

I'll schedule the vet and hope he gets better before? I'm worried now about dehydration, etc as he's barely eating...but is still drinking.

His food did not change from coming in, I've been feeding him the same food twice a day for months now.
I did have guests though and that did make it noisey so I'm hoping its stress. Hindsight I thought he peed and puked but I think he only puked yesterday. He's warming up though, coming upstairs and relaxing.

Could he be stressed Bc we aren't down there enough petting/comforting him? I feel like that sounds silly noting he hadn't had much human contact, but he doesn't seem to be eating without me down there a him.

Mostly I feel like he was fine for 3 days post surgery and now is just getting sick? Shouldn't it be closer to post-op?

I'm far from a vet - just lots of cat experience But I'd definitely call the vet - you can always cancel if you feel he perks right up. Do you know how to check for dehydration? You do what's called a "Skin Turgor Test" - fancy way of saying you're checking to see how dried out their system is. I've pasted a pretty good youtube link below (the cat is shaved, so you can see the skin). Since you can pet him - know this wont hurt him with this - just pinch the skin together behind his head, at the shoulder blades (video shows just where). Don't pinch hard, just kind of squeeze together and lift - if he's still well hydrated, the skin will snap back down/ sink quickly. If it stays "tented" up or verrrryy slowly sinks down, he's getting dehydrated. Dehydration quickly causes a lot of damage in cats, so it's a big thing to keep an eye on.


It is possible that they can have a reaction a few days after - less likely, but definitely possible. Stress does have amazing effects on cats - - - they truly are stress barometers. And if he's looking to you for reassurance in this transitional time - which it sounds like he is - it's definitely possible to stress him out with more isolation. But don't beat yourself up about it - it sounds like he'll be able to come into your home and all the "action" any day, right? It sounds like he's craving attention (and actually you mention him coming upstairs now) - and is not crazy that he'd not eat when you're not there. I've had plenty of strays that we've fostered that did much better when I was in the room (we can't always let them out bc we have lots of our own "guys"). So they're often sequestered in an extremely  large bedroom - complete with tv, radio and window - -  but they often only eat when I'm in there (or my husband). They obviously take comfort in us - I figure I won't question a good thing like loving me

t'd it is certainly possible he's reacting to all the new stuff (after all - it's been a rough week for him - being caught, being taken to the vet, surgery, taken out of his environment, guests - -  it is a lot when you think abut it). 

But the vomiting is an issue - particularly since he's in a new area AND he's off his food. I guess my other concern is that he's gotten into something and eaten it - even something small. The vomiting/being off his food can be a reaction to things like that. But the surgery issue is still what I'd worry about. Particularly accompanied with lack of eating. Check the dehydration though - if he's dehydrated - then it's critical you don't watch and wait. 

Keep us posted!

Okay, thank you for the reply and advice.

I think his skin is okay, noting I've been petting him a lot. But will try this test at home later today, I'm hoping its just stress...noting him liking me w him, I've been trying to spend as much time as possible.
I have a toddler so the only alone time is post bed time. But he did come up last night lay in the living room and relax. He is drinking water but not much food. Pending no serious symptoms present themselves he'll have to wait until Friday to see the vet.

Thanks for your helpful advice.

Definitely do the test when you get a chance (I know with a toddler that's not very often!). You can't tell by petting them (it seems like you'd be able to - but unfortunately you can't). 

Unless the dehydration is a big factor - I'd just call the vet for Friday and watch him till then. Like I said - you can always cancel! I certainly do on ours every now and then - and he's very understanding or so he says And if it's nerves, you should see the vomitting drop off. If he's coming upstairs and laying in the living room with a toddler - he's a pretty adjusted cat already!

Thanks for being so concerned about the little guy - always heartening to hear someone care so much about a stray!

I put soil and leaves in my feral rescue cat litter box and it worked wonders. The only downside with litter box training a homeless cat was they don't seem to cover or bury. I did it for him (and me) for about 2 weeks until he caught on.

I will say - @emilylovescats  - so funny how cats are different.  

We currently have 4 inside, 3 of which are "failed fosters" (two we've had from tiny kittens)...and one feral we trapped, spayed, and returned....for a few months. Of the four - 2 of the 3 "failed fosters" (who've never set a foot outdoors basically) wouldn't know how to cover if their life depended on it! Bowie (my avatar kitty) literally (or should I say "litter-ally") uses the box, hops right out without a second thought to what he just left uncovered in the box. And Jo covers - but it's all "air covering" - as in use the box, wander around the box/outside perimeter of box/3 foot radius around box while pawing the air!!! Moo, failed foster #3, covers 50% of the time. But Flick, our little former feral covers everything like it's her job. Including the "gifts" other kitties leave! Like I said...every cat is different

I know the dirt/leaves thing does help a lot of ferals transition to litter (so definitely a good suggestion for anyone with a transitioning feral who's not recognizing the box)...but I don't think the litterbox was the issue for your kitty, was it @catlovers23? I think it turned out to be basically vomitting - for unknown reasons. Any change? Vet visit on the horizon? 

Hope he's feeling better!