Bringing in a stray

There is a stray cat in my complex she is a beautiful dilute calico. She came around when she was a young kitten and she is about a year old. I feed her about once a day when she comes to the door crying. She is loving and playful. I would love to keep her but my Lil Bit is not having it. She tolerates her long enough for her to eat then she has to go back outside. If she doesn't Lil Bit starts bullying her. She strikes at her without her claws. The Calico is terrified of Lil Bit. 

I want to bring her in and keep her in another room until they get adjusted to each other. How do I get her liter trained? Can she be turned to an indoor only cat? Or is it best to let her continue the way she is? 


She always gets the gravy on her nose. She ate two cans this day. 

Another neighbor brings her in at night when it is really cold. She sleeps in a pet carrier then. 

She is beautiful, thanks for taking care of her. The fact that your current kitty puts up with her for a little while is a good sign. As for litter box training I think it come naturally for many 

here are some good threads 

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/242695/can-you-litter-box-train-an-older-outside-cat

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/83001/litter-box-training-a-stray

Cats are not difficult to litter train at all.  If you can get a hold of some, try Dr. Elsey's Litter Attract.  It works very well to attract cats to using a litter box.  If she does have an accident then just sop it up with a paper towel and bury it in the litter box.  She will be attracted to her own scent. 

First off, she needs to get to the vet.  If she is a female she most likely will get pregnant very soon.  She needs to be spayed as well as having a full check up and vaccines before being around your other pets. 

As for introductions, it needs to be done very slowly.  I brought a feral cat into my home over 2 years ago.  I had another cat and dog living inside the house.  It was a long process, but the cats are good buddies now.  The key is taking it slow. 

The kitty will need a room of her own.  She may need this for awhile.  This will be her home base or safe zone.  She may freak out a bit when you close her in a room so be sure all windows are closed tightly and curtains and blinds are secure or out of the way.   If it's a spare room, it's best to pick the bed up or lay it flat on the floor.  Under the bed is the first place a cat will hide and it's nearly impossible to get them out.  Also block off under all large furniture and behind too.  Cats can squeeze into very small places.  Keep closets closed.  Do provide a safe hiding spot such as a cat tree with a hiding box or even a card board box with a blanket.  You can also use a cat carrier. 

Also you can try a Feliway diffuser to make her feel more comfortable.  It may be a rocky few days, but it is best to persevere and not let her back outside.  It took my guy about 5 days.  He yowled and howled and meowed all night.  Yet he was safe inside.  I knew if I gave him the choice, he would choose outside living as it was what he was comfortable with.  I first had to get him used to indoor living and used to me.  Next step was cat to cat introductions. 

Are you able to handle her and pet her?  That will make getting her to the vet easier if you can handle her and get her into a carrier.  She may not like it very much, but you need to know first hand that she is healthy and ok to be around your other cat.

Here are some articles and a video on cat to cat intros.  It's best not to start the process until she has been to the vet and also until she has settled into being inside. 

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/a-simple-little-trick-to-use-during-new-cat-introductions/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cat-to-cat-introductions/

She was back in for about 30 minutes. I am beginning to think Lil Bit is trying to play instead of bully Phoebe doesn't know how. It will be a couple weeks before I can get her to the vet. She is very friendly, seeks attention, lets you pet her and pick her up. I wish there was a low cost around here but there isn't.

Cats are quite territorial.  I would keep Lil Bit away.  Just place her in another room while the stray is inside.  You really do not want them to get into a fight and jeopardize the health of Lil Bit.  Cats can start to fight in the blink of an eye. 

Do you have a Humane Society of ASPCA near you?  They often help with the cost of spay/neuter too. 

We have a humane society but they dont do any thing but put animals down. 

She has been in for about four hours today. She has ate and used the litter box. Little Bit wants to play so bad but Phoebe isn't ready to yet. If she stays and continue to do well I will call and get her on a wellness plan. I am pretty sure she is pregnant. If she is when she has the kittens I will have her spayed.  She is so loving. She loved being brushed this morning and rolled over for a belly rub. 



She has decided she likes my daughters coat.

I contacted Cat welfare. They will take her in but will spay her while pregnant. I can't do it. A lovely person from a Cat group I am in is helping me with supplies with her so I can keep her. I am so excited. I just have to add her to a health plan. 

I am so upset. I contacted another Cat rescue and they took her in. I have tried for a week for an update and they still haven't gave me one. They said they will have the lady to contact me. Its been three days since I got that message. I haven't got an update yet. I am getting that sick feeling in my stomach. I am so scared she is not well. 

I'm just catching up here, Louann Jude.

I'm hoping you've had news?

No they still haven't told me nothing. It's doubtful they will. 

@Mani  I wanted to update you on Phoebe. I seen her today. I took Lil Bit to the vet and the lady that took her in for the rescue was there. They actually brought her in today and have her up for adoption. She looks so good. She recognized me when she saw me and tried her best to get out to get to me. She was scratching and meowing at me.  I petted on her and loved on her as much as I could through the cage. I could see in her eyes that she wanted me to get her out. I asked about her adoption fee and it was 95 dollars. If I had the money I would have took her home today. 

I just pray she goes to a good home. I am going to visit her next weekend. I will keep going until she gets adopted. I wish we had a home of our own so we wouldn't have to deal with landlords that are so mean about pets. 

It's wonderful that she looks so good and I'm sure she'll love your visits!

Sometimes we just have to trust that the best will happen.  I imagine they will find her a lovely home.  Most rescues are very careful about that.