Need advice on taking in a outdoor cat!

jenann

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
14
Purraise
1
Hi I'm new here I don't know if I'm posting this in the right spot but I need some advice. I found a cat in February who was on my deck. He had half his tail missing. I put out food right away and he ate. When I opened the door he started to run away but when I called to him he stopped, turned around and came back to the food. He left after he ate. I had never see this guy before but I asked my neighbor who said she's seen him about 8 months ago and is very friendly. So I decided to catch him to get his tail looked at. He came back to eat and I pet his head as he was eating. He would eat right next to the door even with all the noise from inside my house (I have 3 year old twins) and I would pet him as he ate. But any sudden movements and he would be jumpy and start to run away, I would just call him and he would come running back to my hand. So I got a cat carrier and put it outside. I opened the cat carrier and put a can of wet food in it and he walked right in then I shut the door. He freaked out once in there scratching banging etc. I covered it with a towel and contacted my friend who rescue cats and does a lot of TNR work. She told me to drop him off at a vet she uses.

My husband dropped him off there and she told me that they have treated his tail. They have fixed him, they gave him shots, he had a bad case of fleas and is anemic. He is able to be handled, he is very very scared but seems friendly. She went to visit him and he let her pet him. He has been there since last Monday. He is coming to my house tomorrow night. This is where I need advice. I have had cats before but we got them as kittens. We do not have any animals anymore but I do have my kids who are a handful! I was told it would be best to start him in a big dog crate and get him used to things that way. I got the crate all set up with a bed, litter box, I got food bowls etc. I'm just worried that he could attack me when I try to go feed him. Or escape. From my experience with him he has been friendly but I don't know how long he was living outside or his past. I want to do what I can to help him but I'm also a little afraid. I just need some advice on how to care for him!! Right now my husband and our kids live with my mother. We are in the process of finding a house. I have the crate set up in my mothers bedroom so he can see people more then being left in the basement where he will hear all the noises through the ceiling and it may be more scary. Again any advice would truly help me so much!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

catsknowme

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 2, 2005
Messages
11,458
Purraise
6,679
Location
Eastern California,USA
 Welcome to TCS & Kudos for rescuing that very lucky kitty! The crate idea is a good one. You can also try to add some Feliway pheromes to help calm him down. Initially, keep the crate covered with a towel or blanket, to avoid overstimulation. If you are worried about attack, be sure to wear thick, long sleeves and leather gloves when cleaning/feeding. Keep the door and all cupboards & closets closed, the drapes drawn & any "escape routes" such as under the bed or dressers, blocked off. Wear a Tshirt or sweatshirt to bed, or for a workout, so you get your scent in it and add it to his bed, so he associates your scent with his new "safe place".

        Periodically, have your mom or you uncover the crate and verbally introduce yourself. Speak to him, even if he doesn't understand the words, he will understand the thoughts/message (an old horseman gave me that advice when I was a kid). If he hisses or seems scared, let him know that you understand and will try again later, then re-cover the cage. If he approaches, then offer him treats through the cage door. When he enjoys getting petted through the bars, you can try to open the crate door and pet him through that. You will need to be on the floor with your legs on either side of him, so he is less likely to bolt away. If he does manage to get away, don't panic. He will pick up on any panic vibes and that will make him anxious. Instead, remember that you caught him this way before and with the cover over the cage, he will likely go back in anyway, especially if he cant reach any other place to hide.

      Congratulations on your successful cat rescue efforts so far & please keep up posted. My hat is off to you, especially considering that you are also a mom of toddler twins!!! Wow - an awesome feat & all of us here at TCS are so proud of you! BRAVO!!
 
 
Last edited:

catsknowme

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 2, 2005
Messages
11,458
Purraise
6,679
Location
Eastern California,USA
I forgot to add that you or your mom should initially try passive visits by sitting on the floor nearby, crate uncovered, letting him observe his new family while they do calm activity, such as reading, or better yet, something with motion, such as folding laundry, crocheting or knitting. Those activities keep your "vibe" calm and also give him calm cat stimulation.  If he seems interested, you can also try giving him a teaser through the bars, so he learns to associate you with play.

   Remember - cats are excellent at observing and learning inter-species behavior. It is their instinct to learn these things about both their prey and their predators, as well as, of course, their families
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

jenann

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
14
Purraise
1
Thank you so much! So far he's doing great. He went right in the cage. I pet him a bunch of times. At first he was all the way in the back of the carrier in his bed. Then he started laying in his litter. When I would open it to feed him or clean the litter he would just watch me. He pushes his head into my hand and rolls it around as I pet him. Both of my kids have pet him too and he lets them. They stuck their hands through the cage and he just sat there. My mom, sister and husband have all also pet him. He purrs non stop. So I think he's going to be ok just scared. He has the part of his tail he had all wrapped up in like a little cast. The girl that brought him back to me said she's going to come take it off this weekend. (I'm too scared to touch that) so today when I was cleaning his litter he decided to walk right out of the crate. He went right under the bed (I didn't have anything to block it) and now I can't get him out. He's been under there since 9am this morning. I left food and when I left the room he ate but went back under the bed. He seems so friendly when in his crate so i don't know why he's hiding now. I know he must still be very scared and this house is all knew to him but he seems too friendly to have been a feral. I mean I guess it's possible. But he let the vet handle him I was told. So when she dropped him off to me she said to pet him and he was fine.

Now I don't know what to do. Is it ok that he's out in the room? Will he come around to me adventually?
 

JMJimmy

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
490
Purraise
331
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
He will absolutely come around.  This is a stressful time and the best thing I have found is to let the cat do things at his/her own pace and just ignore them until they show an interest in you.  Chances are he'll come out at night when things are quieter and explore his new world.  The bed is just a refuge where he can feel safe.  Just don't rush things or force it.

Catnip, a shred or two of cheese, and lactose free milk as bribes have been very successful icebreakers for us
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #6

jenann

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
14
Purraise
1
He came out last night for chicken and I got him back in his crate. Once in there he let me pet him a bunch of times and was so friendly. Well today he got out again and has been under the bed all day again from 9am till now it's 12am. I have left food out and water he didn't touch either. He never used his litter. He's just laying there. He will start to come to me when I show food but he would sniff it and go back under the bed. He's sick and needs his antiobiotic and I can't get that in him either cause he won't come out. He didn't even eat his food in morning today before he got out of crate. I have a vet appt. tomorrow morning but idk what to do if I still can't get him to come!! I'm just worried that he's gotten worse with his sickness and the infection that was in his tail and I have to get him back to the vet to take the wrapping off his tail. Other wise I would just let him be in here!! Sigh..
 

JMJimmy

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
490
Purraise
331
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The bed maybe his safe spot but if his health is at stake then you may have to take it away from him.  Take the top layer of the bed off and use it to block his escape route if there is one, then take the bottom layer off - make sure he has easy access to the crate as his only hiding spot.  Do it slowly so he has time to react/adjust.  If he doesn't go straight for the crate, try to sit down away from the crate & away from him if you can and just be there with him.  He may come to you or he may eventually find his way to the crate. 

Things that might help:

 - a treat in the crate like tuna

 - time (the more time the better)

 - a towel in the crate for him to snuggle up on

 - if he refuses to crate & enticement isn't working the towel cat burrito or pillow case methods are your last resort.  You'll lose some trust but if it's between that and saving his life then trust can be rebuilt when he's out of danger.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #8

jenann

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
14
Purraise
1
Thank you for the advice. I did get him into the carrier with tuna. The vet said he still had fleas. They gave him a pill and frontline. I hope they are gone now cause he's been in the bedroom. I was so pissed when I found out he still at fleas. The rescue vet he was at first should of never let him go home with fleas. I have kids!! So I vacummed and did what I could but that back corner under the bed I can't reach to vacuums. The vet said any that try to go on him should then die. I hope he is right. So he's been in the crate and is very scared but a good cat. He was so calm at the vet and let them do everything to him. I have to give him liquid medicine for 14 days. I haven't picked him up yet still but today my sister did real fast and I got the medicine in him. She put him right back in the crate. I took out his old bed to replace it with a new one and when my sister put the bed in he hissed at her. First time I saw him do anything but he's scared so I'm assuming that is harmless. Idk I am still kinda scared but I'm trying. I know soon as he gets out he will just go hide. How do I help this? Just keep trying to spend time with him?
 

JMJimmy

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
490
Purraise
331
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I wouldn't worry about the hiss at all.  There are a bunch of different approaches, it's really doing what feels right for you.  If you're unsure of what you're doing, the cat will pick up on it.  Just be patient, you've got time to build trust and build confidence in your interactions.  Just watch closely for the tells - the ears will tell you a lot about how a cat is feeling, as will posture & tail.  Our cat Sissy's ears will go flat a few seconds before she hisses.  If we're ever doing something that causes her ears to start to go flat, we stop and do something else or back off.  Initially it was simply approaching her that caused it, now we can do almost anything to her and she just purrs away.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #10

jenann

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
14
Purraise
1
I been googling signs so I kinda know but his tail was cut off (we don't know how he lost it) so there is only a few inches left of it. Today when I was petting him he was purring and rubbing his head around and pushing his sides of his head into my hand then puts his head down and I rub top then he will roll it to the other side. He lays down at times as I'm doing this on his side and will kinda roll this time his tail started to thumb the crate so he was moving it. I didn't know if this meant anything so I stopped petting him. He loves when I put his chin. I can tell he doesn't like when he's approached head on when he's in crate. Otherwise I don't really know the happy signs. He will also push his paws out like he's needing. (Not sure how you spell that). Why is it that he hides when he's out of crate? Is it cause he just needs more time? What he lets me do so far you would think he likes to be pet but I don't know. I had 3 cats from kittens who all thought there were dogs. So all this is soooo new to me!!
 

JMJimmy

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
490
Purraise
331
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
You're doing great it sounds like.  The hiding is completely normal.  Our latest stray Scotty does the exact same thing.  He'll venture in of his own accord, head straight for his hiding spots under the bed or behind the curtain.  We'll go to sleep and once he's comfortable he comes out and explores every nook and cranny.  He's a pretty brave cat so it only took him an hour or so the first time he stayed over.  By the 3rd time he was out exploring within 2 minutes of us turning off the lights.  I know of another cat that any time visitors came over it would spend the entire time under the bed and not emerge until they were gone. 
 

playerdark

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Sep 5, 2014
Messages
137
Purraise
62
I took in a cat last year that was a feral cat. it took me 3 years from the time she showed up in our garden to get her to the point where I could handle her and she came into the house occasionally. Luckily I got her so far because last year she got a bad eye infection and I had to take her to the vet. After that I kept her inside and she has been in the house ever since.

It was not easy especially the first few weeks, but it can be done. this cat was feral 3 years ago and yet when when was inside she used the cat toilet immediately, they have a natural instinct to use it, so I hope you have no problems there. I spend a great deal of time on the couch in the living room at nights and got her used to jumping up there after a while by giving her treats. It takes a long time to get these out door kitties to get used to being indoor, but it's possible. Yours doesn't sound like a feral cat so it should even be easier.

I would make sure the cat is not bothered by the children, make sure they understand that they should leave the cat alone and not bother her. You cant really force them to like you or enjoy your company. In my eyes, time and patience is the only thing that works there, but there is hope for sure
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #13

jenann

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
14
Purraise
1
Yeah I keep the kids away for the most part. I now have him out of the dog crate and just left in the room. Anytime we come in the room now he will come out from under the bed and lay on the floor by us. Doesn't seem to mind being pet and rolls over a lot. I picked him up to try to give him his medicine the other day and he was so stiff I put him down soon as I did this I went to pet his head (I shouldn't of done that) and he went at me. He bite my hand but more of a warning bite I guess cause he didn't break skin. Now I'm more nervous of him. The vet gave me the ear medicine to rub on his ear so that's a little easier. He is sooooo scared of everything. I guess that's where it's just going to take time. I just don't like that he did bite me. After seeing the vet handle him and all the petting his allowed I was shocked but it is what it is. I just keep the kids away even more so. I really hope he does come around more cause how long can I keep him in one room?
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
jenann,

How did your hand approach him when you went to pet his head? Did your hand approach more from above? What did his ears look like? Were they pinned back?

It is very normal for a cat to be scared initially. A lot of his behavior is really positive. I think the little bite was an outlier. You might have been giving off some negative energy because you didn't like how he stiffened up when you picked him up and then approaching him might have been a bit much too fast. He is still learning to trust it seems to me and it sounds like he just was saying "he wait a minute". If he wanted to hurt you I think he would have really bitten. It sounds to me like he didn't want to hurt you. But things like this are always a good reminder to read the cat. It does come with experience but you will gain it.

I have faced these situations before. And I always give the cat their space when I sense a little different body language (watch the ears). Let the cat calm down on his terms and then move on. I have found that as long as I am calm and confident that energy seems to be felt by them. 

I think you are doing a very good job. He sounds like a good cat that is really coming around. Thank you for caring so much about this cat.

Please let me know if you have any questions on what I wrote. It is a lot more art than science but it sounds like he is going to be a nice addition to the family. 
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #15

jenann

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
14
Purraise
1
When I approached him he was sitting and I was standing. I came from above to pet his head then he just went at me. No signs at all. He was just sitting there but I had just put him down from picking him up and he gets too scared when he's picked up so I think he just didn't know what to expect. Overall though he seems like he wants to be nice but super scared. It was weird though last night and this morning I went in the room and he came out from under the bed. I let him smell my hand. He back away both time like in fear??? This is weird to me cause he always lets me pet him. Idk I love animals and I'm trying to help this cat. It's cost me 800 dollars so far that I don't really have but I know it's going to take time. I'm too scared just for the simple fact that he came from outside and I don't know his past. I need to stop being so nervous!! My
Other worry is my kids. How long can I keep this cat in one bedroom? Once I let him out I'm worried about that. I had no intention on getting an animal till my kids were older they are only 3 now. But this guy showed up on my deck so I felt like I had to take him in! Sigh..
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
jenann,

I know exactly what you are going through. You have a good heart and see someone in need and want to help. You are a great person.

Yeah, I figured it might have been your hand coming from above. Some cats do not like that especially when they are in a new environment. It is just something to think about in the future especially if they have just gone through something unsettling (being picked up).

I think it is a positive that when you went into the room that he came out from under the bed. That means he wanted to meet you, that he is not too afraid. now maybe he thought you had food and when your hand didn't have food he thought "oh well, back to what I was doing". I don't think it was too much fear that he backed away, Maybe a little but not anything meaningful at least in my eyes. They just do stuff like that sometimes. I was always a dog person and cats are different than dogs. I guarantee he will let you pet him again. The fact that you were petting him before is a huge sign of trust.

All my cats are ferals and I have a feral colony. Outside cats or ferals are as good as any other cat. They love and trust and are wonderful. It just takes time. Trust just needs to be built and food is a good source of building trust.

Does your cat have a cat tree or something to go high up on? Many love to go high and watch what is going on.

Well, I would keep the cat in the bedroom until there is a bit more confidence. The bedroom is not a good long term solution but it is a good short term solution. At some point you can carry each child into the room and introduce them that way. Others can help more in this as we do not have young children.

Just educate the children about the cat. Make sure they are supervised when around the cat so they don't lunge or poke or pull on the cat etc. I would guess the cat would just keep his distance from them. Also make sure the cat has some exit routes and places to go up if he would ever feel threatened. Most cats will flee rather than fight in my experience.

I really admire what you are doing and how much you car for your cat. Thank you so much for all you are doing. I hope this is helpful and let me know any other questions you may have. 
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
jenann,

Just one more thing. What kind of test did you do for worms and parasites? Did he have any and was he treated? Given you have kids it is really important that the cat is free of worms and parasites.

Also, when he does have free roam of the house the kids will have to stay away and be educated about the litter box. I am not exactly sure of the risks (others could help answer that or your vet) but it is best they don't view it as a sandbox to play in.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #18

jenann

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
14
Purraise
1
Thank you! Well when I found him on my deck he has half his tail missing. He was friendly and let me pet him so I got him right into the cat carrier. I called a friend and we brought him to a vet she uses. He was there for a week. I really don't know what they did there besides shots, blood work, tried to treat his tail and fixed him. The girl brought him back to my house only cause he was friendly we decided to try him inside. Well a few days later I brought him to my vet and he still had fleas and his tail is still infected. He is severely anemic and has something where parasites are eating at his red blood cells. So he is on medicine. He was treated for the fleas and got de wormed. That's all I know. I did bring both kids in to see him and he let everyone pet him. The problem is my kids are 3 they are twins and they just don't understand. They don't listen to me if I say leave the cat alone. So the only thing that's saving me now is him being in the room with door locked. They can't get in!! They have no fear and they don't understand. They think they can go pick him up. I say no he's scared etc. idk how this is going to work out. It may wind up coming down to me finding him a better home. But for now I gotta make sure he's healthy and ok!! He def comes out all the time now and lets us all pet him. He rolls over too. He will lay right by me on the floor but only come so close. Any noise and he jumps. So I thought it was weird that now he's scared of my hand. I'm gonna go in to feed him dinner so I'll see if he lets me pet him. Maybe he smelled the medicine I had to rub on his ear or maybe he just senses I'm kinda scared still! I had 3 cats in my life but had them all from kittens and had dogs my whole life too. My cats used to think they were dogs. So this is my first experience with a cat from outside!
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
jenann,

His behavior seems very normal to me and has a lot of positives. The fact that he lets everyone pet him is HUGE. He can't be that scared. Seems like he is pretty trusting. I am not so sure he is really afraid of your hand. He might equate your hand with the medicine and he doesn't like the medicine. You can always put down some cat treats with you hand in front of him so he equates your hand to good things. Cats do like things on their terms. He will let you pet him again just on his terms. 

The kids are still young so totally understand they don't exactly know. But as long as the cat has escape routes and is able to go high I would think he will choose to flee rather than fight. And with a mom like you I would think your kids are probably good kids and aren't mean.

Just take your time and keep us posted. I have a sense that he is going to be a member of your family for a long time.

Amazing what he has been through and amazing and wonderful what you are doing for him. Poor guy has been through a lot and I think it is wonderful he found such a great family. I know he appreciates what you are doing, getting him healthy.

I have only had ferals (and dogs) so I don't know anything else but I do know I have gone through everything you are going through and it is normal and with love the cat will totally be like every other cat. With love cats get confidence and trust and become a member of the family.

Thank you so much for taking such good care of this guy. He really is lucky.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #20

jenann

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
14
Purraise
1
Aww thank you so much! Yeah my kids love animals but they don't understand that they can't just go up to this guy and pick him up like they used to do to our other cat. (She's been gone a year now and I swear she was the sweetest thing in the world). So they think they can just pet him. But yeah he will have places to escape too. I was giving him liquid medicine. My sister would pick him up real quick then I would put it in his mouth. But after he kinda bite/nipped me I got the ear medicine. And he def doesn't like the smell of it so I gotta be fast and then I get nervous and maybe he sense that. I will try the food in my hand. He usually eats out of my hand but I'm thinking this time he just smelled the medicine cause I just put it on my finger I didn't use those little glove things. He sniffed my hand and jumped back. I was like come here what's wrong and he walked back words away from me. So I just left the room!! Last night his tail was bleeding again so I'm praying I can get him healthy and the infection in his tail will heal. God only know the life this cat knew. My neighbor said about 8 months ago she noticed him outside and he was friendly and they would feed him. So he's been outside I'm guessing 8 months to a year of he was ever someone's pet. He let everyone handle him at vet. He just seemed overall calm and scared. Idk if he was a true feral but I guess I'll never know and I think that's what makes me scared is idk what he could do!! He does seem trusting so hopefully like you said it will only get better in time!!
 
Top