How to care for stray/feral

I recently did a TNR on a cat. We thought she was a kitten but turned out to be two years old. We kept her inside long because it was winter and she needed her fur back before she could be released. I fell in love with her and so did my cat we already had. We kept her inside a cage which she began to not like. She wanted out and escaped one day and hid. She hid alongside the stove and then made her way into the closet. I have a 13 yr old who was very scared.

So, the decision to release her was decided. We felt it was time she was ready to move on. We released her and she was gone for over a week. Then one day she reappeared. I started feeding her in her old place. Then suddenly she started following me every where and rubbing up against my legs. Then , I tried to pet her and she loved it. Everyday, she waits outside my apartment building for food and love.

I decided to try bringing her inside again and don't know what to do. I would need to get her to the vet. Which will only bring us backwards because we are gaining her trust. So I'm wondering if I could get a vet to visit home. I'm also wondering what to do as far as keeping her caged at first. Because a rescue group said I would need to keep her caged until she gets comfortable again.

I tried trapping her and finally caught her inside a carrier but she got loose because the front door was not secure. she was inside the carrier and yowling and moving frantically. I was worried for her and forgot to bring something to cover the carrier because I wasn't sure if it would even work.

Any suggestions is appreciated. I have a small one bedroom apartment and I don't have a special room. I can keep her. I just want to save her and protect her from the other ferals outside and give her a chance at a good home if she will let me. I have no experience but she really needs us. My neighbors complain there scared of her and I'm worried all the time for her :/

Also my cat went down by the front door of our building a few times and hissed when she got close to the door. So I'm afraid they have to learn to like each other all over again. I'm so stressed and don't know what to do?

It's okay! It's going to take time for everyone to be comfortable, but it will happen and all the reactions you're describing are perfectly normal.

She needs to go to a vet. Mobile vets exist so you can do some research and see if there are any in your area, but otherwise you'll have to take her in. Yes, she will be scared and upset, but taking her to a vet as soon as possible is the best course of action for a number of reasons. First of all, if she's sick with anything, getting treatment sooner rather than later is medically prudent. And if she starts getting medicine and feeling better, she will associate feeling better with being indoors and she will be very grateful and will be easier to socialize. This happens a lot with semi-ferals, because they always seem to at least have a couple parasites. And I think it's much better to get the scary vet visits out of the way in the beginning so then you can focus on bonding without interruptions afterwards.

If you can keep her in a bathroom most of the time that would be ideal if she's frustrated with the cage. It is too soon for her to freely roam and interact with your other cat. Make sure there aren't places she can hide where you can't reach her, and then give her some options like the carrier or cardboard boxes lined with towels so she still has somewhere to go when she gets scared. And of course provide food, water, litter, and a couple of toys if she likes them. Bathrooms are also easy to clean if anything happens! She will likely be scared for a while, which is perfectly fine. She sounds pretty far along as far as socializing goes, but this is a good guide that you can adapt to your situation for helping scared cats become more at ease with living with humans: bestfriends.org/resources/socializing-very-shy-or-fearful-cats

Your current cat is confused and cautious about this cat that was there and then wasn't, and then returned smelling of new places! It's a good idea to do introductions slowly even with cats that have known each other before for this reason. The hissing is not an omen about things to come, it's just a perfectly normal cat precaution when confronted with something unusual. After this new cat has become more comfortable with you, you can follow the steps in these articles to ensure your two cats develop a good relationship with each other. The key is to do things slowly, because drastic changes are what upset cats the most:
[article="29726"]Introducing Cats To Cats  [/article][article="32680"]How To Successfully Introduce Cats The Ultimate Guide  [/article]
I definitely think keeping her inside is the best decision! She will be much healthier, safer, and ultimately much happier! And I think she has good potential to become a very happy indoor-only cat if you're patient with her. It may take some time, but there are many success stories of transitioned former ferals who were much more fearful than this one. Once they understand that you have their best interests at heart, most cats will gladly trade the feral lifestyle for always being safe, warm, dry, full, and loved. If she still has the yearning to go outside, leash training is a good option, but that's a ways down the road. Thank you for doing so much for this girl!

jenmatt123,

I second what Molly92 wrote. She sounds like a nice cat and she deserves a good life. It also seems like you have affection for her. They are easy to fall in love with.

All my cats are ferals and they all love each other now. I have added ferals to inside ferals and everything you are going through is very normal.  They will hiss at times but when the hierarchy settles in it should settle down. Just take it slow. Make sure she is free of anything (do a PCR test) and that she has her shots etc. Then try to keep her in the bathroom and try to feed each of the cats on each side of the door. So they can associate good things like food with the other's scent. Then after while you can allow them to see each other when eating. Then when it gets time to share space make sure there are escape routes (trees, cat super highway, etc). They'll eventually find their niche places and gain confidence and they will eventually become family. The links Molly92 included will be very helpful.

Thank you so much for caring about this cat. She seems like she really likes you and the fact you care about her is very special. Good luck and please ask any other questions. 

Oh my gosh I just posted this exact same question!

Going to read the responses you've received...

I'm so happy to know there are so many kind people taking care of ferals.  The poor darlings need so much help.