I have just been handed over care of a 4 year old very feral cat. He cannot be lot less because he came here because he was very beaten up. He is neutered and physically better but very scared. I have him in a quiet room by himself and he is eating and drinking but cries at night. Initially he appeared in shock and I touched him but he now hisses if I try. I have backed off and let him spend time with me and my saintly pet cat who will purr and talk to him. I spend an hour in the morning and an hour and a half in the evening reading and just hanging out. He is finally coming out to eat with me in the room as long as my cat is with me. He cries at night and appears lonely. What more can I do?
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all help will be apprectiated
- Thread starter astein
- Start Date
Welcome to TCS! It sounds like you are doing everything you can. It is going to take this poor kitty awhile to adjust to being in a strange place and inside.
When feral cats are relocated, it is recommended they be confined for up to five weeks so they get used to the new digs and don't try to return "home." So expect at least that long before he begins to realize this is "home." His crying will lessen as he gets more comfortable.
Has he been vetted yet? Until you do that, I would limit contact with your cat. They each has a set of bacteria and other body stuff that the other likely hasn't met yet. Kind of like when you travel and meet new people. Plus, the newbie may have parasites you don't want your cat getting. Don't panic, though. Most of these "bugs" are easily fixed.
Just make sure he is healthy before any real contact. It is wonderful you cat is so accepting. Most wouldn't care for the competition!
Again, it sounds like you are doing everything well. Thank you so much for helping him!
When feral cats are relocated, it is recommended they be confined for up to five weeks so they get used to the new digs and don't try to return "home." So expect at least that long before he begins to realize this is "home." His crying will lessen as he gets more comfortable.
Has he been vetted yet? Until you do that, I would limit contact with your cat. They each has a set of bacteria and other body stuff that the other likely hasn't met yet. Kind of like when you travel and meet new people. Plus, the newbie may have parasites you don't want your cat getting. Don't panic, though. Most of these "bugs" are easily fixed.
Just make sure he is healthy before any real contact. It is wonderful you cat is so accepting. Most wouldn't care for the competition!
Again, it sounds like you are doing everything well. Thank you so much for helping him!
You might try using a Feliway diffuser and some composure calming treats. I found both very helpful when I brought a feral cat inside. It does take lots of time and patience, but the end results can be wonderful.
I have used a homemade "pet petter" when working with ferals who are ready for touch. It can also be used as a toy and then gently used to touch/pet the cat. I start with one that is fairly long ( almost 3 feet). I have used the wand end of a cat toy or a thin dowel rod. I cover the end with an old sock. I just duct tape it on. Next I cover it with a soft piece of flannel and add a bit of cat nip. When the cat is ready for you to be closer, you can cut the wand/dowel rod down or just make a smaller one with a shorter wand. I will attach a picture of one I made.
Thank you for helping to care for this sweet one. Please do get him to the vet. You will want him fully vaccinated and tests run to be sure he is healthy enough to be with your other cats. It is also best to hold off on intros until the cat is adjusted to your home and inside living. I also like to be sure that I can somewhat handle the cat before doing introductions.
I have used a homemade "pet petter" when working with ferals who are ready for touch. It can also be used as a toy and then gently used to touch/pet the cat. I start with one that is fairly long ( almost 3 feet). I have used the wand end of a cat toy or a thin dowel rod. I cover the end with an old sock. I just duct tape it on. Next I cover it with a soft piece of flannel and add a bit of cat nip. When the cat is ready for you to be closer, you can cut the wand/dowel rod down or just make a smaller one with a shorter wand. I will attach a picture of one I made.
Thank you for helping to care for this sweet one. Please do get him to the vet. You will want him fully vaccinated and tests run to be sure he is healthy enough to be with your other cats. It is also best to hold off on intros until the cat is adjusted to your home and inside living. I also like to be sure that I can somewhat handle the cat before doing introductions.
