Need advice badly!

Hi everyone,

First post, though I have done some reading. Anyway, I have an inside kitty and an outside kitty. The outside kitty is a stray, and the only reason I haven't already brought him in is Hannah (inside kitty). She's timid and afraid of other cats, and on the senior side of middle age. I just read about socializing them using a large dog crate, which I do have, rather than a spare room, which I don't have. What are your thoughts about using a crate? It could be months before Hannah is ready, and I am concerned about the amount of time new kitty will need to be in the crate.

Also I have 2 large dogs, but I am assuming they will acclimate to the new guy and vice versa much more quickly. I can keep Hannah in the bedroom for periods of time so new guy can be out, but eventually he'll have to go back in.

The new kitty also needs the vet desperately. He is not neutered yet, and seems to have a cold and serious ear mites. He's got sores on his ears from scratching, and his eyes are weepy. I am extremely worried, but I have to get the funds together before I can take him to the vet. Can I bring him in safely, without Hannah getting sick? Or should I wait until I can get him to the vet? It's breaking my heart that I can't do it all this instant, but I've got to do something. Oy, what a mess! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

HannahsMom

​Hi Hannah!

Based on everything written, I wouldn't recommend exposing the cat to any of your animals just yet.  His eye problem could possibly be contagious, and the ear mites are definitely.  It's really easy to make him an outdoor shelter that would easily make him comfy outside, close enough to where you could interact with him on a daily basis!  Also, him being a feral cat can raise the protective instincts of your dogs. Even though they're not aggressive normally, they will defend you along with their home and friends if they feel they are being threatened in any way.  Assuming that the cat will be cautious and nervous around strangers, his behavior might throw up some bad vibes and start off your introducing process badly.

You should look up easily made outdoor cat shelters that would be easily achieved based on your location.  You could probably do it with basic items already laying around your house!  That way you can rest assured knowing your outdoor friend will be safe from the weather, and still at a safe distance until he is all cleared up by the vet.

As far as introductions, it is pretty time consuming.  If possible, I would bring the outside- inside by simply putting a cat-proof barrier in the door separating the two cats.  That way they can familiarize with each other with both having the option of escaping at anytime when feeling threatened.  I feel like putting him in a cage would make him feel trapped, and therefore he will act out of conduct.

ALSO, you should look up how to make a well balanced saline solution online and make an effort to clean the cats eyes.  He may try to resist, so be sure to wrap a towel around him before doing so to protect yourself from scratches and bites.  Just make sure his legs are in a natural position and he's posed comfortably inside of the towel or blanket.  It would be a good way of giving him a bit of a headstart before taking him to the vet. 

I hope this helped you! 

Thank you so much for your answer, Rumoer. Everything you said makes complete sense. I never thought of introducing them with him still being outside, but it's entirely doable.

I am going to make him a kitty shelter, I've found one I know I can make. And I'm going to get someone to help me cleanse his eyes and the booboos on his ears. I kind of panicked, but thanks to you I now have a plan with which to proceed. Thank you again from all of us!

I agree with everything that Rumoer said, wonderful advise! I agree with letting them take turns in the room you do have, a heated cat mat would go far outdoors for your little one, they absolutely love them. I get mine on Amazon, or on sale at the local farm store, like Orschelns.  Ear mites are terrible to get rid of, and can definitely be treated at the vets when he is neutered Which by the way  should be done ASAP before he gets the urge to roam and gets hurt or disappears. There is a topical wormer on the market\, I get mine on the internet at Pet Meds, that also takes care of ear mites, Advantage Multi (make sure it is MULTI)or Revolution, they are a little pricey but well worth it when you figure you can take care of multiple parasites with one application. Just be thankful you don't have six to do like me! Just make sure you apply it high enough, almost between the ears, if they lick it they foam at the mouth and it is horrible. These are great for cats that can't be handled, if you can pet them, you can apply it. With the watery eyes and sores from scratching , you might want to get an over the counter antibiotic from the vet and see if that helps, after asking the vet of course, tell him it's a semi wild cat and would be traumatized to be brought in. He might have secondary infections from the scratching.I put mine in a little tuna juice each morning and they eat it right up. You can even get multiple doses out of each can by keeping it in the fridge. Welcome to the site, you will be blessed for helping that boy!

He's not wild at all. He comes when I call for him and I can hold him and cuddle him. He is about a year old now. I haven't had him neutered yet because I'm afraid of what might happen to him since he is outside. What do you guys think? Can he recover safely living outside?

Feral males who get TNRed are released as soon as they're out of the anesthetic. So he should be OK. But of course a few days indoors would be beneficial. . .do you have a garage or covered porch? You could keep him in the dog crate there just so you could keep an eye on him better. Also have them apply Revolution to get rid of the ear mites. Although if he has a URI it would be better to treat him for that first. Do you think your vet will let you get some antibiotics without seeing the cat? My vet will, if I describe the problem. But I think that's fairly rare.

I can ask about the meds, I have had the same vets through many generations of pets, so it's a possibility.

I have thought about doing TNR, but the whole process sounds traumatic. I have a sort of sheltered area (no roof, but 3 walls with a smaller entrance) where I could keep him crated if I had to. I don't know how far he goes when he isn't here, though he is here most of the time. We are moving to the apartment next door in the end of January, and I will have a room I can use as sanctuary. I know he needs to be neutered asap, do you think it could wait that amount of time? I'm really on the fence about it because I know he is more at-risk now as an entire male.

Thanks again to everyone, your advice is invaluable!