Hi there,
I will be bringing in a feral cat in a couple of days, I thought I would reach out to you for advice.
My husband and I have been the caretakers of three feral cats for the last two years. Unfortunately, two of them have passed away recently, which leaves little "Bandit" on her own. She was born outside and the only human contact she has had is with us. Already we can pet her and she loves being petted! Even our niece, who fed her while we were away a few weeks ago, was able to approach and pet her.
I do have some experience with ferals. I have trapped, neutered and returned the three ferals I mentioned and have domesticated their kittens and found loving homes for them. But I have never domesticated an adult. Bandit is about 2.5 years old.
I have read several posts on how to proceed, so I already have a good idea of what to do, however, I have some concerns and questions about bringing her in. I already have a dog and two indoor cats (the cats were feral kittens and they are now extremely friendly, wonderful cats). My dog is a small Westie, who loves our cats and is not aggressive in any way. Another thing which may be helpful is the fact that our cats kind of know the feral we want to bring in, as they often lie next to each other with a glass sliding door separating them from the outdoors and our kitchen! I have done some research about "introductions" with our indoor pets, so I think I'm good on that front. But I do have a few questions. For instance has anyone had success with adult ferals and with introductions to a dog?
Also, some people recommend putting the feral in a large cage (which I have - a large cage-like dog crate) and putting her bedding, food/water and litter inside. Part of me likes this idea, as I want to ensure Bandit doesn't do her business on our carpet. The cage would go in our office with the door closed. This being said, I think I might prefer the idea of no cage, but worry that she won't use her litter boxes (I would put two in the room just to be safe). Can you please tell me what your thoughts are on this? Cage or no cage?
Thank you!
Carole
I will be bringing in a feral cat in a couple of days, I thought I would reach out to you for advice.
My husband and I have been the caretakers of three feral cats for the last two years. Unfortunately, two of them have passed away recently, which leaves little "Bandit" on her own. She was born outside and the only human contact she has had is with us. Already we can pet her and she loves being petted! Even our niece, who fed her while we were away a few weeks ago, was able to approach and pet her.
I do have some experience with ferals. I have trapped, neutered and returned the three ferals I mentioned and have domesticated their kittens and found loving homes for them. But I have never domesticated an adult. Bandit is about 2.5 years old.
I have read several posts on how to proceed, so I already have a good idea of what to do, however, I have some concerns and questions about bringing her in. I already have a dog and two indoor cats (the cats were feral kittens and they are now extremely friendly, wonderful cats). My dog is a small Westie, who loves our cats and is not aggressive in any way. Another thing which may be helpful is the fact that our cats kind of know the feral we want to bring in, as they often lie next to each other with a glass sliding door separating them from the outdoors and our kitchen! I have done some research about "introductions" with our indoor pets, so I think I'm good on that front. But I do have a few questions. For instance has anyone had success with adult ferals and with introductions to a dog?
Also, some people recommend putting the feral in a large cage (which I have - a large cage-like dog crate) and putting her bedding, food/water and litter inside. Part of me likes this idea, as I want to ensure Bandit doesn't do her business on our carpet. The cage would go in our office with the door closed. This being said, I think I might prefer the idea of no cage, but worry that she won't use her litter boxes (I would put two in the room just to be safe). Can you please tell me what your thoughts are on this? Cage or no cage?
Thank you!
Carole